Ed Brookshier could be retiring sooner than originally planned
Published 11:35 am Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Retiring Hermiston City Manager Ed Brookshier told the City Council last fall he was willing to stay on until the end of 2014, but that may not be necessary anymore.
The City Council passed a motion Monday approving a memorandum of understanding from Brookshier indicating the new city manager could be on the job by Aug. 1. With the four finalists already chosen, the process of hiring a new city manager is moving faster than expected, and if a candidate is chosen by the City Council and Mayor David Drotzmann, Brookshier could be enjoying retirement by the end of July. Having served the city for nearly 30 years as its manager, Brookshier said if a decision cannot be reached by the end of July, he is willing to stay on until his contract ends on Dec. 31.
Brookshier wont be sitting idly by with the new time on his hands when he does retire. Brookshier said he will stay involved with at least one major area project he has worked on for years.
I plan on staying on the EOTEC board, Brookshier said. The way the timing has worked on the city manager search, the city will be in a position to bring someone in well before my contract ends. I will still be helping out during the transitional period. I will assist with any information or projects the new city manager and/or the mayor needs. I have been approached by a number of councilors about continuing to serve on the EOTEC board through the end of 2015, and I think thats something I will do.
At Mondays City Council meeting, Drotzmann thanked Brookshier for his willingness to remain flexible as the city hires a new city manager.
I just wanted to thank you for sticking around and helping with the transition, Drotzmann said.
Councilman George Anderson said having the new city manager in place with the former manager still in the community to help as needed is ideal.
I think this an excellent opportunity and an excellent situation for the city to be in, Anderson said. To have the old manager stay and the new manager coming in, you really couldnt ask for a better position to be in.
