City of Independence, Oregon

The city of Independence is hiring an Accountant II. Under the Finance Director's supervision, Accountant II is responsible for accounts payable, payroll accounting and reporting, business licenses, and supporting tasks like cash receipts and accounts receivable. Work is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal controls. This role supports the city's financial functions, ensuring compliance with regulations, proper audit trails, and internal control procedures. Learn more and apply here:

The city of Independence is pleased to announce the appointment of Myra Russell as the new City Recorder. Russell, a resident of Independence, has been with the city for over six years, starting her journey in 2018 as an accountant/payroll specialist. Since then, she has expanded her role, adding court administration to her duties and becoming an integral part of the city’s operations. Russell’s decision to work for the city of Independence was driven by her desire to serve the local community. “I wanted to work closer to home and contribute to the community,” she explained. Her family’s deep roots in the area, including her grandparents who farmed the fields, further fueled her commitment to serving her hometown. In her new role as City Recorder, Russell looks forward to embracing new challenges and expanding her skill set. “I’ve always enjoyed learning new things, and I’m excited about the variety of tasks the City Recorder position offers,” she said. She aims to bring the same dedication and adaptability to this role that has defined her work with payroll and court administration. As she steps into this new role, Russell is eager to engage with residents and ensure their needs are met. “If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to transparency and service. Russell holds a degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University and has a wealth of experience, having worked her way up from a bagger to a position in the corporate finance department at Roth’s. Outside of her professional life, Russell enjoys building with Legos and creating stained glass art. The city of Independence is excited to welcome Myra Russell into this important position and looks forward to her continued contributions to the community.

Original release courtesy of the League of Oregon Cities BEND, Ore. – The League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) prestigious Mark O. Hatfield Statesmanship Award was presented to Independence Mayor John McArdle during the LOC’s 99th Annual Conference in Bend. The award is presented to a deserving “statesman” who has provided lasting benefits to the quality of life for Oregon citizens. One of the longest-tenured mayors in Oregon, Mayor McArdle is a selfless leader who convenes, leads challenging conversations, then generates momentum for achieving goals. Throughout his 26 years leading Independence, Mayor McArdle has advocated for community-led initiatives, which include broad vision plans and citizen guidance. Mayor McArdle has also led the completion of numerous downtown enhancements, including construction of a new library, an amphitheater, an eight-screen cinema, and the redevelopment of the downtown streetscape. Twenty years ago, recognizing the importance of connectivity to his city’s future, Mayor McArdle guided a partnership with the neighboring city of Monmouth to create MINET, bringing high speed internet to every home and business in the two communities. An enthusiastic ambassador for local government, Mayor McArdle has worked tirelessly to help educate, prepare and connect elected officials throughout the state. He frequently hosts city officials to exchange ideas and travels across the state to help city councils overcome differences and work together. Mayor McArdle has been an outstanding ambassador for the League of Oregon Cities and Oregon Mayors Association, serving each as a board member and president. His LOC service includes numerous policy committees, testifying at the Legislature, and overseeing the LOC Foundation.

The city of Independence, Oregon is hiring a Records Technician to serve in our police department. This position assists the police department Office Manager in processing and maintaining police reports, citations, arrests, and related files. They serve as the first point of contact for the public at the front counter and on the phone, assisting or directing them to the appropriate resource or person. They also provide support for tasks typically handled by sworn officers within the police department. They must understand laws and regulations related to public records and privacy, and have a general knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules. The job closes on October 18, 2024. Learn more and apply here:

Original release courtesy of Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders. The Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (OAMR) presented Independence City Recorder Karin Johnson, MMC, with the 2024 City Recorder of the Year award. Ms. Johnson received the award at the association’s Annual Banquet held at Wildhorse Resort and Casino in Pendleton, Oregon, on September 26, 2024. The guidelines for Recorder of the Year state any OAMR member, City Manager, or Mayor may submit a confidential nomination to acknowledge recorders and recognize their excellence and professional accomplishments. The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution or performed outstanding service to OAMR, to the profession of Municipal Recorder, or to an individual city during the association fiscal year. This award recognizes outstanding service and performance over and above the person’s job description. Some possible strengths might include areas such as Public Relations, Records Management, Legislative or Council Procedures, or even a special project. Ms. Johnson has been an active member of OAMR since 2000. She has served as a member and chair on numerous committees, served as region director, and served as President in 2010-2011 again in 2022-2023. She received her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation in 2004 and the prestigious Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation in 2009 from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). She was also recognized as an Athenian Fellow by IIMC in 2017. Ms. Johnson has worked at the City of Independence since May 2000 and plans to retire at the end of this year. Read more here:

Mayor John McArdle was honored for his 26 years of service to the City of Independence at the September 18th SEDCOR Annual Awards Luncheon. Mayor McArdle’s leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing economic development and job creation, not only within Independence but throughout the region. The event honored his enduring commitment and significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the community. Thank you Mayor McArdle for your service!

Following an extensive search process, Independence Police Detective Sergeant Juventino Banuelos has been hired as the next Independence Police Chief. Banuelos will collaborate with current Independence Police Chief Robert Mason to ensure a smooth transition until Mason retires in December 2024. Banuelos is expected to officially assume the role on January 1, 2025.h ? “I am thrilled that Tino will take over as my successor,” said Chief Mason. “With a proven track record of dedicated service, strong leadership, and a deep sense of compassion, I am confident he will enhance the department’s efforts to protect and serve our community.” ? “Tino brings a wealth of experience, passion, and heart to our exceptional agency,” shared City Manager Kenna West. “I am excited to work alongside him on our management team.” Read more:

The city of Independence is thrilled to receive this investment which will fund important improvements at our wastewater treatment plant.?The additional capacity this project creates will allow our rural community to continue attracting new industry and residents, growing and diversifying our local economy.

To celebrate the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, we visited members of the community to wish our athletes good luck. Independence, Oregon has your back, Team USA! #paris2024 , #parisolympics2024 , #olympicgames

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a Transportation and Climate Symposium, a conference where climate champions and innovative solutions were recognized. Solutions that help make transportation systems more eco-friendly and create more accessible and affordable mobility options for all Americans were highlighted. The city of Independence was one of the highlighted agencies, with Mayor McArdle venturing to Washington, D.C. to share our experience. The U.S. Department of Transportation covered all the travel and lodging expenses associated with the mayor's participation in the symposium. The mayor spoke during the Tribal and Rural Leadership workshop, detailing how Independence's focus on downtown revitalization, trails, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and economic development are creating a climate-friendly community. By making our city a place where people can work, shop, and play without the need for a car, the benefits to the environment come naturally. In particular, the MI Trolley was highlighted as an example of successful rural transit that also creates climate benefits. While in D.C., McArdle also met with various agency officials about the benefits of the MI Trolley and its importance within our community. "I was proud to share our story on the federal level with those who can help improve the connectivity in our community," said Mayor McArdle.