Forest Park council selects Norcross-based firm for city manager search after debate over RFP

The Forest Park Mayor and Council on Sept. 2 voted to hire a Norcross-based executive recruitment firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new city manager, concluding a multi-week discussion over whether to run a formal request-for-proposals process.

Procurement staff (name not specified) told the council that they solicited proposals from six firms and received submissions from two. One firm, based in Alpharetta, proposed a base fee of about $21,000 (not including travel or advertising costs) and offered a one-year guarantee if the selected candidate left within that time. The second firm, based in Norcross, proposed a not-to-exceed fee of $24,841 that included consultant travel and advertising; that firm offered a two-year placement guarantee, and the city of Stockbridge gave the Norcross firm a positive reference.

Council members debated whether to run a formal RFP — which staff said would typically take 90 to 120 days and require an evaluation committee — or to proceed with an informal solicitation that directly requests quotes from known firms. Councilmember Akins Wells and others urged a formal, transparent solicitation and noted the importance of taking time to find a well-qualified manager; other councilmembers argued the city needs to move forward quickly to fill the position while an interim manager remains in a dual role.

Interim Chief Clemons and other staff described the informal approach as standard practice for some recruitment services and said typical recruitment timelines after contracting run 60 to 90 days. The council ultimately voted to contract with the Norcross firm (referred to in the motion as "Slaton Slaven of Norcross"). The roll call shows Councilmember James, Councilwoman Gunn and Councilman Gutierrez voted "yes," and Councilmember Akins Wells recorded an abstention.

What was approved: The council's motion accepted the recommended Norcross firm to begin recruitment work; staff noted that the governing body would retain final vetting authority for candidate selection, including how many candidates are forwarded to the council and whether community meetings are held.

Funding and timeline: Staff said the recruitment component generally would be procured for amounts under the $50,000 formal-solicitation threshold; specific contract terms, advertising budgets and travel reimbursements were discussed as possible additions to the base fee and were not finalized at the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will negotiate final contract terms and return contract language to the governing body for approval and execution. Councilmembers emphasized that the council — not the firm — will make the final hiring decision and can set the number of finalists and interview procedures.