Corcoran should have a new public works director next week. At least for a little bit.
The city has hired Baldomero (Baldo) Rodriguez to fill the position on an interim basis. He is expected to remain in place while the city advertises for a full-time, permanent replacement for Steve Kroeker, who retired in early June after 20 years on the job.
Rodriguez is recently retired himself. He served as public works director for 12 years for the City of Porterville. He will bring an engineering degree to the local position.
The city and Rodriguez had to get clearance from the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) in order for Rodriguez to accept the local position, even on an interim basis. He will be limited to the number of hours he can work each year and still draw his retirement benefits.
The city is also closer to hiring a new city clerk. The position has been advertised—twice—and the latest round of applicants have seen some individuals making it to the interview stage.
The city lost its clerk almost two years ago with the resignation of Lorraine Lopez, who had held the position for several years.
With retirements and other departures, the last two years have taken a toll on upper management in the City of Corcoran. Kroeker was the most recent retirement, with finance Director Joyce Venegas and Accounts Clerk Barbara Hanshew leaving last year. Lopez departed before Venegas and Hanshew.
Both finance positions have been replaced. The city clerk position application deadline has passed and the city is still advertising for a permanent public works director.
