MADRAS, OR -- The Mayor of Madras will serve as Pro Tem City Administrator. City Council made the appointment during a special meeting on Saturday. Former City Administrator Gus Burril submitted his resignation last week.

Mayor Mike Lepin (pictured) is also Deputy Chief of EMS at Jefferson County Fire. According to officials, he will use vacation leave from that full-time job to be available at City Hall until an interim Administrator is found.

Human Resources says the city has already been contacted by several qualified candidates. Recruitment efforts will continue, with more information posted to the city's website this week. 

Pro tem has the power and duties of the administrator, but cannot appoint or remove personnel without consent of City Council. 

“I don’t anticipate serving as pro tem for very long and look forward to getting an Interim City Administrator in place as soon as possible so we can restore continuity in the day-to-day business of the city,” Mayor Lepin said in a statement.

“The city charter outlines that a pro tem can serve no longer than six consecutive months. However, the Council has directed staff to begin the recruitment process immediately,” said Councilor Gabriel Soliz.