Forest Park OKs Sumter Consulting to run nationwide search for new city manager

Forest Park — The Forest Park City Council voted Dec. 15 to approve a contract with Sumter Local Government Consulting to lead a nationwide search for a new city manager.

The council's action followed a brief presentation from Warren Hutmacher of Sumter Local Government Consulting, who introduced himself as a former city manager in several area municipalities and said, "We've been in business since 2021 and done a number of city manager searches, and we'd be delighted to work with the city of Forest Park." Councilwoman James moved to approve the contract; Councilman Gutierrez seconded, and a roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from Mayor Butler and all present council members.

Why it matters: The search initiates the formal process to identify and vet candidates to fill the city manager role. Council approval authorizes staff to finalize and execute the contract and begin the nationwide recruitment steps laid out by the firm.

Details: The contract approval was routine in form and followed a short Q&A with council members; no amendments to the scope of work were made during the meeting. The recruitment firm said it has completed similar searches for neighboring jurisdictions.

What happens next: With the contract authorized, Sumter Consulting will begin outreach and candidate solicitation as described in its presentation. The council did not set a public timeline during the meeting; staff will coordinate next steps under the terms of the contract.

The council moved from the work session into the regular meeting where the vote was recorded.