By James Day
Cory Misley has been hired as Silverton’s city manager and will start work Oct. 16. Misley replaces Ron Chandler, who retired to Utah in May.
Misley’s hiring and contract were approved Oct. 2, on a unanimous vote of the Silverton City Council. As the top administrator for the city Misley will supervise all departments and report to the council. Kathleen Zaragoza, who has been serving as city manager on an interim basis, will return to her role as finance director.
“I am grateful to become a part of the Silverton community and for the privilege to serve as the city manager,” Misley told Our Town in an email exchange.
“I’ve long admired Silverton as a special place with a history to be proud of and a bright future to be a part of. The combination of livability, charm, connectedness, access to the outdoors, among other things, makes Silverton a place I want to serve and call home. I am excited to get to work with our strong team and together make great things happen.”
Misley currently works as a project manager for Oregon solutions with the National Policy Consensus Center at Portland State University. He previously served for three years-plus as city manager in Sisters and city manager for La Pine. He also served one year in Washington, D.C., as an apprentice with the Center for Sustainable Communities.
Misley says his top priorities the rest of this year “will revolve around building relationships with the City Council, city staff, community members, local organizations, and other partnerships that do and can benefit Silverton. There will be a lot of listening and learning to get up to speed on details for all of the topics and projects.
“As we head into 2024, we will shift to preparing for budget season and strategic alignment through council goal setting, key department objectives, partnerships, and focusing resources on our shared priorities road map for the upcoming fiscal year starting in July.”
When asked about challenges the city is facing Misley said “growth is a reality. We must balance maintaining the character and small-town feel while managing thoughtfully to make Silverton an even more welcoming and thriving community and place across generations.”
Misley will be paid $147,000 per year and will be eligible for the same cost of living raises (COLA) as city department heads. Misley will receive $300 per month for use of his private vehicle on city business and also will receive a $50 per month cell phone allowance and up to a maximum of $2,500 to assist with moving-related expenses.
In other matters:
Mural: Councilors heard from members of the Silverton Mural Society about the group’s proposed mural for the new Civic Center building. The city and the mural group have agreed to split the costs of the $17,000 project but have not yet reached agreement on where it will be placed. The design also remains to be finalized. Society officials said their guiding principle is to celebrate Silverton’s cultural roots.
Noon Whistle: Councilors agreed to back the continued use of the noon whistle, which is located on the City Hall parking lot. Moving it to the Civic Center would require a change order as well as finding a way to get 240 volts of electricity to the unit. Councilors said they would like to discuss the situation with Silverton Fire District officials.
Community Center: Councilor Marie Traeger noted that the city’s lease on the state-owned building expires in March. She encouraged Mayor Jason Freilinger to put the issue on a meeting agenda soon. Silverton Area Community Aid, which plans to move its operation to North First Street, apparently will not be ready to do so by March. Other groups that use the building, including the Silver Falls YMCA and pickleball players, have an obvious stake in the ultimate fate of the property. November is a likely time for the discussion, Freilinger said.
