$250,000 for city manager search

By RICHARD D. OXLEY
Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
February 9, 2012 · Updated 4:00 PM 

Council formed an ad hoc committee at their Wednesday meeting that is charged with determining the parameters to search for a new city manager.

The committee consisting of Council Members Ann Blair, Steve Bonkowski and David Ward will be responsible for coming up with a process and budget for the search.

All three members have had prior experience from their careers and work on community boards in filling executive positions.

Council Member Bob Scales came out early in the discussion with concerns on how council was going to pay for the search noting that a search firm is just one expense they will have to incur. He noted other possible expenses such as flying applicants to the island to interview for the position, relocation costs and more.

Scales estimated that the costs could range up to $250,000 to search for, and hire, a new city manager. Council unanimously passed a motion to take $250,000 from the contingency fund to put towards the search’s expenses.

“If we are going to do this, let’s do this right and not skimp on resources,” Scales said. “It is as important who you choose as a headhunter as is the person you choose as a manager.”

 

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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