Downey selects retired Beverly Hills official as interim city manager

Image courtesy city of Burbank

DOWNEY — Mark Scott, a veteran of local government who has served as city manager for eight cities over the past 19 years, has been selected for Downey’s top administrative position.

Scott will serve as Downey’s interim city manager effective July 1, when current city manager Gilbert Livas retires.

Scott served as city manager of Beverly Hills from 1990 to 2003 before departing to become city manager of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

He returned to Southern California in 2009 when he accepted the position of city manager in Culver City.

Scott has also served as city manager of Fresno, Burbank, San Bernardino, Indio and, most recently, Lincoln, a small city north of Sacramento.

The Downey City Council will vote on Scott’s employment agreement Tuesday. He will be paid $23,954 per month.

Meanwhile, the City Council is also hiring a search firm to help Downey find a permanent city manager.

Bob Murray & Associates will assist Downey in identifying, recruiting, screening and interviewing candidates. They will also help with negotiations and provide recommendations.

The firm will be paid $35,000.