Pacific Grove approves $38,500 recruiter, forms two-member subcommittee to help fill city manager role

The Pacific Grove City Council on July 15 authorized an agreement with Bob Murray & Associates for executive recruitment services in an amount not to exceed $38,500 and voted to create a two-member subcommittee to advise on appointment of an interim city manager.

The contract was described by staff as within the city manager's spending authority and recommended because the firm successfully assisted the city in a prior recruitment. "The amount of the contract is 38,500, which is within the city manager's spending authority," staff said in the briefing.

Supporters on council pointed to the recruiter's prior work and the firm’s one-year guarantee; opponents and members of the public urged more local involvement and stronger contract accountability. Resident Chris Landstrom questioned the cost and suggested the California City Managers Foundation job board as a lower-cost recruitment alternative. "I think there's a much better, more cost effective way to do this," Landstrom said, urging public oversight of hiring contracts.

Community volunteers and residents also asked the council to require an accounting of the recruiter's time and proposed contract language to protect the city if a placed candidate departs quickly. Mike Gibbs asked that the council obtain a breakdown of how the recruitment firm spends its time and consider incentives tied to retention.

Council discussion emphasized efficiency and the benefits of a consultant for a small staff. Councilmember Rowe said the firm’s prior work and knowledge of the community would help find a good candidate; Councilmember Garfield described the fee as a reasonable market rate compared with private-sector recruiting costs.

On a related item the council approved forming a subcommittee to advise on selection of an interim city manager so the recruitment can proceed quickly between full council meetings. The council said the subcommittee is a liaison role and that all final candidate decisions will be made by the full council. The council named the mayor and Councilmember Garfield as the initial subcommittee and approved the recommendation on a 5-0 voice vote.

The mayor said the council can expand the subcommittee later if members request it and that the full council will vote on any final candidate brought forward. "The candidate's gonna be voted on by the whole council," staff reiterated during discussion.

What happens next: staff will execute the recruitment agreement, the named subcommittee will coordinate with the recruiter on interim staffing needs, and the council said it will return materials to the full body for final decisions on any candidate.