Parlier council directs staff to hire outside recruiter for city manager search

The Parlier City Council voted 5–0 on May 2 to direct staff to solicit proposals from outside recruitment firms to lead a search for a permanent city manager. Mayor Pro Tem Sabrina Rodriguez moved the directive; it was seconded and carried unanimously.

Mayor Beltran explained the rationale before the vote, saying the city currently does not have a city manager and that the council should "hire an agency that can hire a, experienced, qualified...city manager" who can perform the full duties of the office rather than relying on an interim arrangement where the police chief fills both roles. Council members spoke in favor of a competitive search and of finding a candidate who fits the city’s team and direction.

Council asked staff (Bertha) to compile a list of recruitment firms, their proposed charges and services. The directive was described as a first step; staff will return with candidate timelines, costs and firm comparisons for council consideration.

The motion carried 5–0. Mayor Pro Tem Sabrina Rodriguez was recorded as the motion’s mover; the motion was seconded by a councilmember identified in the record as Santiago. No firm was selected at the meeting, and no timeline or contract amount was adopted; those details remain to be presented in a future meeting.