Council discusses town‑manager recruitment, reviews 19 applications and considers a professional search firm

Staff member Rick updated the Town Council on recruitment for a permanent town manager, reporting the current in‑house effort had produced about 19 applications. He said a brochure and posting have been distributed and that applications are available in the town office for council review.

Rick said the town contacted several human‑resources/recruitment firms and that typical fees range from roughly $10,000–$30,000 depending on scope; one firm quoted an hourly flat rate and another indicated a typical recruitment might approach $30,000. He said some firms would not be able to start substantive recruitment activity until November and that a realistic timeline suggests a January start date for a new hire if the town pursues an extensive search.

Nut graf: Council members reviewed the applications and directed staff to continue outreach while considering whether to engage a professional recruitment firm to assist with screening and interview design. Councilors discussed forming smaller interview committees with a mix of council members, department heads and community representatives to help screen and interview finalists.

Councilors who had reviewed applications noted roughly six to eight candidates looked viable for further consideration and urged colleagues to review materials in Stacy’s office. The council asked staff to consider a brief extension to the application deadline (from Oct. 7 to about Oct. 15) to widen the applicant pool; several members noted that extending too long could risk losing early applicants.

Ending: Council gave staff direction to continue recruitment outreach, compile candidate lists for review, and return with a proposed committee and timeframe for interviews. No formal vote was taken.