During a special meeting last night, Monday, the Yakima City Council unanimously approved a contract with GMP Consultants (GMP) to provide an interim city manager while the process of selecting a new city manager is underway.
Under the contract approved by the Council, GMP assigned Dave Zabell as Yakima’s interim city manager. Zabell took the oath of office as Yakima’s interim city manager during last night’s special meeting.
Zabell, who lives in Yakima, joined GMP after retiring as Pasco city manager in October 2022. Before becoming Pasco city manager in 2014, Zabell served as Fife city manager (2011-2014), Yakima assistant city manager (2005-2011), Bothell public works director (2000-2005), and Marysville city administrator (1993-2000).
The City will pay GMP $140 per hour for interim city manager services.
At its first regular meeting of the year (January 2nd), the Council voted 5-2 to remove Bob Harrison from his role as city manager effective February 2nd. Harrison had served as Yakima City Manager since September 2020.
The Council is expected to discuss the process it will follow to hire a new city manager at an upcoming meeting.
