Sedgwick County leaders are starting the search for county manager.
Assistant County Manager Ron Holt said the county is drafting a Request for Proposal to find an executive search firm. The firm would recruit for the county’s top staff job.
However, at a staff meeting this week, county commissioners expressed their concerns for the types of firm and candidates selected.
County Commissioner Richard Ranzau said the language of a current proposal would limit candidates. The group appeared divided.
“There’s a big emphasis here on public stuff, and I think we need to take that out to open it up equally to the private sector,” Ranzau said.
“I’ve seen folks on the private side that have run businesses in the ground, that have done terrible things to companies,” responded County Commissioner Tim Norton.
Holt said the county seeks the best person for the job. Though an applicant with county-government experience is preferred, they would consider a person with private-sector experience too. The county expects the same with the firm it will hire early next year.
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE
As for the candidate, here are some expectations proposed this week by commissioners. A person with:
– An accreditation from the International City/County Management Association is preferred
– A master’s degree in a management or business-related field
– 10 years of administrative experience and/or
– Business experience
POTENTIAL COSTS FOR THE SEARCH
Because the proposal has not been approved, Holt said they do not have a budget set. However, a recent job search for a Human Resources Director cost the county $23,276.91. According to county staff, the county contracted with Bob Murray & Associates in Roseville, Calif. The costs include professional services and reimbursable expenses such as airfare, advertising and lodging.
It may take a firm six months to find a candidate for the job. Ideally, the person would be hired by the time Sedgwick County Manager Bill Buchanan. He’s served the community for 24 years. Buchanan’s last day is June 15, 2015.