Wheeler interim city manager seeks narrower hours and pay change as council weighs mediation and recruitment

WHEELER, Ore. — The Wheeler City Council spent substantial time on Aug. 19 discussing city administration after interim city manager and finance manager Maddie Chestnut told the council she can continue both roles only through Sept. 14 while she begins a master’s program.

In a written city manager report Chestnut said she has been serving in both roles, is willing to continue in an interim capacity and proposed a modified compensation rate of $110,000 annually to cover the additional responsibilities after Sept. 14 until a replacement is hired.

Councilors and residents raised concern about the sustainability and potential conflicts of one person holding both roles. Several councilors urged seeking an interim manager from an outside source; others asked staff to pursue options through the League of Oregon Cities or other low-cost mediation and training resources rather than the $7,500–$8,000 training package Chestnut cited.

Chestnut said the dual role was a practical solution after turnover: “It was either me or there’s no one to do these things,” she told the council, adding she has been doing the work and that without someone filling the roles the city would lack staff to process permits, payroll and contracts.

Council discussion covered recruitment: the city has an open application period for a permanent city manager (applications opened July 28 and close Aug. 2, 2025, according to the manager’s report), and two applications had been received as of the Aug. 19 report. Councilors said they would meet in executive session after the application period to review candidates and consider options for an interim manager if needed.

The meeting also addressed internal disputes and…