Oakdale City Council approves recruitment of new city manager with Bob Murray Associates

The Oakdale City Council has taken a significant step towards filling its vacant city manager position by approving a resolution to engage Bob Murray and Associates for executive recruitment services. This decision, made during the regular council meeting on March 19, 2025, comes in the wake of former city manager Brian Whitemeyer’s resignation in January.

The council appointed Chief Jerry Grama as interim city manager and tasked city staff with finding a qualified recruitment firm. After evaluating four proposals based on criteria such as experience, service range, cost-effectiveness, and overall fit for Oakdale, Bob Murray and Associates emerged as the top choice. The firm is recognized for its structured recruitment processes and extensive network, which are expected to attract high-quality candidates.

The total cost for the recruitment services is capped at $33,000, funded through the city’s contract services fund. This investment includes comprehensive services such as brochure design, advertising, and background checks for up to three candidates. The council emphasized the importance of thorough background checks, which will include criminal history and social media scrutiny, ensuring that only the most suitable candidates are considered for the role.

Council members expressed confidence in the recruitment process, noting that while the city could handle the search internally, utilizing a specialized firm like Bob Murray and Associates would enhance the quality of candidates. The recruitment process will also allow local applicants to apply, ensuring community involvement in selecting the next city manager.

With the council's unanimous approval, the city is poised to move forward in its search for a permanent city manager, aiming to strengthen leadership and governance in Oakdale.