Council declines outside consultant for city manager review; process to default to prior in‑house approach

The Gastonia City Council on Oct. 7 considered proposals from two firms to facilitate a performance review of the city manager but did not authorize hiring a consultant. The decision leaves the performance review to the city’s existing internal process unless the council later agrees to contract an outside evaluator.

Council members received two written proposals, one from Baker Tilly and one from Developmental Associates. Councilwoman Barber and others said the existing process — which has staff support but council‑driven evaluation — is awkward when staff facilitate a review of their own manager and that an outside facilitator could add neutrality and structure. Councilman Gallagher said, “I think we can learn a lot from this new process,” and advocated for an outside facilitator.

Supporters of hiring Developmental Associates noted the firm’s regional experience with local governments and the consultant’s proposal to gather feedback not only from council but from the manager’s direct reports and other stakeholders. Opponents raised timing and budget concerns; one council member said that because the city’s budget season and calendar make contracting now difficult, doing the review in‑house would be preferable at this time.

A motion to hire Developmental Associates failed after a recorded vote. Council members did not approve the outside contract and no substitute motion to adopt a consultant‑led approach passed that evening. City staff pointed out the municipal contract language requiring an annual performance review; council members agreed the review must occur but left its format to the existing internal practice for the current cycle. Several council members asked staff to supply evaluation forms and timelines so the council can complete the review in the near term.

The council’s discussion highlighted differing views about frequency and format: some members supported a periodic outside facilitated review (every 3–5 years) while others prefer an internal rubric and direct council responsibility. Staff will prepare evaluation forms and proposed scheduling to complete the current-year review under the council’s chosen process.