The headhunting firm charged with finding Tallahassee’s new city manager presented city commissioners with an update on the search, reigniting the debate over who should make the final choice – the pre- or post-election board.
Renée Narloch of S. Renée Narloch & Associates spoke to the commission June 10, explaining that the advertisement for the job is posted on her firm’s site and will soon be posted to other sites, including the Florida League of Cities.
“My goal, just so you all know … is to make your decision very, very difficult because you have such good candidates,” Narloch said.
City Manager Reese Goad is remaining at the city’s top post until Sept. 30 or until his successor is appointed, whichever comes first. His retirement comes before a key November election for City Hall, prompting Commissioner Jeremy Matlow to ask Narloch how this might influence candidates who are considering applying.
Matlow is running for mayor, along with three other candidates, to replace outgoing Mayor John E. Dailey. In office since 2018, Dailey decided not to run again.
As well as the mayor’s post, Matlow’s commission seat is up for grabs, with seven candidates. And Dianne Williams-Cox, running for reelection, has four challengers. That means the election could usher in a new majority on the five-member board.
Narloch said many things affect what draws or deters a candidate, and candidates like to know who their bosses are going to be.
At the same time, many people who might eye the job have been in the city government world for many years and worked amid changeover, she said.
“That’s the kind of candidate I actually look for,” she added. “I like to see people who have been able to navigate changes on the board. That tells me they have a certain skill set.”
Getting the commission’s input on the type of candidate they want is a key step as the process begins in the coming days. Narloch said the five-member commission will provide crucial information to help her present a strong slate of candidates.
City Commissioner Jack Porter said she is looking forward to working with Narloch but isn’t comfortable making the final decision before the next city commission is elected into office.
“I think we’re going to struggle,” Porter said. “Like you said, people usually like to know who their boss is going to be. I understand why we’re starting now, but I personally won’t be supporting moving forward before the election.”
To read the want ad, click here.
What’s next?
Candidate screenings, interviews and public records searches, according to the agenda item.
“The consultant’s proposed timeline allows the city to maximize use of the summer season to recruit high quality candidates within a timeframe that coincides with fiscal year-end considerations while granting a predictable schedule for interested candidates,” agenda materials say.
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee city manager search sparks debate