GRASS VALLEY, Calif. March 5, 2026 – As expected, the next Grass Valley City Council meeting agenda lists a resolution “Appointing Police Chief Alex Gammelgard as Interim City Manager.”
With current City Manager’s Tim Kiser resignation effective March 19th, the City Council has initiated a recruitment process. In the meantime, “the City wishes to appoint a person with specialized skills qualified to fill the position on an interim basis in order to prevent stoppage of public business and continue Municipal operations during recruitment for a permanent appointment.”
Gammelgard has been with the Grass Valley Police Department since 2005 and was appointed Chief in 2016.
Reached for comment, Gammelgard said, “I am honored to step into the role of Interim City Manager and help provide stability for the City during this transition. This community has been my home since childhood—one that I care deeply about and am incredibly proud to serve. My focus will be supporting our dedicated staff and amazing community members, businesses, and visitors while ensuring the City continues moving forward while the City Council conducts a thoughtful search for the next permanent City Manager to lead Grass Valley into the future. I am thankful for the trust placed in me by the Council and I am excited for the work ahead.”
According to the agenda item, he will continue to perform the duties of Police Chief during his tenure as Interim City Manager. The resolution further states that in the event he is not appointed as permanent City Manager, he will revert to his position as Police Chief. During the double assignment, he’ll receive $500 per pay period in compensation and $200 in deferred compensation in addition to his normal salary.
The Grass Valley City Council meets on Tuesday, March 10 starting at 6:00 pm at City Hall.
Clarification, March 5, 2026 6:47 pm: Added a comment by Chief Gammelgard at 6:46 pm.