BY MIKE DUNBAR
Westside Express

Like expectant parents planning a “reveal party,” the Los Banos city council has been close-mouthed about its choice to become the next city manager. Instead of making an announcement, the council simply put the topic on the Sept. 17 council agenda.

But it’s hard for people to keep secrets. So, it won’t surprise many to learn that former public works director Nirorn Than will become the next Los Banos city manager.

Mayor Mike Amabile confirmed Friday that Than will assume his new duties in November. Than requested the later start so he could complete some projects in Gustine and help create a smooth transition for the neighboring city.

Than, who was hired as Gustine’s city manager in February 2024 following a months-long search, announced his resignation effective Oct. 28. In a written statement submitted Sept. 3, he described his time in Gustine as “a place of purpose, connection, and deep pride,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.

With the former police chief Gary Brizzee handling administrative duties in Los Banos on an interim basis, it was a request the city council felt could be accommodated.

Than’s engineering and administrative experience was an important factor in the choice, said Amabile, but other factors weighed more heavily.

“He knows the city, he knows how it runs. He’s trustworthy. He’s competent. He’s smart. But most importantly, he cares about our city,” said Amabile.
“To me, caring about the city is the most important thing. You can’t teach somebody to care.”

Than said he is “very excited and very grateful for this opportunity to be coming home.”

In this case, the word “home” can be taken literally. Than and his family live in Los Banos, where his wife teaches school. For the past 18 months, he has been commuting roughly 20 miles to Gustine, where he became city manager in March 2024.

Than’s time overseeing Gustine has been productive. Gustine completed a major downtown roundabout on Highway 33, then got Caltrans to extend the sidewalk along the highway to the edge of the city.

He oversaw creation of a five-year strategic plan focused on public safety. He led the city’s budgeting process and helped engineer improvements in roads and the city’s wastewater lab while winning a federal grant to rebuild a hangar at the Gustine Airport with help from Rep. Adam Gray.

The city has signed new contracts with its three employee groups, including public works employees and the police officers association.

“None of this was me by myself,” said Than. “It’s a team and it’s a collaboration with the city, other agencies like Caltrans and (Merced) County working together with the city.”

Than’s resignation marks another transition in a position that has seen multiple changes in recent years. The role was previously held by Anna Nicholas, who stepped down in August 2023. Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa served as interim city manager until her hours were maxed out, prompting the Gustine City Council to appoint Brad Kilger as a temporary replacement. Kilger’s tenure lasted only one meeting before Than was hired.

That so much was accomplished with so little drama stands in marked contrast to recent history in Los Banos under deposed city manager Josh Pinheiro. The former city manager alienated members of city staff, allowed negotiations with unions to stall, eliminated public participation in the budgeting process, received a “no-confidence” letter from the city’s employee groups, and sparked a grand jury investigation into how grants were given to citizens during COVID.

During Pinheiro’s tenure, the fire chief, director of finance, public works director, police chief and a second finance director all left the city. Their departures preceded Pinheiro’s unsurprising resignation in January; he was replaced by Brizzee – who assumed the reins as an interim city manager for a third time.

Said one close observer, Brizzee restored the three C’s to city administration – competence, civility and conviviality.

“Gary really took ownership,” said Than. “He worked with everyone to make sure things were getting better.”

Greg Wellman, who served as interim city manager between Pinheiro’s two terms, also worked closely with Than.

“He’s got a heart for Los Banos, and you don’t find that very often,” said Wellman, who also served as Merced County CEO.

“Nirorn’s a wonderful guy to work with. He gets things done on time, within budget and he really is fearless. … If you look at what he brings to the table, he has two engineering degrees — a bachelors and a masters. The most important thing is – and I don’t want to speak ill of engineers – but he’s in a place where he can check the invoices.”

“I know just about everybody in every department,” said Than. “I feel like we have a good working relationship.”

Those good relationships will extend beyond city hall.

“We have a tight-knit network on the Westside,” said Than, noting that city officials from Dos Palos, Los Banos and Gustine meet monthly. “We exchange ideas, we look at how we can help each other and things we’re doing. It’s really a good relationship.”

Interestingly, the city has hired two people to fill Than’s old role in public works – an engineer focused on project completion and an administrator to oversee contracts and staffing. Than approves of the change.

“The more staff we have, the more projects we can deliver. It’s a great opportunity and an exciting time,” said Than.