MCFARLAND, Calif. — The City of McFarland does not have a timeline just yet on when it will fill the vacancy left by former City Manager John Wooner.
The City terminated Wooner's contract last week, more than eight weeks since Wooner disappeared, seemingly without a trace. He was last seen on May 14 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bakersfield, driving a City of McFarland vehicle.
Bakersfield Police are investigating Wooner's disappearance, and while investigators have not indicated if foul play is suspected, they are considering the circumstances suspicious.
Janet Davis, Interim Assistant City Manager for McFarland, said the City does not know when Wooner's replacement will be chosen.
Former Madera City Manager David Tooley has been serving the City in an interim capacity since June, but he has told the City he has no intention of remaining on a permanent basis.
Wooner had been on paid administrative leave since May 23, but that ended when the City terminated his contract for cause after he went missing.
The City's website currently still shows Wooner listed as the City Manager.
On July 2, Bakersfield police announced a $5,000 Secret Witness reward for any information that leads investigators to finding Wooner.
If you have any information on Wooner's whereabouts, contact the Secret Witness line by calling: 322-4040.
