Salem, OR – Keith Stahley, the City Manager of Salem, resigned on Thursday after facing mounting pressure from the city’s leadership. The resignation followed a request made by City Council President Linda Nishioka, who voiced the collective sentiment of the majority of the council and the mayor. Nishioka expressed that the city needed a fresh start, ultimately leading to Stahley’s decision to step down.
In his resignation letter, Stahley acknowledged the council’s desire for a new direction, stating that he hoped his departure would allow the city to begin a smoother transition. His resignation came after an extensive performance audit that revealed several concerns about his leadership. The audit pointed to issues like unclear decision-making processes and a lack of effective delegation, which contributed to the decision to seek his removal.
The city’s Deputy City Manager, Krishna Namburi, has been appointed to serve as the acting city manager in the interim. This move is expected to ensure continuity in leadership during the transition period, as Salem grapples with a projected $13.8 million budget deficit. This financial challenge has led to discussions about increasing property taxes to fund vital city services, including libraries, parks, and the Center 50+.
Despite the fiscal challenges, the City Council has decided to present voters with a more modest property tax increase as part of efforts to address the budget shortfall while maintaining essential services. However, the circumstances surrounding Stahley’s resignation have raised eyebrows, with some legal experts questioning whether the council’s actions in forcing his resignation may have been legally questionable.
The resignation marks a pivotal moment in Salem’s leadership. As the city moves forward, the council aims to restore public trust and improve the overall delivery of services to its residents. The process of selecting a permanent city manager will begin in the coming months, as city leaders work to navigate the challenges ahead.
