Wildomar City Manager Placed On Paid Administrative Leave

WILDOMAR, CA — In an unexpected move, Wildomar City Manager Dan York has been placed on paid administrative leave, and a search for his permanent replacement will begin.

The city's announcement followed a hastily called Wildomar City Council closed-session meeting on Friday night.

In three unanimous votes by the council that took place during the closed-door meeting, York was 1) placed on leave effective immediately, 2) the city attorney was authorized to draft a mutual separation agreement that could include early retirement for York, and 3) City Clerk Janet Morales was appointed interim city manager.

In a late-night follow-up news release announcing York's leave, the city stated that its City Council "will move quickly" to find a permanent city manager.

According to an email from York to City Council that was sent the morning of the closed-door meeting, the city leader expressed gratitude.

"I understand the decision you are about to take this evening," York began in the email, which was made public by Third District Wildomar City Councilmember Joseph Morabito. "I am very appreciative and honored to have served the city faithfully the last dozen years. I recall 4 years ago talking to many that there is a season for everything, including the City Manager assignment. Thank you for allowing me to exercise my strengths of fiscal and operational management during my term as your City Manager."

York continued in the message, "Today I feel accomplished. We achieved financial health and have built a cohesive city team. I feel you and the community are well poised to define and execute the next season. I truly wish full success. Some day in the future, I look forward to reminiscing our past victories and celebrating the completion of your goals."

York concluded, "I am confident that Tom and I will easily navigate the completion of the Separation Agreement next week. In sincere gratitude, Dan."

There was nothing in York's email message that alluded to why City Council was voting on his leave.

In an online post, Morabito said the public "'why' will never be gotten into detail; legally, it can't be. I hate how these things work, but I don't write the rules, and the rules most certainly apply to me and my big mouth as much as anyone else."

Morabito said Friday night's closed session meeting was two hours long, and York did not attend it.

York began serving as city manager for Wildomar on Feb. 1, 2022, following the planned retirement of City Manager Gary Nordquist. Before his appointment, York served as Wildomar Assistant City Manager.

As of Monday, York was still listed as city manager on the city's website. According to city documents dated January 2025, York's annual salary was $264,100.

City managers take on the role of chief executive officers of city government, but serve at the pleasure of City Councils. More details about the search for York's replacement are expected at the upcoming May 14 Wildomar City Council meeting.