Sequim is a city undergoing growing pains, but it will come out OK if it supports its professional city staff, said outgoing Interim City Manager Linda Herzog.

Herzog took over as interim city manager on Dec. 3, 2008, following a unanimous vote of the council. Police Chief Robert Spinks had been interim city manager since Bill Elliott was fired in May 2008.

Herzog worked various city government jobs in King County for 20 years before she and her husband moved to Quilcene this year.

She didn't want to com-mute so, when negotiating for the job, Herzog asked for a housing allowance instead of a car allowance.

"I rented a condo two blocks from the office. It was the first time I walked to work," she said.

She didn't know much about the city beyond visiting for the Lavender Festival and shopping, Herzog said.

"I thought it was pleasant and beautiful and friendly. Now I know it's a city experiencing growth pains."

Herzog said that "every city has to be a city, regardless of size," meaning there are some things all cities are expected or required to provide.

So city staff here does more multitasking for less pay than their counterparts in the larger cities, she said.

"Support the staff, elected officials can't do the work.

The city has a remarkably capable staff for such a small community, capable and diligent.

"They are really committed to the city. It's amazing."

The staff kept a great sense of humor through everything while she was here, Herzog said.

The toughest issue always seemed to be the most recent one, but looking back she would say the toughest issue she faced was the city budget.

The 2009 city budget was based upon 2008's declining revenues, but sales taxes are down 15 percent from that so far this year.

The preliminary 2009 city budget included no capital projects and no employee layoffs in exchange for a reduced work week for one-third of city employees and reduced access for the public.

The full work week was restored when the city received additional revenue beyond what first was budgeted - but that may not be the case next year.

"The council will be making harsh decisions that affect people's lives," she said.

Along with Sequim's sunshine, Herzog will miss the people.

"It's always the people you miss. I'm not going to miss spending all that time in the office. That was doing things a different way, and

it seemed like a good idea at the time," she said.

"Now that I know better, I prefer being a deputy city manager. I want to spend my time on the issues. I love working with people on the issues.

"Being an interim city manager is OK because there's an end in sight."



Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@sequimgazette.com.