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Council to interview prior finalist for city manager; formal search tabled while interim manager serves
Summary
Council agreed to invite Don King, a previous finalist, for an interview and tabled hiring a search firm immediately; members said they want time to see how Interim City Manager Andrew Butterfield performs before committing to an outside search.
The Port Richey City Council agreed to interview a previously considered finalist—retired colonel Don King—rather than immediately engaging a paid executive search firm, and the council tabled authorizing a full search pending the outcome of that interview and additional time for the interim manager to lead.
City Manager Andrew Butterfield briefed council on the four proposals the city had received from executive search firms and reminded members the city previously paid about $30,000 to hire a firm when it recruited the prior manager. Butterfield also reported that Don King, a finalist during the earlier recruitment, is back on the market and indicated he is available and interested in a conversation with the council.
Several council members favored meeting King before spending funds on a new nationwide search. They noted the prior recruitment process had already vetted King and that a short interview would be an efficient, low‑cost next step. Council members also emphasized the need to give Interim City Manager Andrew Butterfield time to demonstrate his approach and results; they discussed a schedule that would allow both an interview with King and time for the interim manager to establish a track record.
Action and next steps: Council directed staff to arrange a public, noticed interview with Don King within the next 7–10 days (special meeting or added agenda item), following applicable public‑meeting rules; councilors agreed to hold separate short interview slots. The council voted to table immediate engagement of a search firm and to review options after the interview and an interim evaluation period.
Why it matters: Hiring a city manager is a long‑term choice that shapes municipal operations, budget priorities and development strategy. Council decided to use the previously vetted candidate pool as an immediate, cost‑effective step while preserving the option of a broader search later.
