Oakdale council approves up to $33,000 contract with executive recruiter for city manager search

The Oakdale City Council on March 17 authorized staff to enter an agreement with Bob Murray & Associates to conduct an external recruitment for a permanent city manager, at a cost not to exceed $33,000.

Patrick (city staff) explained the city received four proposals and used criteria including experience with municipal city-manager searches, the full range of recruitment services offered, project approach, and cost-effectiveness. Staff selected Bob Murray & Associates for their advertised reach, structured recruitment processes and tailored outreach. Patrick told the council the $33,000 maximum includes brochure design and printing, mailings, advertising on multiple platforms, travel expenses and background checks for up to three finalists. Funds are available in the city’s contract-services fund (fund 110).

Council members asked for details about the background checks and how candidates would be narrowed. Patrick said the consultant typically conducts an initial screening and recommends six to eight candidates for interviews; council members or the council will then narrow to up to three finalists for comprehensive background checks. Patrick described the background checks as “fairly thorough” and said the vendor conducts criminal-history checks (including Department of Justice checks where appropriate) and customary searches for fraud, bankruptcy and other issues; the recruiter also typically reviews social-media posts for finalists as part of a comprehensive report provided to council members.

A council member asked whether the city could save money by handling the recruitment in-house; staff said the city could advertise through standard channels but that the consultant’s value is its extended network and targeted outreach to senior local-government candidates.

A motion to enter the agreement with Bob Murray & Associates for recruitment services not to exceed $33,000 passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote.