City of Yuma administrator to retire

The City of Yuma will soon be looking for a new city administrator after Greg Wilkinson announced his retirement Thursday morning, according to the City of Yuma’s radio show.

“Over the last 20 years, I have had the opportunity to make many decisions while I have been with the City. Every decision I have made has always been based upon what is best for the community and the vision we Yumans have for the future. We as a community and City team have accomplished so many great things over the past 9 years and we have many more great projects coming,” said Greg Wilkinson, City of Yuma administrator.

The decision was announced less than 24 hours after Deputy Mayor Gary Knight called for a vote on the contract of City Administrator Greg Wilkinson Wednesday night.

A vote could not be held because it was not an agenda item, according to City Attorney Richard Files.

A special meeting has been scheduled for Friday morning.

On the agenda published by the City of Yuma, the only agenda item will be related to the employment of both the city administrator and deputy city administrator.

Administrator Wilkinson was recently in hot water with several residents after he is accused by both a police officer and former police chief of threatening the pay raises for first responders.

Former City of Yuma Police Chief John Lekan said that Wilkinson threatened the already approved pay raise when it was brought to his attention that Henry Valenzuela, also known as the guy with the calculator, was nominated for Sworn Sergeant of the Year.

Wilkinson admitted to News 11 in a one-on-one interview that he did deny Valenzuela an award, but added he could not speak on personnel issues.