Search Firm Hired to Recruit City Manager
Launching the hunt for a new city manager, City Council members on Monday unanimously agreed to tap a Northern California executive search firm to recruit candidates.
Hughes, Perry & Associates of Sea Ranch will look nationwide to find a replacement for Tom Frutchey, who was fired five months ago. The firm will be paid $15,500 to come up with a list of 20 to 30 candidates.
Richard Perry, the company’s representative, said he expects the search to take three or four months.
The headhunting firm promised to do everything from hold a community meeting on the vacant post to negotiate the new city manager’s salary.
Councilman John Zaragoza recommended the firm to other council members, saying it had done a good job in recruiting Bill Smith, general manager for the Ventura Regional Sanitation District. Zaragoza sits on that agency’s board of directors.
“I’ve personally had the opportunity of working with them,” Zaragoza said. “Their fees are very reasonable.”
Officials said the firm’s selection does not preclude current city employees from applying. Police Chief Harold Hurtt, interim City Manager Prisilla Hernandez and Community Services Director Matt Winegar have expressed interest in the post.
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