Familiar face to serve as Upland’s interim city manager

Upland has selected an interim city manager.

Martin Lomeli, La Verne’s former city manager, will serve as Upland’s top administrator for six months starting July 1, according to a report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

During a special meeting Tuesday, the city council voted unanimously to offer Lomeli the interim job.

The contract is expected to be approved at Monday’s council meeting, but one clause has already been made public: Lomeli will work at the current city manager’s hourly rate minus 10 percent, according to the report.

Lomeli was selected from a large field of candidates because of his experience and knowledge of the Inland Empire. He began working for La Verne in 1981 and became city manager in 1987, a position he held until he retired four years ago.

Since his retirement, Lomeli has been an interim city manager in Irwindale for four months and La Puente for three months.

Current City Manager Stephen Dunn announced last month that he will retire after working for the city for 13 years. His last day is June 30.

Upland officials have indicated they expect Lomeli to follow the recommendations of the Upland Fiscal Task Force. That panel has outlined 22 ways for the city, which is facing bankruptcy, to cut costs and create revenue, according to the report.