Madras Navigates Leadership Transitions, Maintains City Services

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The City of Madras, Oregon is currently navigating several leadership transitions, including the departure of the City Administrator, Police Chief, and Finance Director. The City Council has taken steps to ensure continuity of operations, appointing interim leaders and launching permanent recruitment efforts for these key roles. City services remain fully operational during this period of transition.

Why it matters

Leadership transitions can be challenging for local governments, as they must balance maintaining daily operations and services for the community while also recruiting and onboarding new talent. Madras' proactive approach to managing these changes, including transparent communication and temporary leadership appointments, aims to minimize disruption to residents.

The details

The City Council appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurd as Interim City Administrator in January 2026, but he stepped down from that role in February. The Council is now interviewing candidates for an Interim City Administrator, with the goal of having someone in place by April. The Police Chief position has been under recruitment since July 2025, and the Council recently reopened that search with the help of a consulting firm. Additionally, the City's Finance Director resigned in March 2026, and the Council is evaluating interim support options while they determine the timeline for a permanent recruitment.

• On January 16, 2026, the City Council appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurd to serve as Interim City Administrator.
• On February 26, 2026, Mr. Hurd notified the Mayor and City Council of his intent to step down from the Interim City Administrator role.
• On March 4, 2026, the City Council directed staff to begin scheduling interviews with candidates for an interim City Administrator.
• On March 10, 2026, the City Council approved the position profile for the permanent City Administrator recruitment.
• On March 9, 2026, the City received the immediate resignation of the City's Finance Director.

What’s next

The City Council expects to review candidate materials for the permanent Police Chief position later this month and determine whether finalists will be invited to participate in interviews anticipated to occur in April.