YC's Foltz decides he'll like it in Grass Valley

Former Yuba City City Manager Jeff Foltz has been hired as Grass Valley's interim city administrator.

Foltz confirmed Thursday, his first day on the job, that he is replacing former Grass Valley Administrator Gene Haroldsen, who was fired by the City Council last month after 15 years.

Foltz said he is not interested in the full-time position.

“I just figured I could do it one more time to get it out of my system,” said Foltz, who left his Yuba City job last June. “I have always liked Grass Valley. It provides some unique opportunities for its downtown.”

Foltz was Yuba City's administrator and later, city manager, for 20 years before retiring. He held top city positions in Susanville, Clovis and Los Alamitos before joining Yuba City in 1985.

Foltz was hired in Grass Valley at a rate of $75 an hour for a maximum of 960 total hours on the job. It is hoped that a full-time city administrator can be hired by August.

Now a Rocklin resident, Foltz said he hopes to see through some projects during his time in Grass Valley, along with helping recruit for a full-time administrator.

He said the city is dealing with transportation, sewage plant, and planning issues.

“It is my intention to get some things done while I am here,” Foltz said.

He was one of three candidates interviewed for the interim post.

Appeal-Democrat City Editor Eric Vodden can be reached at 749-4716. You may e-mail him at evodden@appeal-democrat.com.