Forest Park Council Reviews Recruitment Firms for City Manager Position

In the heart of Forest Park's city hall, council members gathered to address a pressing issue: the search for a new city manager following the recent vacancy. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as discussions unfolded about hiring a professional recruitment firm to assist in this critical process.

Councilwoman James initiated the conversation, presenting a comparison report of two firms that had submitted proposals. The first firm, based in Alpharetta, offered their services for approximately $21,000, excluding travel and advertising costs. They boasted a one-year guarantee, promising to restart the search if the selected candidate did not remain in the position for a full year. The second firm, located in Norcross, proposed a total cost of $24,841, which included travel and advertising fees, and provided a more generous two-year guarantee.

As the council deliberated, differing opinions emerged regarding the selection process. Some members advocated for a quicker, informal approach to expedite the hiring, while others stressed the importance of a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure transparency and thoroughness. Councilman Gutierrez and Councilwoman Wells voiced concerns about rushing the decision, emphasizing the significance of the city manager's role and the need for a careful selection process.

Interim City Manager Clemons reassured the council that the procurement division had followed standard practices in soliciting bids, ensuring transparency in the process. However, the debate continued, with some council members expressing a desire to take their time to ensure the best candidate was chosen, regardless of the length of the process.

Ultimately, the council faced a pivotal decision: whether to select one of the two firms presented or to pursue a more formal RFP process that could delay the search. The discussions highlighted the council's commitment to finding a qualified leader for Forest Park, reflecting the community's hopes for a brighter future under new management. As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the matter lingered in the air, leaving residents eager for the next steps in this vital search.