South Lake Tahoe city manager resigns, takes new position in Big Bear Lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - He has been at the helm of the City for almost a year, but Frank Rush has submitted his resignation and is headed south to take on a new position in Big Bear Lake, California.

Rush was sworn in as the City of South Lake Tahoe city manager on December 6, 2018, and will be leaving on January 24, starting in Big Bear Lake on February 3, 2020. Their City Council approved him during their meeting on Monday.

"I have enjoyed getting to know each of you over the past year, and I am grateful for your support and encouragement," said Rush in a statement. "I have learned much from all of you – about local government, about others, and about myself, and I am thankful for those valuable lessons."

The City of Big Bear Lake has been advertising for a new city manager to replace the retiring Jeff Mathieu. The City has 60 full-time equivalent positions and is currently operating with a budget of $27M. The advertised position said the salary range was $215,000 to $265,000, depending on qualifications.

The South Lake Tahoe budget for 2018/19 was $81.1M.

"Although the City has been through a period of transition, and my departure will extend that transition to some degree, I believe the City is headed in a positive direction overall. With your talents and commitment to this community, I am confident that South Lake Tahoe will thrive and come together as a community. Truly, there are few places on Earth as beautiful as this place, and you are all fortunate to enjoy this amazing environment and serve the community of people who choose to build their lives and spend their precious time here in South Lake Tahoe," said Rush.

Rush has spent the last year with three new members to the South Lake Tahoe City Council and navigated many controversial matters including SnowGlobe, cannabis, vacation home rentals, and cell towers.

"Frank has done some really wonderful things in the year he’s been here. I’m grateful for the strides forward that the City has made under his direction and, while I’m disappointed in seeing him go, I wish him and his family all the best in his future endeavors," said Mayor Pro Tem Jason Collin. "I’m confident that the great work of the City staff will forge ahead while we as a Council evaluate the qualifications we are seeking and begin our search for a new City Manager."

Collin will be mayor when the search or a new city manager takes place.

The City has seen its fair share of positive change in the past year from hiring new firefighters and the reopening of Fire Station 2 to an ongoing plan to fix and maintain roads in the City. City Council is committed to seeing this continue.

“This news is very disappointing. The City has made significant progress over the last year with the help of Mr. Rush as City Manager,” said Mayor Brooke Laine, “Ironically, this council and our city staff have operated without a city manager before and I am confident we will work diligently to fill this key position. We wish Mr. Rush the best.”

“As City Staff our business is working for the people. It’s the reason we all chose a life of public service,” said Chris Fiore, Communications Manager, “We will continue to work diligently on behalf of the City of South Lake Tahoe.”

"I am excited for the next chapter in my career, and in my life and my family’s lives," concluded Rush in his statement. "I wish all of you the very best – both professionally and personally. I look forward to seeing you over the next several weeks to say goodbye and wish you well in person."

“Nice matters to Frank Rush and Big Bear welcomes him and looks forward to him being a part of our community," said a story of Rush's hiring on KBHR in Big Bear Lake.