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Sarasota commission makes conditional offer to Carrie Freiling for city manager; authorizes contract negotiations
Summary
The Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously Feb. 27 to make a conditional offer to Carrie Freiling as its next city manager and authorized the city attorney to negotiate an employment agreement; commissioners cited fit, community feedback and staff support. They also approved an interim appointment during the transition.
The Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously Feb. 27 to make a conditional offer to Carrie Freiling as the city’s next city manager and authorized the city attorney to negotiate contract terms to return for formal approval.
The vice mayor, who moved the motion, said Freiling "was the common thread among all of us" and urged the commission to "why waste any more time?" The motion was seconded and commissioners spoke in favor, citing Freiling’s engagement with the community, specific answers during interviews and her technical credentials.
Commissioners described fit with staff and the commission as decisive. Commissioner Alpert said Freiling had done homework tied to Sarasota and "would create good community relations" and be effective with staff. Multiple commissioners said they had shifted their rankings during a week of one-on-one meetings, a community session and in-person interviews and that Freiling had repeatedly emerged as a top choice.
The commission also voted to authorize the city attorney to work directly with the candidate to negotiate an employment agreement, including compensation and standard terms, and to return the negotiated agreement to the commission for formal approval.
Mayor and commissioners emphasized that the action was a conditional offer — the background-check elements and final contract remain to be completed. Recruiters and staff said they would finish outstanding background checks and work with legal staff to finalize terms.
The vote was unanimous. After the selection motion passed, the commission moved to the next agenda item, approving an interim city manager while the permanent manager’s start date is set.
What happens next: the city attorney will negotiate the employment agreement with Freiling and present it to the commission for final approval. Staff said remaining vetting steps, including background checks, will be completed before the contract is finalized.
