The Brookings City Council announced two changes to the city government during the Special Council Meeting last Monday. Christy Wurster will take over as the pro-tem City Manager, and Isaac Hodges will replace Brad Alcorn on the City Council. Â
Wurster will take over as pro-tem City Manager from Gary Milliman, who has been in the role since July. Milliman, the City Manager in Brookings from 2008 until 2018, assumed the position when the current City Manager, Janell Howard, was placed on administrative leave.
Howard has been the city manager in Brookings since 2018, but the Brookings City Council placed her on paid leave in July. Howard has been under investigation since September following a criminal theft charge.
Milliman did not comment on Howard but offered insight into Wurster and her qualifications. They worked with each other when Wurster was city manager in Silverton, OR, and had contact through the Oregon City Managers Association.
"I'm familiar with her reputation in the city manager field, which is excellent," Milliman said. "I recommended her for the position here, and I think she'll do fine."
Milliman also clarified that Alcorn stepped down to prepare for his role as the Curry County Commissioner. Alcorn's term on the city council was designated to continue until January 2025. While Alcorn will take office in January, he felt it necessary to step down from the city council. Â
Isaac Hodges will take Alcorn's place. Hodges is a Brookings native and works for the Curry Health Network.
Brookings City Council hopes to have Wurster's appointment in effect December 1, with her term as pro-tem manager lasting no longer than six months. Wurster's role will include directing the city budget and finances and managing city records and elections. Â
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