Ed Brookshier could end his career as Hermiston city manager on July 31. Then again, he might stay on the job until Dec. 31.
His final day depends upon when the Hermiston City Council selects Brookshier’s successor. Having identified four finalists for the position, it’s expected a new city manager will be hired this month and start the job in early August.
If that’s the case, Brookshier has agreed to assist the new city manager as needed throughout the remainder of the year. The Hermiston City Council approved a memorandum of understanding Monday night that outlines Brookshier’s role whether or not a new city manager is hired before the end of the year.
If a new one is hired this month, Brookshier will advise and consult with his successor on a variety of matters that could include the Port of Umatilla’s water right usage, the police union contract, the modernization of the city charter and other city-related issues. Brookshier’s contract ends on Dec. 31, but the memorandum of understanding calls for the contract’s termination if a new city manager is hired this month. If that’s the case, Brookshier will receive the equivalent of two and half months of additional pay on his final paycheck on July 31. Brookshier will also continue to serve as the city’s representative on the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center board of directors until this current term expires on Dec. 31, 2015.
Hermiston City Councilor George Anderson said the agreement is a good one for the city.
“This is an excellent situation for the city to be in – to have the new city manager on board and the old city manager available to assist,” he said. “We appreciate that.”
Brookshier, it should be noted, took issue with Anderson calling him “the old city manager.”
“Older city manager,” Brookshier said.
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