Oakridge Mayor Kathy Holston resigned from her position during last week’s state of the city address. The city council meets Wednesday to discuss the latest vacancy in leadership.
Holston spoke bluntly during Thursday’s meeting. She said City Councilors come to meetings unprepared and get caught up in minutia.
“Perhaps now the council will stop with the negativity and turn a 180,” Holston said. “Face the future and make some decisions that are positive for our community.”
Her resignation comes after both the City Administrator and Finance Director resigned late last year. Holston told KLCC councilors were quick to blame the administrator for Oakridge’s financial woes and then that blame transferred to her
“I realized that if I stepped back and allowed them to feel the brunt of having to make decisions, and having to be responsible, having to do due diligence, perhaps they would come together and do the best for Oakridge,” Holston said.
Holston said she’s concerned council decisions have been unwise and possibly illegal. The city has struggled to fund fire and police services. It recently approved a public safety fee, which has been unpopular with some residents.
City Administrator Bryan Cutchen and Finance Director Eric Kytola are both set to depart at the end of February.
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