Palm Coast council ends SGR search, pauses outside city manager hunt after candidate withdrawals

Palm Coast City Council voted unanimously May 6 to terminate its contract with executive search firm SGR and to pause the external city manager search after both remaining finalists withdrew. The council later approved reopening an internal search and keeping it open for 90 days, with weekly applicant updates to the full council.

The moves came after a contentious selection process in which two finalists — identified in council discussion as Rich Huff and another candidate — withdrew from consideration amid disagreement over how staff and the consultant handled next steps. Council members raised procedural concerns about whether the recruitment pauses and staff directions had been authorized by the full council.

The council, led by Mayor Mike Norris, said the city paid about $17,601.50 to date for the search process and questioned whether pauses and communications with candidates were handled in a way that discouraged applicants. “We paid $17,000 … and we all agreed going forward that those two men were the most qualified,” Norris said during the meeting, adding he wanted clarity about direction given to candidates and staff.

Vice Mayor Francesca Pontieri and other council members said the controversy and intense coverage had likely driven other candidates away. “We are not going to get the best candidates possible right now,” Pontieri said, arguing for a short pause to let public attention subside. The council ultimately voted 5–0 to end the SGR contract and separately voted 5–0 to reopen an internal search for 90 days with a directive that human resources post the position and provide weekly, end‑of‑week updates to the council on applicants.

Council members also discussed alternatives to hiring another search firm, including using traditional recruitment channels (LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster) and professional resources such as ICMA. Several council members said they would not rehire SGR for a future search and that any future approach should prioritize transparency and internal capability.

The council debated whether to appoint an acting manager permanently; multiple council members said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnson had performed well, but expressed reluctance to make a long‑term appointment amid the political controversy. The council did not make any permanent manager appointment on May 6.

The council also directed staff to research the city’s total past payments to SGR and to provide the council with options for conducting the search internally or through other resources. The 90‑day internal posting may be amended following a council workshop to confirm candidate qualifications and selection criteria.