By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

Peoria City Council approved Deputy City Manager Jeff Tyne as the new city manager to replace Carl Swenson, who announced his retirement May 15.

He will receive an annual base salary of $212,000, according to his contract. The City Council shall review and evaluate his performance no later than June 30 of each year and has the right to terminate him at any time.

Mr. Tyne has served as deputy city manager for the last four years, and worked for Peoria since 1997, previously as management and budget director for about 15 years and a brief stint as community services director. He also held positions in Chandler, Glendale and Anaheim, California.

He beat out Deputy City Manager Julie Arendall, who started with Peoria as the director of human resources from July 2012 to November 2015.

Mr. Swenson is scheduled to retire on July 4, after 11 years with Peoria and 35 years of public service.

Mr. Tyne is scheduled to be sworn-in at the next City Council meeting, June 27.

“I look forward to working with a dedicated council, our talented employees and our growing community,” Mr. Tyne said in a statement. “I’m proud of Peoria’s tradition of excellence and its commitment to delivering the high quality services our residents deserve. My hope is to continue the spirit of collaboration that brings the best minds together to fulfill the council’s goals. I’m honored to join a long line of visionary city managers who have helped shape the city we have come to enjoy.”

Mr. Tyne’s accomplishments include leading multi-departmental teams to obtain a certificate enabling Peoria to start its own ambulance service, as well as developing a number of automated systems including the city’s first automated budget system, and serving as lead negotiator for a 20-year lease of the Peoria Sports Complex with the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres for spring training.

Mayor Cathy Carlat said in a statement that Mr. Tyne’s impact on the strength and stability of Peoria’s foundation speaks volumes about his capabilities.

“Jeff has spent his career preparing for the significant undertaking of guiding this organization to Peoria’s best future,” she said. “I am fully confident in his success.”

Mr. Tyne has a masters of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Arizona State University, as well as a professional certificate from Harvard University.

Mr. Swenson said Mr. Tyne is a credentialed city manager with a commitment to integrity and professionalism.
“He has dedicated his career to serving the citizens of Peoria and I know he will be an excellent city manager,” Mr. Swenson said.