By GARY CARL/for The Herald — Kevin Martin is the Oakridge City Police Chief, and that’s just fine with him. However, with the City Council’s abrupt termination of Interim City Administrator, Kevin Cronin, Chief Martin is wearing another hat. Chief Martin is the newly appointed Oakridge interim city administrator.
The new interim’s priority?
I sat down with Chief Martin to discuss the current situation and his plans to carry on and go forward. “I just want to deal with the budget process”, Kevin told me. Given the dire situation of our city’s finances, that will be a tall order.
Our expectation is that he will carefully study the current budget that has recently been proposed by outgoing interim city administrator Kevin Cronin. Mr. Cronin developed a proposed budget in collaboration with Colleen Shirley, Oakridge City Finance Director. Others who have specific knowledge of our city’s finances were also involved.
Martin’s not new to the job
Chief Martin said his new role as city administrator is a bit overwhelming. However, he has handled the city administrator pro tempore job before, and he’ll work through it again this time.
He’ll be responsible for making sure the city’s employees get paid and the city continues running on an even keel. This will be a full-time job in addition to dealing with the budget, Kevin has been involved with other cities’ management for over 27 years. Still, he said he was looking forward to once again being the Police Chief… only!
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
