San Marcos — A consulting firm hired by the city of San Marcos to conduct a nationwide search for a city manager wrapped up one part of the process last week.
Scott Reilly, vice president of Arcus Public, the recruiting firm hired by the city to conduct the search, held a total of nine sessions with different parts of the community, including business owners and managers, city staff and university officials. He also met with each City Council member individually.
The goal was to gather community input into what kind of criteria and qualifications the next city manager should possess.
“A lot of it just comes down to character,” Reilly said. “In the end, we're matchmakers. I can look at resumes, skill sets and accolades, but the person has got to fit the community.”
He said so far stakeholders are looking for a city manager that is well versed in water rights, economic development, development growth, student issues, strategic planning and regionalism and can lift the morale among city officials.
“After going through all these meetings now and hearing some of the challenges, I think there are some real great opportunities in terms of building relationships with the university, school district and business community,” he said. “I think they are a little fragmented right now.”
Input from the public on Thursday rounded out the last of the sessions.
“You guys are deserving of a city manager that understands how the game is played,” Reilly told the approximately 15 residents in attendance. “That's what we'll be delivering to you - someone that is strong and that helps guide policy makers into a clear vision and execute.”
San Marcos resident Dave Newman said he would like to see City Council hire someone that has handled a larger city.
“I want someone from a bigger city environment, possibly from a city like the type of city we would like to become,” he said.
He also mentioned the Downtown Master Plan.
“That's a pretty prevalent program right now that he or she is going to have to be heavily involved with while protecting the environment,” he said.
San Marcos resident Chris North said she would like to see a city manager that has “a spine”
Local News
February 5, 2008
City manager search: Step one completed
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