Zervis resigns to take county job

Acting City Manager Jim Zervis has submitted his resignation, effective Friday, March 13.

Zervis has been in this position since the resignation of former City Manager Scott Hurlbert in August. He reportedly has taken the job of chief operations officer with the County of Kern.

The administrative services director for the city since 2011, Zervis was responsible for accounting, financial management and reporting, investing, risk management, banking and various administrative functions.

Zervis was previously director of finance for the City of Wasco and was also the assistant city manager, overseeing city departments and directing the day to day management of the city's Finance Department.

Zervis handed in his resignation on March 2.

The city has been very fortunate to have Zervis for the past nine years, members of the Coty Council said. "Jim is the best, and the county realized that and got him," said Councilmember Cathy Prout.

Councilmember Chad Givens confirmed this sentiment, adding that the county knew his capabilities, and they were willing to do whatever it took to have him on their team.

"He is effective at not just maintaining and balancing financials, but at leading a team in a direction that allows for the best value-for-cost ratio," Givens said.

"He is a brilliant mind who has done a fantastic job of guiding us in a difficult time who will be missed tremendously."

Jim Zervis had not commented publicly on the resignation at press time.