Council authorizes funding transfer for interim town manager and schedules contractor presentation

The Percival Town Council voted to authorize the director of finance to transfer funds from vacant positions to continue funding the interim town manager through Aug. 14, 2026, and directed staff to bring the contracted firm and its interim candidate to the July 14 meeting for council consideration.

Staff explained that the current arrangement is a part-time assignment (24 hours per week) funded from existing vacancies, and that design and funding timing required splitting costs across FY26 and FY27; staff confirmed there is an executed employment agreement with an end date in mid-August. Council members expressed concern about the hiring process used earlier for the current interim and sought transparency. Council member Stout proposed — and the council accepted — a friendly amendment directing staff to have the contracted executive-search firm present a vetted interim candidate to council at the July 14 meeting so council could interview (in closed session if desired) before any permanent appointment.

Council and counsel discussed residency and term limits: counsel noted a nonresident interim could serve for up to 90 days; the town could use the contracted firm to source additional candidates after that period if needed. Several members asked staff to provide recommendations from other towns that have used the firm and a recommended transition timeline so the council can vote with clear dates on assignments and roles.