Moses Lake council continues city manager search

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council will meet in executive session Wednesday to discuss the qualifications of a possible candidate for city employment, according to an agenda posted on the city’s website Monday. A vote on a city manager contract is also on the agenda. 

Council members held an executive session Jan. 9 and had possible action scheduled on contract negotiations for a city manager, but did not take a vote.  

If council members vote to offer a contract and the candidate accepts it, the new city manager will replace interim manager Mike Jackson. Jackson replaced former manager Kevin Fuhr, who resigned in June 2024 due to health reasons.  

Mayor Dustin Swartz said he’s optimistic the city can find a candidate that’s a good fit for Moses Lake. 

“We believe there’s interest in Moses Lake,” Swartz said Monday. “We’re considering applicants at this point.” 

Two candidates, Blaine Oborn and Aaron Palmquist, were interviewed in early December, but council members decided against hiring either one. A third candidate withdrew after being named as a finalist but before the interviews.