City Commission selects Renee Rose as top candidate for city manager position

During the City Commission Meeting held on April 8, 2025, in St. Pete Beach, Florida, the primary focus was on the selection of a new city clerk. Following a second round of interviews with two highly qualified candidates, the commission engaged in a detailed discussion to determine their preferred choice for the position.

City Manager provided an overview of the interview process, which included evaluations by the leadership team and individual interviews with each commissioner. The candidates, Renee Rose and Cassandra Kilgore, were both praised for their qualifications, but the commission ultimately ranked Rose as the top candidate, with Kilgore as the backup.

Commissioners expressed their thoughts on the candidates, highlighting their strengths and areas of expertise. Commissioner Robinson noted the close competition between the two, emphasizing Rose's certification and Kilgore's extensive experience in Florida. Commissioner Reznicki pointed out that Rose had more relevant experience than initially perceived, while Commissioner Mulholland expressed strong support for Rose, despite some concerns about her potential mobility to other positions in the future.

The commission's consensus leaned heavily towards Rose, with discussions indicating a desire to negotiate a compensation package for her. The meeting underscored the importance of selecting a candidate who not only meets the immediate needs of the city but also has the potential to contribute positively to its future.

As the commission prepares to move forward with negotiations, the outcome of this decision will likely have significant implications for the city's governance and operations. The next steps will involve formal discussions regarding the compensation package for the preferred candidate, with the hope of securing a strong leader for the city clerk position.