Depoe Bay Council Withdraws Conditional Relocation Offer to Planner Candidate After Commitment Concerns

The Depoe Bay City Council withdrew a conditional $5,000 relocation offer it had earlier moved to approve for a finalist for the city planner position after several councilors raised concerns about the candidate's long-term commitment and about setting a precedent.

Staff said the candidate had indicated plans that ranged from commuting to staying in a travel trailer and had not yet completed a signed conditional offer and background checks. Councilors worried the candidate's stated plan not to move immediately to Depoe Bay, the request for an up-front relocation payment, and the lack of a written agreement tying any relocation payment to a minimum employment term.

Council discussion noted the town has previously provided relocation assistance in smaller amounts in at least one earlier hire and that a time-bound repayment or retention agreement could be used if the council chose to offer assistance. The city administrator said staff could make the same relocation package available to a different candidate if the council preferred.

Procedural history: council members moved and seconded a motion to approve a $5,000 relocation agreement and at least one vote was taken; subsequent council discussion led a member to move to withdraw the offer and the original motion was formally withdrawn by the mover before a final binding contract was executed. The council instructed staff to continue recruitment and to return with options, including any revised offers or a different candidate if desired.

Councilors emphasized the need for an on-site planner several days a week and discussed alternatives including hiring a less-expensive local support staff under consultant AKS' mentorship. Staff said the preferred arrangement would be a planner on-site multiple days a week to handle counter work, code enforcement and daily planning questions.