Council directs staff to prepare interim city‑manager contract with assistant city manager; begins search planning
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Summary
Following City Manager Dale Arrington's announcement of his departure, council directed staff to prepare an interim city manager employment agreement with Assistant City Manager Christine Davis and instructed staff to begin preparation to hire an executive search firm for a permanent replacement.
After the city manager announced his planned departure, Orange City Council on Aug. 12 directed staff to prepare a formal interim city manager employment agreement and to begin planning for a permanent city manager search. City Manager Dale Arrington recommended Assistant City Manager Christine Davis as a capable interim leader; council instructed staff to meet with Davis and return an employment agreement for consideration at the next regular meeting.
Arrington outlined options for an interim appointment and for the permanent search: appoint an internal staffer; contract with a range‑rider via ICMA/FCCMA; recruit a retired or former city manager; or use an executive search firm. Arrington said the proposed interim contract template covers duties, compensation, equipment, benefits and provisions for returning the interim to the former position if the council selects a permanent manager.
He described Davis as experienced, well regarded by staff and able to lead daily operations during the transition. Council members debated timing and method. Several members voiced support for naming Davis interim while staff prepares the execution documents and simultaneously starting a procurement process to identify and scope potential executive search firms. One council member urged the council not to rush the permanent search, noting it can take months and costs can range widely depending on scope.
City Attorney William (Bill) Reichman and Arrington reviewed constitutional and code requirements that any candidate for city manager must meet. Staff advised that while an interim can be appointed quickly, a formal employment agreement must be brought back for a vote; the council will take public comment before any contract vote.
What happens next: the city manager and staff will meet with Christine Davis to negotiate an interim employment agreement and will bring a proposed contract to the council at the next meeting. Staff will also prepare a scope and procurement options for an executive search firm and report costs and schedule back to council.