{"id":305432,"date":"2026-06-12T17:29:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T17:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/305432\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T17:29:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T17:29:16","slug":"recruiter-update-revives-clash-over-timing-of-city-manager-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/305432\/","title":{"rendered":"Recruiter update revives clash over timing of city manager appointment"},"content":{"rendered":"

The headhunting firm charged with finding Tallahassee’s new city manager presented city commissioners with an update on the search, reigniting the debate<\/a> over who should make the final choice \u2013 the pre- or post-election board.<\/p>\n

Ren\u00e9e Narloch of S. Ren\u00e9e Narloch & Associates spoke to the commission June 10, explaining that the advertisement for the job is posted on her firm’s site<\/a> and will soon be posted to other sites, including the Florida League of Cities.<\/p>\n

“My goal, just so you all know … is to make your decision very, very difficult because you have such good candidates,” Narloch said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Narloch said many things affect what draws or deters a candidate, and candidates like to know who their bosses are going to be.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

To read the want ad,\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What’s next?<\/p>\n

Candidate screenings, interviews and public records searches, according to the agenda item.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

Elena Barrera can be reached at\u00a0ebarrera@tallahassee.com<\/a>. Follow her on X:\u00a0@elenabarreraaa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee city manager search sparks debate<\/a><\/p>\n