TD Council looks at realigning City Manager’s office, airport hangar construction
The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 26, 2025 — The Dalles City Council will consider a staffing proposal Monday, Oct. 27, designed to tackle mounting backlogs in human resources, technology, and internal operations — the latest step in a broader restructuring of city administration under the City Manager’s Office.
New Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director Brenda Fahey is proposing the creation of a new Analyst II position, a cross-departmental role aimed at shoring up long-delayed projects in both HR and information technology. The new position would cost about $96,000 for the remainder of the 2025–26 fiscal year (through June 30) and is expected to be included in the city’s November budget amendment.
In a memo to the council, Fahey outlined critical system and staffing gaps that have grown over several years, including outdated cybersecurity and data management systems, limited staff training programs, and increasing compliance requirements. The new analyst would be trained to assist both HR and IT, supporting employee onboarding, internal communication tools, and risk and safety initiatives.
The proposal is part of a larger citywide realignment that moves Human Resources, Information Technology, Safety and Risk, the Library, and Economic Development under the City Manager’s Office — a change meant to streamline oversight and better coordinate citywide services.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include:
Business License Program Review: Councilors will discuss a “white paper” outlining possible reforms to the city’s business licensing system, including new administrative fees and software upgrades that could generate between $40,000 and $120,000 annually.
Airport Hangar Contract: The council is expected to award a $2.29 million construction contract to Columbia Gorge Construction, LLC, the lowest responsible bidder, for new hangar space at Columbia Gorge Regional Airport. The project is largely funded by an ODOT aviation grant covering about $1.69 million of total costs.
Lien Repeal and Legal Session: A resolution repealing an obsolete nuisance-abatement lien will be considered, followed by an executive session on potential litigation.
The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at City Hall and via streaming.
