Oceanside appoints new city manager

Interim City Manager Michelle Lawrence will be Oceanside’s new city manager — at least through next year, officials announced Wednesday.

City officials said Lawrence will remain on the job through the 2016 election and then a search for a new city manager is likely to begin.

Oceanside has been without a permanent city manager since Steve Jepsen was forced out of the job in February. Lawrence had been serving as interim city manager during that time.

She did not apply for the permanent job, but said Wednesday that she accepted the position after being asked by council members. The council had previously complained that a national search found only a handful promising candidates.

“I’m thrilled,” Lawrence said in a brief interview Wednesday afternoon. “I’m looking forward to working with the council.”

City Attorney John Mullen made the announcement after a closed session in which the council voted unanimously to appoint Lawrence.

The terms of her contract have not been determined. The council will vote on her contract during the next meeting on Sept, 16, Mullen said.

Councilman Jerry Kern praised Lawrence.

“I fully support Michelle,” he said. “She’s doing a great job.”

Councilman Chuck Lowery said the council struggled with the appointment in closed session and settled on Lawrence with the understanding that a new search would begin after next year’s elections to allow the new council to choose the city manager.

Lawrence, a 25-year veteran with the city, has previously worked as a management analyst and parks and recreation director.

Her annual salary as interim city manager is $231,840.