Investigation

Claims are being explored

About Town – TUESDAY, 5/6/25

Shortly after Lodi City Manager Scott Carney was placed on paid administrative leave, law firm Meyers Nave was hired at the request of City Attorney Katie Lucchesi to “advise the city in connection with employment matters regarding the city Manager.” The city council is expected to approve an amendment to the agreement that will allow Meyers Nave to hire investigators to “facilitate personnel investigations,” for which the city will pay an additional $150,000, according to a staff report. Councilwoman Lisa Craig-Hensley says the firm is coordinating an investigation into claims made by Carney that there is widespread credit card fraud within the city and misuse of city funds. In addition, Craig-Hensley says she’s more interested in getting a forensic audit underway, and that she will be agendizing a discussion about it soon. Carney is expected to remain on paid leave pending results of the investigation, which could take a while.

LOOKING BACK: Parks, Rec. and Cultural Services Director Christina Jaromay has been acting city manager pending appointment of a retired CM from another city to temporarily take the reins. That person will probably be James Lindsay, who retired as city manager from the city of Saratoga. Known as “range riders,” Lindsay will be the first retired CM brought in to temporarily fill the position. There have been a few occasions when a current city employee is tapped to fill the position following a retirement or resignation. Deputy City Manager Janet Keeter became interim CM after Dixon Flynn retired. Keeter went on to become city manager of Orinda, a position she held for 10 years. Former Community Development Director Rad Bartlam was tapped to serve as interim CM following Blair King’s departure. Bartlam was eventually hired for the permanent spot. Steve Schwabauer served as Lodi city attorney before being selected as interim CM following Bartlam’s resignation. Schwabbey was later crowned city manager. Assistant CM Andrew Keys was made interim CM following Schwabauer’s departure. Scott Carney was hired instead of Keys, who is now Assistant CM for the City of Rocklin.

INTO THE FUTURE: The intersection of Harney and Hutchins will someday be