The Avondale City Council terminated City Manager Charles Montoya on Dec. 23, 2021./City of Avondale
By Maritza Domingue | Arizona Republic
The Avondale City Council fired City Manager Charles Montoya two days before Christmas, listing five reasons related to finances and living outside the city.
Montoya directed staff to pay him funds that were not owed him, failed to make timely payments on a loan against his retirement account, improperly obtained tuition reimbursements and failed to repay a vehicle allowance given to him in error, according to the letter of termination obtained by The Arizona Republic.
The letter is dated Dec. 23, the same day the council voted unanimously on his termination.
Montoya, who The Republic could not reach for comment, had led the southwest Valley city as its top executive since 2018.
Mayor Kenn Weise said he and the council learned of the issues this month. The council met with the city attorney on Dec. 22 and placed Montoya on paid leave. The council terminated his contract, with an annual base salary of $262,000, a day later.
Montoya will not receive severance pay because the council terminated his employment agreement with cause, a city spokesperson said.
Cherlene Penilla, who joined Avondale about 20 years ago as human resources director and was promoted to deputy city manager in 2020, is serving as acting city manager.
The mayor said he has full confidence in Penilla to “steady the waters.”
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