Atlantic Beach approves RFP for city manager search, strips interim manager from shortlist authority

The City Commission approved Resolution 26‑33 on Feb. 23 to issue a request for proposals for executive search firm services to recruit a new city manager. Commissioners and staff debated the RFP timeline, advertising budget and who should be permitted to recommend a shortlist for the commission’s consideration.

During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about the draft language that allowed the interim city manager to submit a recommended shortlist of firms or candidates. Several commissioners said that presenting a shortlist should remain the commission’s prerogative to avoid real or perceived conflicts, because the interim city manager could be a candidate for the permanent job. Commissioner Boyle moved and the body approved an amendment to strike the sentence that allowed the interim city manager to submit a recommended shortlist; the commission retained the requirement that the city commission make the final award.

Bob Blanco, the director of human resources, described procurement timelines and the need to coordinate posting, question-and-answer windows and procurement manager procedures before setting final dates; commissioners agreed the proposal due date should be thirty days from posting. Commissioners asked staff to return with updates on the RFP posting schedule and recommended evaluation criteria.

Next steps: staff will finalize the RFP, coordinate procurement posting and publicize proposal timelines consistent with procurement rules; the commission will receive the proposals and proceed with evaluation and shortlisting under the amended process.