Grover Beach selects new city manager

May 13, 2016

The Grover Beach City Council has selected the assistant city manager of San Mateo to be its new top executive. Council members are expected to formally approve the hire on Monday.

Matthew Bronson has served as San Mateo’s assistant city manager since 2010. Bronson previously worked in administrative positions for Marin County and the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bronson is in line to receive a base salary of $176,00. A Grover Beach staff report states Bronson’s pay will constitute a $21,443 increase in salary and benefits over the current compensation for the city manager position. Bronson is also due to receive a one-time moving benefit of $8,000.

Former Grover Beach city manager Bob Perrault retired in February. In 2014, Perrault received a salary of $141,997 and $172,522 in total compensation.

Since Perrault’s retirement, former Grover Beach police chief Jim Copsey has served as interim city manger. Copsey received an hourly wage comparable to what the city paid Perrault.

However, while receiving a salary, Perrault also received a pension from the city — a phenomenon commonly known in California as double-dipping. Copsey double-dipped once before, as well, serving as Grover Beach’s interim police chief immediately following his retirement.

On Thursday, Copsey issued a press release stating Bronson was the unanimous choice of the city council. Grover Beach Mayor John Shoals released a statement on behalf of the council announcing Bronson’s selection.

“Through the competitive recruitment process, Matthew emerged as the top candidate out of an original field of 47 qualified candidates,” Shoals said.

Bronson has a degree in environmental policy and planning from UC Davis and a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina, the city news release states. Bronson is also a frequent speaker on topics including performance management and social media. He maintains an active Twitter account that currently has 386 followers.

In a statement released by the city, Bronson said he is delighted to have been selected as Grover Beach’s next city manager.

“I am passionate about the role of local government in building strong communities and am excited to contribute to the next chapter of Grover Beach,” Bronson said. “I look forward to working with the city council, staff, residents and businesses to help achieve results for the community.”