Oregon mayor hopes to put city administrator in post this week

1/6/2010

Oregon Mayor Mike Seferian hopes this week to finalize an employment agreement with his top candidate for city administrator, a man whom he recruited for the post that is expected to pay at least $108,000 a year.

Mayor Seferian, who declined to name the candidate, said he plans to have his recommendation to council members this month for their hopefully unanimous approval. His top candidate works for another local municipality, and he is weighing a couple of other opportunities, he said.

"We're close, very close," Mayor Seferian said last week.

Ken Filipiak vacated the Oregon city administrator position on Nov. 28 to become city manager of Mentor, Ohio. Paul Roman, Oregon's public service director, has been acting city administrator.

Mr. Filipiak was paid about $108,000 a year as Oregon city administrator, and his total annual compensation package was about $145,000, including a car allowance, Mayor Seferian said. His replacement could be paid several thousand dollars more, the mayor said.

Mayor Seferian, who was sworn in Nov. 30, must find an administrator and fire chief this year. Oregon Fire Chief Bill Wilkins is resigning from the department effective June 25.

For fire chief, Mayor Seferian plans to look within the city fire department, he said. The goal is to have the replacement work alongside Chief Wilkins before he leaves, he said.

"I'm hoping by February to have a chief named because there can be a transition period," Mayor Seferian said.

Oregon received nearly 60 resumes from applicants interested in the city administrator job. Mayor Seferian said he fielded calls from interested people who did not submit resumes because they become public record, and he also scouted out some candidates.