Chico's Tom Lando lands in Live Oak

Chico's former city manager will take the same job starting today on an interim basis in Live Oak.

The City Council appointed Tom Lando on Wednesday night to the position held for more than seven years by Rob Hickey, whose contract was terminated last month.

“I'm very much looking forward to working in the city,” Lando said.

Lando began working in city government in 1977, said Dave Mackowiak, the city's human resources consultant. He has master's degrees in city planning and public administration and a doctorate in public administration.

Lando was appointed Chico city manager in July 1992 and served for more than 13 years before retiring on Jan. 1, 2006, Mackowiak said.

He owns a consulting firm, Lando & Associates in Chico, whose current work includes Biggs' general plan update. He was appointed to Enloe Medical Center's board of directors in December.

“He has extensive experience in all aspects of city administration, and we're lucky to have him,” Mackowiak said.

Lando will make a flat salary of $2,500 per week, Mackowiak said. There is no specific end date to Lando's contract, as the city continues searching for a permanent city manager.

“Obviously, we're still recruiting,” Mackowiak said.

Mayor Diane Hodges said Live Oak is “fortunate to have well-seasoned and well-rounded interim city manager, and I am excited about working with him. I think we're going to be moving forward with all the major issues.”

Appeal-Democrat reporter Robert LaHue can be reached at 749-4713. You may e-mail him at rlahue@appeal-democrat.com.