LAKEPORT – The City of Lakeport may soon have a new city manager if the council decides to approve a contract with a job candidate at its meeting this evening.

The council is considering an agreement with Jerry Gillham, who would become the city's second city manager. The city's first manager, Randy Johnsen, left the city last year.

Gillham most recently served as assistant city manager for the city of Prineville, Ore., where he worked for five months, according to a report from the Central Oregonian of Prineville. In February Gillham resigned from that post following a controversy involving the dismissal of the city's Public Works director.

Previous to that, the Central Oregonian reported that Gillham was the city manager for Baker City, Ore., where he left in September 2006 after three years. Gillham also worked as city manager for the Oregon cities of Madras, Nyssa and Scappoose, and was chief executive officer of the Gresham, Ore., area Chamber of Commerce.

Gillham received his bachelor's degree from George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., and also studied at the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute, according to the Central Oregonian.

A member of the National Guard, Gillham spent two years in Iraq as chief warrant officer of the 116^th Brigade Combat Team while serving as Baker City's city manager, the Central Oregonian reported.

The proposed contract between Gillham and the city includes an initial probationary term to last through Sept. 30. At any time, either Gillham or the city can decide to terminate the agreement.

City Attorney Steve Brookes said Monday that the contract is set up to give the council and the new city manager time to get to know each other and work together. Brookes said it's similar to how the City of Clearlake worked with City Administrator Dale Neiman for several months on an interim basis before offering him the job permanently.

If Gillham is hired permanently, the contract would extend from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2010, with the council conducting annual evaluations.

The city is offering Gillham an annual salary of $95,000, with salary adjustments based on yearly evaluations. In addition, he'll receive $5,000 for relocation costs.

In the event Gillham was terminated before September 2010, he would be given six months' notice. Following his separation from the city, he would receive six months' compensation, according to the contract.

After his resignation from Prineville, Gillham received a severance package of three months with benefits, according to the Central Oregonian.

The Lakeport City Council will meet at 5 p.m. for a special workshop on BoardStock and then convene its regular meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 225 Park St.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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