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Commission directs staff to solicit executive-search proposals for permanent city manager
Summary
After brief discussion, commissioners instructed staff to request proposals from executive-search firms; the target to receive replies is Feb. 14 and the commission will review proposals prior to selecting a search consultant.
The City Commission asked staff to solicit proposals from executive-search firms after discussing whether to hire internally or run an open search for the permanent city manager.
Mayor Linkwitz said he told interim managers that "my personal view is that we need to do a search," noting that an open recruitment protects the eventual appointee and demonstrates a transparent process. Several commissioners echoed the point that an open search can confirm whether an internal candidate is the best fit and reassure the public the city considered the full market.
Staff was directed to request proposals from experienced municipal search firms that operate in the Midwest and to return copies of responses to the commission for review. Commissioners asked staff to target a short list of firms (roughly five to ten), to ask firms to identify the services included in their fees (full search vs. limited scope vs. a la carte) and to disclose whether firms represent any individual candidates. The commission asked for proposals to be returned by Feb. 14 so the packet can be reviewed before the Feb. 24 meeting.
Why it matters: The city is moving from an interim city manager toward a permanent appointment following the announced departure of the city manager. Commissioners emphasized both continuity and an open, competitive process.
Next steps: Staff will distribute a request for proposals to search firms, collect responses and present a recommendation to the commission about which firms to interview and the scope of work for the engagement.
