Council reviews city-attorney search proposals; staff to negotiate with top firms

Human Resources Director Marlon Scott presented four finalist executive-search firms being considered to conduct the city-attorney recruitment.

Scott summarized the proposals and fees: Slavin (flat fee ~$16,445 plus estimated expenses), Mercer Group (flat fee $24,000 plus $6,000 expenses), S. Renee/Nalock & Associates ($26,500 plus expenses) and Sumter Local Government Consulting ($21,000; expenses not specified). He said the firms use similar processes (council interviews to develop a profile, outreach, screening, shortlist and interviews) and estimated placement timelines of 60 to 90 days.

Council members discussed the firms' municipal experience and asked staff to check references (notably for firms that had placed city attorneys for nearby municipalities). Several members said Mercer was a preferred choice because the city had past experience with them; others recommended following up locally to vet S. Renee/Nalock's city-attorney placements. Staff was authorized to continue negotiating cost and scope with top candidates and return with final contract terms for council consideration.

No formal contract was awarded at the workshop; staff will return with negotiated costs and recommended firm selection.