PORTLAND – The City Council is expected to hire a consulting team next week to help lead its search for a new city manager.

A council committee interviewed the two finalists for the job Friday and the full council will make a decision at its next meeting, on Wednesday, said Councilor Cheryl Leeman, who is chairing the search committee.

Leeman’s committee is planning the initial stages of the search for a city manager to replace Joe Gray, who retired last week after 10 years on the job.

The committee cut down a list of six companies that submitted proposals, choosing Slavin Management Consultants of Norcross, Ga., and Colin Baenziger & Associates of Wellington, Fla., as the finalists.

Either firm would likely end up charging roughly the same amount. Colin Baenziger’s flat fee for its services is $21,500. Slavin Management said it would charge $14,115, but would have to be reimbursed for travel, office and advertising fees, which would be capped at about $7,800.

The firms also foresee a similar timetable for the search. The one that is chosen would work with the council to develop a list of attributes it wants in a manager, advertise for candidates, narrow down the applicants to a group of finalists, check resumes, contact references and set up interviews with the council.

Slavin Management foresees the process taking 60 to 90 days, which means it should be completed by the end of May. Colin Baenziger is more precise, saying the council could vote on a new manager May 23.

Leeman and Mayor Nick Mavodones both foresee a slightly less aggressive schedule. They have said they would like to see the council offer the job to someone by the end of June and have the new manager in the office in July or August.

The council session to develop a set of manager’s attributes could be interesting, because whoever is hired as manager will be the first in several generations to serve with a full-time mayor.

For the last 88 years, the council has chosen one of its members to serve a year-long term as mayor, with mostly ceremonial duties and few powers beyond chairing council meetings. In November, voters adopted changes recommended by a charter commission, calling for a popularly elected mayor, serving full-time for a four-year term with slightly expanded powers.

Because the mayor’s job will be full-time, it’s likely that the next city manager will work more closely with the mayor. The council may take that into consideration as it discusses the qualities wanted in a new manager.

Staff Writer Edward D. Murphy may be contacted at 791-6465 or at:

emurphy@pressherald.com

 

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