Toledo's Interim Manager Resigns

The city of Toledo is facing some tough staffing issues right now. The Toledo city council held a special meeting on Thursday night 1/23/25. There are ongoing investigations involving the city manager Doug Wiggins, Fire Chief Robeson and others with the fire department. The council appointed Amanda Carey as the interim city manager and Ryan Harris was appointed as an interim fire chief with help from the training captain. Last week the council announced that the investigation into the fire chief was complete but the council decided that the interim city manager Carey was not able to hire or fire management.

On January 22 the interim city manager, Interim fire chief and fire training captain all announced their resignation. Fire Chief Robison is not able to return until there is an interim city manager in place and the terms of his return have been established. With the resignations, the Toledo fire department is being covered by volunteers with help from Siletz, East County fire and Seal Rock. Currently, the city attorney Mike Adams is working with the League of Oregon Cities to see about getting applicants for the interim manager position until the investigation into Wiggins can be completed.

At the special meeting Mayor Rod Cross noted that there are currently several more complaints against the fire department. The city attorney suggested breaking the investigations down by two different law firms. Councilor Mix objected "We would prefer that the investigations be done by one firm to handle all the complaints." Mayor Cross noted “We need every stone turned over. We have to make sure this investigation gets to the bottom of what’s been going on.” Cross added that while these investigations are underway he and the council are not able to make any comment until all they have complete information from all the investigations. Once they have that information and it is completely done then they will be able to release information for the public.

Mayor Cross recognized that this is frustrating for citizens. However, they have procedures that they have to follow and Cross acknowledges that the city is facing a crisis of confidence right now. The council also gave permission for Police Chief Pace to be able to sign a memorandum of understanding with other contracted dispatch centers in Seaside and Astoria to provide relief while the contract is being put together with WVCC. This is to cover the staffing shortages that are happening in covering dispatch as there are only three employees at this time. The council will be meeting again on January 29th to select a firm to handle the investigations into the rest of the complaints.