GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt City Manager Lorenzo Hines Jr. has announced his resignation. He has served as city manager since Aug. 31, 2020. In a written statement sent to city staff and media, Hines said his final day will be Feb. 2, 2024. Hines’ statement did not give a reason for his departure.

As Galt’s chief executive, the city manager is responsible for implementing the policy decisions of Galt City Council and overseeing the work of the city’s departments, including finance, public works and police. 

In the statement, Hines noted accomplishments during his tenure, including the passage of the Measure Q sales tax, which has boosted the city’s parks and recreation budget; the monthly Saturday Market on Fourth Street; and the implementation of various technologies at Galt Police Department, such as drones, license-plate readers and body-worn cameras.

He also highlighted outreach measures like the city’s newsletter, the redesign of the city website and his “First Thursdays with the City Manager” program. He called improvements in the Finance Department “especially close to my heart.”

“I am grateful to the prior and current City Councils for giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of Galt. To the City team, thank you for your support of my leadership; it was an honor serving as your City Manager. I wish the City staff, Council and community of Galt the very best in the future,” Hines concluded.

Hines joined the city in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, replacing interim City Manager Tom Haglund. Hines had previously served as the assistant city manager for the city of Pacifica. During his tenure in Galt, the look of the city leadership changed; four of the city’s six department heads were appointed after he took office. He often emphasized transparency and financial stability.

He also started the Galt University Citizens Academy, a series of presentations to educate residents on the workings of city government.

Initiatives and proposals to improve the city’s parks and rec offerings were a major focus for Hines and Council. With input from Council and multiple local boards, Hines developed the Galt Market Visionary Plan. Over 20 to 30 years, the proposal involved landscaping the market grounds, bringing in entertainment and dining, and developing housing to fund the project. Council has not taken a formal position on the plan.

Passed by voters in 2022, the 1-cent Measure Q sales tax is expected to bring at least $4 million per year into the city’s coffers, and Council has pledged to spend the money on parks and rec and on landscaping. This year, it approved an expansion to the Parks and Recreation Department that city staff have said will allow the restoration of pre-pandemic service levels.

Council Member Jay Vandenburg, who recently completed a year as Galt mayor, issued a statement on Hines’ resignation.

“Mr. Hines was hired for his financial prowess and governmental experience. When he came on board, the city was in need of financial repair. Mr. Hines, along with City staff and the City Council put the city in excellent financial standing. If he feels it is time for him to go, I thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck,” Vandenburg said.