Sarasota commission outlines search process for next city manager, names consultant selection timeline

The Sarasota City Commission on Monday established a two-step framework to recruit its next city manager, directing staff to gather names of consultant candidates, tasking a consultant with vetting search firms, and setting a target to select the consultant at the commission's first meeting in July.

The commission said it would select the consultant itself, then ask the consultant to bring back a short list (three firms was discussed) of executive search firms for the commission to interview. City Auditor and Clerk Griggs and City Attorney Polzak briefed the commission on process options and staff support needed for the recruitment.

The commission paired that process direction with a set of next steps: encouraging current applicants to reapply under the new process, directing staff to compile and present consultant proposals at an open meeting, and scheduling an agenda item for a possible interim appointment on the next Monday meeting if the commission wishes to consider one before the budget season.

Why it matters: Hiring a city manager is a multi-month, policy-heavy process that shapes the city's executive leadership and the implementation of city priorities. Commissioners emphasized transparency and strong candidate criteria while noting the need for staff support from procurement, human resources and finance.

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