Zervis resigns for position in county

Acting City Manager Jim Zervis has tendered his resignation with the city of Shafter that will be effective on March 13. Zervis has been in this position since the resignation of former City Manager Scott Hurlbert in August. He will reportedly be serving Kern County as its chief operations officer.

Zervis has been been the administrative services director for the City of Shafter since 2011. Zervis has been responsible for the accounting, financial management and reporting, investing, risk management, banking and various administrative functions of the city.

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 Financial Department.

Zervis handed in his resignation on Monday. The City of Shafter has been very fortunate in having Zervis in their hire for the past nine years, according to members of the City Council. "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 that we had a gem in Shafter 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.