He just took over rom Steve Hasson -- who's last day was last Friday.

Allen was interim manager between 2010 and 2012 -- before the city hired Hasson.

He's looking forward to getting up to speed.

"Right now we're in the middle of budget cycles -- so I'm working with the budget officer.  Thigns are in place for the next year.  I haven't had a chance to do that.  There has been one budget hearing but there's another one next week.  I've got to get my arms around the budget and the whole financial situation."

Allen has said he could stay on for up to a year, but believes they could find a permanent city manager for LaPine in 6 to 8 months.