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.

Process and timeline Commissioners agreed on a two-stage approach: (1) the commission will choose a consultant to advise the process and (2) the consultant will recommend up to three search firms for the commission to review. The commission asked staff to compile names and materials and to present consultant proposals at a public meeting. Vice Mayor and several commissioners suggested placing a placeholder on commission agendas from July forward so the recruitment can proceed quickly if the consultant and firms are ready.

Director of Governmental Affairs Jennifer Jorgensen told the commission that Sarasota's procurement code normally requires competitive procurement but contains an exception for personnel searches, saying "personnel issues are typically exempt from this" and that the exemption gives staff flexibility to move faster than a full competitive solicitation would allow.

Budget and scope Deputy finance staff told commissioners that the previous search firm cost roughly $34,900 to $35,000, and that final costs will depend on the selected consultant and the number of engagement events requested by the commission. Commissioners asked staff to return with proposed budgets and noted a budget amendment would likely be needed once a consultant or search firm and scope had been chosen.

Candidate qualifications and community engagement Commissioners used the public meeting to describe mandatory and highly desirable candidate qualifications they want reflected in the search. Common items raised by commissioners included experience in municipal management, strong fiscal and personnel-management skills, public engagement experience, understanding of coastal-city issues, and ethical leadership.

Several commissioners favored categorizing qualifications as "mandatory" versus "highly desirable" to help shape the recruitment announcement and to guide consultant and search-firm work. The commission agreed the consultant should be asked to help prioritize and refine that list.

Public comment and staff roles A member of the public, Kelly Franklin, urged the commission to hire a manager with humility and the ability to learn from mistakes, saying the most important leadership qualities are "humility and the ability to reflect and learn." City Auditor and Clerk Griggs and City Attorney Polzak emphasized that procurement, HR and finance staff will be engaged to support the process and that the commission should expect staff involvement for background, finance and procurement assistance.

Interim leadership and timing Commissioners discussed whether to keep the current city manager, Jeffcoat, through budget season or to appoint an interim sooner so that person could participate in budget preparation. City Manager Jeffcoat told the commission, "I would stay through September," referencing his willingness to remain through the budget hearings, but he also advised that if the commission wants a new interim manager involved in budget work, the appointment should be made promptly so the interim can participate in budget planning.

Next steps and schedule The commission directed staff to compile consultant names and materials and to present proposals at the July 1 commission meeting, with a tentative placeholder on subsequent July meetings for any review of search firms or Zoom interviews the commission wants. The commission also directed HR to prepare outreach encouraging current applicants to reapply under the revised process.

Votes at a glance A procedural motion to approve the meeting's proposed agenda was moved by Commissioner Batty, seconded by Commissioner Ahern Koch and "passed unanimously," as entered on the record.

Ending Staff said the next formal action will be to present consultant proposals at the July 1 meeting and that additional commission meetings may be scheduled as needed. The commission also agreed to place a discussion of an interim appointment on the upcoming Monday agenda so members can decide whether to name an interim before budget season.