ALVORD WILL ACT AS CITY MANAGER.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

BURBANK - Assistant City Manager Mary Alvord will lead Burbank's executive team until City Council members decide how they will permanently replace City Manager Robert ``Bud'' Ovrom.

Alvord, 53, who was named to the interim post late Tuesday, said she has not decided whether she will pursue a permanent appointment.

``Interim is not as scary as the real thing,'' Alvord said Wednesday. ``We have such a strong group of executives.''

The council will decide in the next few weeks whether they want to conduct a nationwide search or hire in-house to replace Ovrom, who held the position for almost 18 years.

Ovrom was confirmed Tuesday to head Los Angeles' Community Redevelopment Agency, taking on what one Los Angeles city councilman called ``one of the most important jobs here in the city.''

Ovrom's three-year contract for the city of Los Angeles will start March 1.

Alvord's appointment may last for up to two months or longer, she said. While in the interim post, she will be paid 5 percent more than her current salary, and will earn between $10,848 and $13,000 a month.

Alvord said her immediate focus will be on the state budget shortfall and its impact on Burbank.

``The big deal is to not miss any steps in the budget process,'' she said. ``We have some tough decisions to make and, frankly, budget reductions. My watch won't be the fun thing. It will largely be focused on where we go from here.''

The council plans to discuss picking Ovrom's permanent successor during a closed-door executive session next week.