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Residents press for transparency after pause in Columbus city-manager search; mayor says process paused pending finalists
Summary
Public commenters and some councilors questioned a pause in the city's search for a new city manager and requested disclosure of finalists and contract details paid to the search firm. Mayor and staff said the pause reflects lack of a recommended finalist and sensitivity to candidate confidentiality.
The city-manager search and its temporary pause drew pointed public scrutiny during the Dec. 9 council meeting.
Steve Kelly, an attendee, told council the Mercer Group search contract showed at least $19,500 in base fees and questioned why the process was paused after finalists were reportedly identified. He cited state law (OCGA 50‑18‑72(a)(11)) that allows early-stage confidentiality for applicants but requires disclosure once a search firm identifies three or more finalists. Kelly said the public was entitled to know whether finalists had been identified and urged the city to explain what happened to the work already paid for.
Mayor Skip Henderson responded in open session that the administration paused the public advertisement because the search did not yet produce a finalist to recommend to council. He said the pause was recommended for 90–120 days to let 'swelling go down' during the holidays and to avoid confusing applicants with repeat recruitment notices, and he denied that the pause was timed for political advantage; he said the administration would continue seeking candidates and that deputy city managers are providing interim leadership.
Several public speakers also suggested the deputy city managers should receive compensation for carrying additional duties during a prolonged pause. Council members said the administration had briefed them and that additional public explanation could be scheduled, but they differed on whether names of finalists should be disclosed at this stage.
The exchange prompted requests from members of the public for the city to provide the Mercer Group contract and related documentation to satisfy transparency concerns; councilors suggested staff could supply more information in follow-up briefings while balancing confidentiality for prospective applicants.
