SAN BENITO — The city is considering the fate of Fire Chief Raul Zuniga.
Earlier this month, City Manager Manuel De La Rosa placed Zuniga on unpaid administrative leave pending an investigation.
Today, city commissioners are expected to meet in closed session to discuss “the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment or duties of Fire Chief Raul Zuniga,” according to the city’s agenda.
Then, commissioners are expected to return to open session to consider “possible action to confirm (the) city manager’s removal of the appointed department head status from Fire Chief Raul Zuniga,” the agenda states.
Commissioners will also consider designating an acting fire department head.
De La Rosa placed Zuniga on unpaid leave “based on allegations made against him,” city spokeswoman Martha McClain stated earlier this month.
De La Rosa has declined to disclose the reason behind his decision to place Zuniga on unpaid leave, calling it a “personnel matter.”
Pending the investigation’s outcome, De La Rosa appointed Capt. Boris Esparza to oversee the department’s staff along with prevention and suppression.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Michael Galvan is handling law enforcement-related matters such as arson investigations while De La Rosa oversees personnel matters.
Zuniga, a 32-year department veteran, has served as fire chief since 2012.
