SAFFORD — The Safford City Council will consider how they want to find the next city manager.
During the council’s regular meeting Monday, the council will be asked if they want to conduct recruitment in-house or use an executive search firm.
Assistant City Manager Eric Bejarano is currently serving as interim city manager following the termination of former City Manager John Cassella last month.
Four firms have submitted proposals to conduct the recruitment and selection of finalists for the City Council to interview, should the council decide to use a firm.
- Cost to retain Slavin Management Consultants, of Georgia, would not exceed $26,685
- Cost to retain Strategic Government Resources, of Texas, would not exceed $28,669
- Cost to retain Colin Baenziger and Associates, of Florida, would be a fixed price of $30,500
- Cost to retain Peckham and McKinney Executive Search, of California, would be $32,000
In addition, the Arizona League of Cities and Towns offers no-cost job postings for member municipalities. The League currently has listed job openings for city manager positions in Goodyear and Park City, Utah; the town manager position in Guadalupe; deputy city manager position in Flagstaff; and the deputy town manager position in Patagonia.
The Safford city manager position is not currently listed; however, other Safford openings are advertised with the League of Cities and Towns, including airport manager, fleet management supervisor, landfill equipment operator and gas system specialist.
On Dec. 8, 2025, the City Council voted 4-3 to terminate City Manager John Cassella without cause. Under Cassella’s contract, approved 4-3 by the Council the previous September, Cassella is to receive a full year’s salary of $190,000 plus a full year of health insurance coverage as severance.
Also at Monday’s meeting, in session open to the public, the City Council will be asked to decide on compensation for Bejarano while he serves as interim city manager; and the council will “receive an update and legal advice regarding a former employee” in closed executive session.
The City Council will meet Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 6 p.m., in the Safford Library’s programming room.
