Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel had earlier announced his intention to retire no later than Sept. 27. But Tuesday night he told the city commission he would probably check out of the city manager's job in mid July. He told the city commission that they would need an interim manager for a short time.
During his remaining time with the city Dinkel plans to work on preparation of the 2025 city budget. He noted that there will be a couple of special commission meetings in June on that front. He would like to have the budget work completed in July. Final approval of the spending plan, however, would not occur until the late August - September time frame.
Dinkel outlined some budget concerns ranging from a possible five million dollar animal shelter project and potential city drug task force building to employee salary improvements, a comp plan and the need to redo the zoning code. Blue Cross Blue Shield rates are up and he also observed that city officials are unsure where EMS costs will be.