Aaron Palmquist, Irrigon city manager, meets with residents March 25, 2024, at the Milton-Freewater city manager recruitment meet-and-greet. Palmquist on July 30, 2026, announced he accepted a job offer to fill the vacant seat of Milton-Freewater city manager. (East Oregonian/File)MILTON-FREEWATER — City officials are back to the starting line in hiring a city manager. Meanwhile, Irving said, Milton-Freewater needs an interim city manager and City Clerk Leanne Steadman is “the best person” for the position. Steadman acted as interim city manager in 2024 before the city hired Chad Morris of Florida for the spot.