SAFFORD — The Safford City Council decided to save some money when it comes to finding a permanent city manager.
The council voted unanimously Monday to use the city’s Human Resources Department to handle the recruitment process for hiring of a new manager, rather than contract with an outside search firm. Four firms had proposed conducting the search for costs ranging from $26,000 to $32,000.
“I think you have that capacity within your department; I think you can handle it,” Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
City Attorney Bill Simms suggested the city limit its pool of candidates to those from Arizona with municipal experience, so the candidates will be familiar Arizona laws as pertains to cities. He also said the city can post the job opening with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, which is no cost to the city.
The position of city manager came open following the City Council’s 4-3 decision on Dec. 8 to terminate without cause former City Manager John Cassella. At that same time, the council appointed Assistant City Manager Eric Bejarano to serve as interim city manager.
During Monday’s meeting four members of the public spoke in favor of hiring Bejarano as the permanent city manager and forgoing a recruitment process.
Following discussion in an executive session closed to the public, the City Council voted unanimously in open session to increase Bejarano’s salary to $168,000 per year and guarantee his position as assistant city manager in the event someone other than Bejarano is selected as the permanent city manager.
