City names acting city administrator

Camas Mayor Scott Higgins announced last night Human Resources Director Jennifer Gorsuch is serving as the acting city administrator.

Gorsuch, who has been with the city since August 2005, will handle the day-to-day operations of the city following the death on Oct. 6 of City Administrator Nina Regor.

In addition, on Sept. 27 after learning that Regor’s serious medical issues would keep her from returning to work, the Camas City Council approved a contract with Ridgefield based consultant Paul Lewis.

According to Higgins, as part of the contract, Lewis will assist the city with duties that will include bringing the consolidation of the Camas-Washougal fire departments to a conclusion, assisting with union contract negotiations, working on the 2014 budget, and being available to department heads, if needed.

The contract runs through Dec. 31. The agreement stipulates that total monthly charges will not exceed $9,000, subject to a monthly maximum of 90 work hours. Any hours worked in excess of 90 per month will be billed at $115 per hour.

Higgins said on Monday that additional discussion about finding a permanent replacement for Regor would happen soon.

“The team is working together, and we will get done what needs to get done.”