Monroe police chief fills city administrator job

Published 9:49 pm Friday, January 16, 2009

MONROE — The top administrator in the city doesn’t have to travel far to his new position; he’s right next door at the police station.

Police Chief Tim Quenzer is serving as interim city administrator for Monroe until October.

“He’s had a lot of experience we need and value,” Mayor Donnetta Walser said.

The City Council approved Quenzer for the position Jan. 6, a few weeks after firing the previous administrator, Jim Southworth, at the mayor’s request.

No explanation was given for Southworth’s termination.

The city will continue to pay Southworth’s salary for nine months — nearly $10,000 a month — as part of a severance package. Southworth’s annual salary and other benefits worked out to about $131,000.

Quenzer has served as police chief since 2002. Before that, he worked for the Washington State Patrol for nearly 30 years. For a time, he oversaw more than 2,000 employees and a $320 million budget at the State Patrol.

“I think he’s going to be no-nonsense, fair and efficient,” said councilman John Stima. “He’s very good at administration. He exudes confidence.”

Stima didn’t want to comment on the reason behind Southworth’s departure.

“He’s a good man, and I wish him well,” he said. “There’s so much that goes on in executive session.”

Legally, council members can’t discuss what happens during executive session.

Some on the council said there was a rocky relationship between Walser and Southworth.

Quenzer will juggle the administrative position on top of his police duties. He has two separate desks, one in City Hall and one at the police department. He’s already working longer days, sometimes 15 hours a day, and delegating more police duties.

Quenzer hasn’t received a bump in his paycheck for the extra duties. His salary is listed as $123,228 this year.

Walser said she wants to compensate him for taking on the additional duties.

“He has not asked for it, but there’s an element of fairness,” Walser said.

The city administrator manages the budget and 115 personnel.

Problems in both those areas loom large. Monroe is struggling with a $63 million budget slashed by $3 million from last year and a city staff with a dozen fewer employees.

Quenzer said his background as a police administrator has prepared him for the task.

One of his first decisions was to bring together the heads of departments for a weekly meeting to keep tabs on spending.

Although the city has approved a balanced budget for 2009, officials can’t forecast how the economy may affect sales tax revenue, one of its main sources of revenue, Walser said.

On top of that, the city has a cash flow problem. The city receives most of its revenue in chunks, including property tax, which comes in twice a year. During the lean months, they city will watch spending to make sure there’s enough to pay the bills, she said.

That’s why the city is paying Southworth monthly, rather than in one payment, she added.

As city administrator, Quenzer serves under the direction of the mayor.

He makes sure city ordinances and policies are carried out and helps to coordinate business between the City Council and city officers and departments. His duties also include overseeing and supervising city offices, departments, commissions and boards.

Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com.