Gunter council debates search strategy for city manager, sets $160,000 not-to-exceed salary

Council members traded competing approaches to filling the city manager role during a long discussion recognizing the 60-day statutory window to appoint someone after the election. Options on the table included appointing an interim from existing staff, continuing the current applicant interviews, or retaining an executive-search firm to widen the candidate pool.

Several council members argued an interim manager could be appointed quickly from existing staff to meet timelines and maintain continuity. Others preferred a headhunting approach to attract candidates with the experience a rapidly-growing city may require. Concerns included the sufficiency of current applicants, the time required to complete a robust search and the cost of a professional recruiting firm.

Council took a formal step to set a not-to-exceed salary cap at $160,000 for the city manager offer during recruitment; members said the cap could be revisited if an exceptional candidate surfaced but emphasized public notice and transparency before increasing compensation. The council also scheduled meet-and-greet and interview time slots for current applicants and discussed the format for citizen-facing interviews and executive-session follow-ups.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the interview timeline, coordinate citizen meet-and-greet events for candidates, and return with recommended processes for whether and when to engage a search firm or appoint an interim manager.