Representatives of a Florida-based head-hunting firm hired to help Tacoma find its next city manager presented City Council members Tuesday with a tentative schedule that would have them pick a new chief administrator as early as Dec. 12.
“It’s a fairly aggressive schedule – (but) it’s our typical schedule, frankly,” said Colin Baenziger, principle of Colin Baenziger & Associates of Wellington, Fla.
But several council members wondered Tuesday whether the newly contracted executive search firm’s 84-day schedule might be too aggressive.
“I think it’s extremely aggressive,” said Councilwoman Victoria Woodards. “… This is such an important decision for the community; I want to make sure we get it done right.”
Woodards and others said they want the recruitment schedule to allow for ample public input, as well as to give the council time to conduct reference checks of finalists and mull any final decision, if necessary.
Councilman David Boe also suggested that, with four council seats up for election in November – including one open seat that’s sure to bring a new face to the council – any new members should also be a part of the selection process.
Baenziger noted recent executive searches his firm has led for the cities of Fife and Yakima took longer than his initial schedule.
“The key is making the decision in a way that you and the community are comfortable with,” he said. “If we need to make changes, we’ll make changes.”
With that, the council agreed to work off Baenziger’s tentative schedule, leaving open the possibility for pushing back a final decision until January.
Baenziger’s firm began its work Monday, after beating out nine other bidders for the contract to lead the nationwide search for Tacoma’s new chief executive.
Under the contract, Baenziger – a former local government administrator – will be paid up to $22,500.
In all, bids for the job ranged from $18,000 (plus up to $6,000 in expenses) to $37,500. Firms from seven different states – including two in Washington – submitted bids.
City officials picked Baenziger’s firm based partly on price, but also on criteria that included past recruitment success and proven ability to deliver on a schedule.
Other recent cities that have used Baenziger’s firm include Portland, Maine, and Greensboro, N.C.
“These are two very experienced people that have helped to hire candidates all over the country,” Councilwoman Lauren Walker said of Baenziger and his assistant, former Richland City Manager John Darrington.
The firm is now interviewing the council, city staff and other stakeholders to help draft a formal job announcement, expected to be posted by Oct. 1.
With Tacoma ranking as the 100th largest city in the nation, Baenziger expects the job opening will draw 80 to 150 applicants.
“There’ll be strong interest,” he said. “This is the kind of job that’s a capstone to a career.”
Baenziger said he’ll whittle the pool to about 15 to 18 qualified candidates before conducting more intensive background searches and interviews.
“Normally, we’ll recommend about eight candidates and then let the (city) council decide from there,” he said.
The council is expected to bring three to six candidates in for final interviews. The process likely will include the council drawing input from various community groups, business interests and citizens, as well as a public reception with finalists in December.
The city is searching for a new chief administrator after the council fired former City Manager Eric Anderson in July, and named his deputy, Rey Arellano, as interim city manager. Arellano said last week he intends to apply for the permanent job.
Lewis Kamb: 253-597-8542 lewis.kamb@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/politics Twitter: @lewiskamb
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.