Bay City hires top‑scoring firm to run city manager search after evening of presentations

The Bay City City Commission on Feb. 23 selected the top‑scoring executive‑search firm to lead its recruitment for a new city manager, following a series of timed presentations and a public comment period.

Commissioners interviewed multiple firms during a special meeting called for that purpose and used a pre‑circulated score sheet that weights five question categories equally. After tabulation, the commission announced the top three scorers and, on a motion to hire the top scorer that was seconded and put to roll call, voted to approve the contract; the clerk announced a nine‑vote affirmative tally and the mayor declared the motion passed.

Why it mattered

The city convened the special session because the incumbent city manager is departing and commissioners wanted to award a search contract quickly. Commissioners told presenters the commission expected a focused interview (roughly 20 minutes each) and that tabulated scores would drive a shortlist. The selection sets the vendor that will craft the recruitment brochure, lead stakeholder intake sessions and run candidate outreach—steps that determine who applies and how soon the city can fill the post.

What the firms proposed

Presenters described broadly similar retained‑search processes — stakeholder intake, active outreach to passive and active candidates (often via LinkedIn and professional networks), multi‑stage vetting, public interviews for finalists and post‑hire onboarding support — but they emphasized different strengths. The Head Hunters (Bill Wodneski) stressed direct sourcing and said his team “use[s] the latest tools in social media and artificial intelligence to identify the candidates” and then screens down to qualified applicants. Yo and Yo (Amy Sell) described a Michigan‑focused recruiting team and said the firm aims to “find 7 to 10 highly qualified candidates” for the hiring body to consider. Betraya Consulting (presenter listed in the packet) disclosed a professional fee of $15,500 lump sum plus reimbursable advertising costs and highlighted a 12‑month placement guarantee. Other vendors (Capital Solutions/MGT, Strategic Government Resources, SGR, CPS HR and others) detailed comparable outreach strategies, guaranteed placement windows, and differing timelines, typically ranging from about 90 to 120 days from kickoff to offer depending on responsiveness and calendar constraints.

Public comment and conflict‑of‑interest concern

During the public‑comment period resident Jeff Reed urged commissioners to avoid firms that have business ties to the Bay City Bridge Partners, saying the commission should ensure any selected consultant is not “in bed with the Bay City Bridge partners.” The record does not show an on‑the‑spot response from the vendor candidates; commissioners and staff moved forward with tabulation and the public comment was part of the record for consideration.

Vote and next steps

After staff tabulated interview scores, the commission’s mover and seconder put a hiring motion on the floor and commissioners approved the selection by roll call (the chair announced nine yes votes). Following the vote, commissioners instructed staff to contact the selected firm and begin Phase 1 (stakeholder intake and kickoff), noting the city aims to move as promptly as feasible to post the vacancy and begin recruitment activities.

What remains unresolved

The firm name as announced in the voting record contains slight inconsistencies in transcription (appearing variously as Vetrano, Veltrino, Trino or Petrino Consulting). The commission recorded the chosen vendor by the name given in its score sheet and administrative announcement; city staff were directed to confirm contract details and notify the selected firm. Commissioners also did not announce a final not‑to‑exceed contract amount in the public record during the meeting; any final price and the contract terms will be set out in procurement documents and communications that follow the award.

The commission adjourned after the vote. Staff said they would reach out to the firm promptly and that the city expects to begin the recruitment process with stakeholder alignment meetings and a posting schedule.