Oakdale council authorizes executive recruitment firm for city manager search at up to $33,000

The Oakdale City Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with Bob Murray and Associates to conduct an external recruitment for a permanent city manager, approving an amount not to exceed $33,000 from fund 110 for the services.

City staff reported that four proposals were received and evaluated on experience with municipal city-manager searches, project approach, cost-effectiveness and fit for Oakdale. Staff recommended Bob Murray and Associates based on their experience, structured recruitment process and network. The $33,000 cap covers brochure design and printing, advertising on multiple platforms, background checks for up to three finalists, travel expenses and related recruitment costs. Funds will come from fund 110 (contract services).

Staff and members of the public asked questions about background checks and the recruitment process. Staff confirmed that recruiters normally include travel expenses in their cost estimates and that recruiters will perform an initial screening and phone interviews, typically recommending six to eight candidates for in-person interviews before council screening and selection. The firm will provide comprehensive candidate reports to council members, including background-check findings. Background checks will include criminal-history searches, and staff said they typically include Department of Justice checks and review of social media for final candidates. The firm will screen broadly; internal applicants from the city may also apply.

The council voted to approve the recruitment contract; the roll call recorded a 5–0 vote in favor. Staff said the city will receive the recruiters' candidate matrix and recommended interview questions as part of the service.

Less-critical details: staff noted the recruitment firm’s network and web presence increases candidate exposure and that the firm assists with interview-question preparation.