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Farfetch commission approves search timeline for permanent city manager after debate over timing and interim options
Summary
The Farfetch City Commission voted 5-0 to authorize the HR-recommended recruitment schedule for a permanent city manager while agreeing to adjust interview dates around the August primary; residents urged a temporary hire and raised concerns about salary and turnover.
The Farfetch City Commission on Tuesday authorized the human resources office to begin a city manager recruitment using the firms warranty and outreach plan, voting 5-0 to adopt the schedule presented by the HR director.
The decision authorizes the search firm to deliver five recommended candidates by Aug. 14, hold a city tour and a reception on Aug. 19, conduct one-on-one interviews and a commission interview on Aug. 20, and aim for final selection on Aug. 26 or the following week. "There would be a minimal cost," said Denise Mattson, the citys human resources director, adding the firm estimated about $5,000 for the background process once candidates are identified.
Commissioners debated timing and alternatives. Commissioner Ross said the commission had a previously vetted runner-up, Lee Smith, who remains available and could be considered directly rather than restarting the entire process. "We came up with a number of viable candidates... the number 2 person was Lee Smith, he's still available," Ross said. Other commissioners worried the proposed interview dates coincided with the primary election and offered to move the interview week earlier or later to accommodate schedules.
Several residents urged caution. Sheila Cokie recommended using a consultant or temporary executive to assist with budget planning and succession, saying a short-term hire could provide continuity without committing to a permanent appointment. "We should not ever be crippled by one person's departure for whatever reason," Cokie said. Executive-search professional Jeff Muthersbaugh of Fernandina Beach advised active outreach to "passive candidates" who are not actively looking for jobs and warned that a July 19 candidate-submission target could be ambitious for that recruiting style.
Resident Kim Wolford pressed the commission on cost and turnover, citing what she described as a roughly $225,000 city manager salary and noting the citys unusually high turnover in the post. "This is now our sixth manager in two years," Wolford said, urging caution about high salaries for a small municipality. Commissioner Ross replied that local housing costs and the charters residency requirement factor into compensation levels and that higher pay can be necessary to attract qualified candidates.
After discussion, Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Anton seconded a motion to adopt the HR directors schedule "as outlined," allowing staff to tweak dates for phase 4 (interviews) to avoid election conflicts. The commission took a roll-call vote and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0. The HR director said she will update the candidate brochure with current budget figures provided by a citizens committee member.
The commission closed public comment and indicated it will reconvene as needed to finalize specific interview dates and logistics.
Next steps: staff will work with the search firm to finalize the candidate slate and adjust interview dates to accommodate commissioners availability and election schedules.
