The Sausalito City Council is scheduled to discuss the job performance of its city manager during a closed session hearing Tuesday following her weekend arrest on suspicion of burglary.
According to a statement from city officials, City Manager Elaine Forbes was on a leave of absence from her job when she was arrested by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday morning.
“This is a difficult development for our City staff and our community,” according to a statement posted on the city’s website and on social media. “It is anticipated the City Council will discuss next steps at its upcoming City Council meeting.”
According to agenda items posted online, the 3 p.m. closed session includes a “public employee performance evaluation” and the “public employment” of the city manager’s position.
The session is closed to the public and it’s unclear if Forbes’ arrest will be discussed during the City Council’s public meeting right after.
Forbes, 53, was arrested Saturday morning at 501 Humboldt Ave., which is the address of the Sausalito Yacht Harbor, according to Marin County Jail records.
She was booked on suspicion of felony burglary and is being held on $50,000 bail.
“As the facts become clearer and Elaine obtains legal and healthcare counsel in the coming hours and days, we hope people will respond with compassion, patience and respect for her and her family during an extraordinarily difficult time.”
Sam Singer, Forbes family spokesperson
The City Council placed Forbes on leave during a closed session hearing on Thursday and Brandon Phipps is now serving as acting city manager, according to city officials.
A spokesperson for the Forbes family, Sam Singer, sent out a statement on Sunday asking people not to rush to judgement.
“Elaine is experiencing a mental health crisis,” wrote Singer. “As the facts become clearer and Elaine obtains legal and healthcare counsel in the coming hours and days, we hope people will respond with compassion, patience and respect for her and her family during an extraordinarily difficult time.”
Forbes began her role as city manager on July 1 after being appointed by the City Council. Her experience included nine years as director of the Port of San Francisco, where she oversaw waterfront infrastructure, maritime operations, public access and real estate management.
“Elaine Forbes has devoted much of her life to public service and is widely respected by the many people who have worked with her over the years,” said Singer.
City officials directed inquires to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, which didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.