The Sydney City Council voted Dec. 2 to engage an executive search firm to assist in recruiting a new city manager and approved a salary range intended to attract a broad candidate pool.

Jason Pedic, CEO of City Regional Medical Center and a member of the city manager selection committee, reported that committee members reviewed proposals and recommended contracting with GPS. Pedic said the firm's proposal is priced at $22,500 with approximately $12,500 due up front and includes an 18‑month guarantee for placement. The committee recommended the mayor sign the contract.

Council also discussed a recommended salary range to make the position competitive; Pedic said the committee proposed a range roughly between $110,000 and $150,000. Council members asked about timelines and market conditions; Pedic said the timeframe depends on firm engagement and marketing but gave a target of about 14 weeks as an example.

Council moved and voted to use the search firm and adopt the proposed salary range. The motion carried on recorded roll call votes. Further procedural steps will include finalizing the contract signature and working with the firm on job description, marketing and candidate outreach.