Chandler’s City Council seemed poised to embark on a lengthy, expensive city manager search until Nov. 21.

Three days later, Council had abandoned that inclination and had decided its interim leader was the one to stick with — and to save taxpayers at least $50,000.

Council approved, by a 6-1 vote, awarding a $360,000 annual contract to John Pombier. Running through June 30, 2027, the contract gives Pombier the title of city manager, removing the “acting city manager” title he’s held since he started with the city July 13.

Council member Angel Encinas was the lone “no” vote on the contract, explaining his vote was a protest of the process, rather than a vote against Pombier as a manager.

The vote and mayor and council’s explanations for their votes were the lone items handled at the 25

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