Council votes 4‑3 to extend interim city administrator contract for transition period

The North Bend City Council on June 3 authorized an amendment extending the employment agreement for interim city administrator Robert Larson to provide continuity during the city’s executive transition. The motion passed 4‑3.

City staff said candidate interviews for the permanent city administrator would be held the week following the June 3 meeting and a public reception for finalists was scheduled for June 4; staff described a likely earliest start date for a permanent hire in mid‑July. City administration said keeping an experienced interim administrator during the final hiring and onboarding phases would reduce transition risk for complex issues now before the city.

Council debate was substantive. Proponents argued Larson’s experience and knowledge helped the city navigate complicated matters — including police‑services negotiations, budget work and other large decisions — and that removing him before a new hire was ready could create operational risk. Opponents cited budget concerns and the desire to avoid extending consultant/interim costs when the city’s directors could absorb interim responsibilities for a short gap.

After discussion the council approved the mayor’s authority to execute a first amendment to Robert Larson’s employment agreement in a form acceptable to the city attorney. The vote was 4 in favor and 3 opposed. Council members who supported the amendment cited the need for continuity and assistance with onboarding the incoming administrator; dissenting members said they preferred using existing directors to avoid extra cost.

Ending: Staff said finalist interviews would proceed and that the council would be kept informed of hiring progress. Council members requested clarity about backup plans if a final candidate declined an offer and asked staff to avoid overburdening permanent staff as an interim contingency plan.