Commission reviews city manager job description; leans toward internal search with external option

The Lynn Haven City Commission reviewed a proposed job description for the open city manager position developed by the HR director and discussed whether to conduct an internal search or hire an external executive search firm. The HR director told commissioners the job description incorporated feedback from one-on-one meetings and recommended posting the position for 30–60 days.

Several commissioners said they liked the draft but asked for additional time to review it and for staff to return the item for formal approval at a subsequent meeting. Commissioner Purnell noted budget constraints and suggested starting with a lower salary band and building up; staff said the draft salary range was included in the job description. Commissioners discussed allocating $50,000 in the budget to allow use of an external firm if needed; staff said advertising and travel budgets for a national search would likely exceed $10,000 and that the current budget draft includes an amount that could pay for an external firm.

The Commission signaled a preference to begin with an internal search and to retain the option of contracting an executive search firm if the internal recruitment did not produce satisfactory candidates. Staff was directed to post the job once the final description is approved and to prepare interview and evaluation processes for the Commission. The item was set to return for formal approval at the September 9 meeting.