Molalla Pioneer

By Joe Wilson
Molalla Pioneer

During a special meeting last night, the Molalla City Council unanimously approved an $89,000 employment contract with new city manager John Atkins, Jr. His first day on the job will be July 1.

Their unanimous decision was a departure from the May 23 meeting when the council was split 4-2 as they chose Atkins for the position. He is the permanent replacement for former city manager Gene Green who left to take a job with the city of West Linn a little more than five months ago.

Molalla Mayor Tom Foster said that despite the differing councilor opinions about who would do the job best, all of the council members and he are supportive of the new city manager.

“I know I can speak for everyone on council when I say that we will back John up 100 percent. I know he will do a fine job for the citizens of Molalla,” Foster said.

Former Molalla mayor, Mike Clarke, has been working as the interim city manager since Green’s departure on Dec. 15.

Atkins currently works as the community services coordinator for the city of West Linn, a job he has held since 1993.

Atkins didn’t waste any time getting to know the people of Molalla. He attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Four Corners Industrial park in Molalla today.

Atkins was elated when he was told that the council approved his contract.

“I’m eager to apply what I have learned over the past 20 years to help Molalla build the right future for itself,” he said.

He informally met with Foster today to sign the agreement.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Molalla Pioneer.