City Attorney Douglas Sloan only has a few more weeks left on the job at Fresno City Hall. He is headed to Santa Monica next.

The Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved hiring Sloan at its meeting Tuesday night. He officially starts June 6, and per his new contract will live in the city. His last day in Fresno will be June 3.

“I have loved my 16 years here at the Fresno City Attorney’s Office, especially the wonderful group of people in the office who have become lifelong friends,” Sloan said in a city of Fresno news release. “The decision to leave has been very difficult, but Santa Monica is an incredible opportunity that I really look forward to.”

Sloan has been the city attorney since 2013. His duties include advising the city council on legal matters, heading the code enforcement department, and overseeing 148 employees — including 28 attorneys.

Mayor Jerry Dyer said he has “mixed emotions” about Sloan leaving.

“I am excited for Doug in his new role as the City Attorney for Santa Monica. However, Doug’s experience, knowledge, and political savvy will be very difficult to replace,” Dyer said in a news release.

The city attorney is selected by the city council, according to the charter.

The council will likely appoint an interim city attorney while a search for Sloan’s replacement is underway.

Pay Bump in Santa Monica

Sloan will earn a base salary of $320,136 in Santa Monica. His Fresno base salary is $227,00. He is getting a bump in pay from the prior Santa Monica city attorney, who earned $283,000 the Santa Monica Daily Press reported.

The Fresno City Council will name a day in Sloan’s honor at the May 26 meeting.