Staff reports

Police arrested Auburn Director of Administration Michael Hursh on suspicion of driving under the influence in a City-owned vehicle early Aug. 11, according to authorities.

Hursh was stopped around 2 a.m. in the area of Southeast 304th and 112th Street because of erratic driving, according to the Auburn Police Department.

Hursh, a nine-year City employee who has served in his current role since 2012, was booked into SCORE jail. After an Aug. 11 court appearance, he was released on his personal recognizance

On Aug. 12, Hursh was placed on indefinite administrative leave pending the results of a criminal and internal investigation.

The City of Federal Way will handle the prosecution and the Washington Cities Insurance Authority is conducting the internal investigation.

According to the police report, Hursh admitted to having consumed alcohol that night.

“This is a very difficult situation for me,” said Mayor Nancy Backus. “Michael is a good man who it seems made a terrible mistake. While I do not condone his judgment or actions, I trust both the legal and internal process to ensure there is no special treatment, and that justice is served.

“I hope that this is a lesson to each of us that there is no tolerance for drinking and driving,” Backus said.

As director of administration Hursh oversees all divisions that report out of the mayor’s office, such as facilities and property management, emergency management, communications and multi-media, and economic development. He is heavily involved in human and veterans service work. He also launched a nonprofit, South County Housing and Outreach, which provides housing for women and children coming out of domestic violence.He serves as chaplain for police and fire and the City.