St. Helens council directs LGPS to lead city administrator recruitment

The St. Helens City Council voted to direct the interim city administrator to work with Local Government Personnel Services through the existing intergovernmental agreement with the Lane Council of Governments to perform full recruitment services and a formal compensation study for the city administrator position.

Interim City Administrator Christy Wurster presented three options for the recruitment: an in-house process using HR staff (lowest cost but smaller candidate pool); LGPS, which is moderately priced and includes a compensation study; or an outside professional firm, which offers the broadest national outreach but costs more. Wurster noted a nationwide recruitment could take as little as two months but might extend to 15–16 weeks depending on the route chosen. She told council, "My preference would be that you select the least cost," while also noting that contracted searches bring independent evaluation and confidentiality that can lend legitimacy to the process (Christy Wurster).

Councilors weighed outreach and cost. Wurster said LGPS’s proposal was for $15,784 plus travel reimbursement; outside firm costs ranged from about $16,500 to $28,000 plus travel. Members also compared placement guarantees (GMP offered an 18-month guarantee; Prothman a 12-month guarantee) and whether compensation surveys would be included. One councilor summarized the motion: "I make a motion to direct the interim city administrator to work with Local Government Personnel Services ... to provide full recruitment services and include a formal compensation study" (Councilor).

The motion was seconded and adopted by roll call. Councilors who voted 'aye' included Councilor Sandeep, Councilor Hubbard, Councilor Gunderson and the mayor. Next steps: staff said the recruitment parameters, job description and public input opportunities will return to council before advertisement.