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Coalinga, CA – April 5, 2025
By Francisco Ramirez

The Coalinga City Council is weighing a proposal to spend $25,000 on a professional executive recruitment firm to assist in the search for the city’s next permanent City Manager. The idea prompted a lively exchange during the April 3 council meeting, as one resident raised concerns about cost and transparency—while staff and councilmembers emphasized the importance of a thorough, high-quality selection process.

Tanya Stevens, a longtime Coalinga resident, questioned the size of the proposed fee and whether it represented the best use of taxpayer dollars.

“Why are we spending $25,000 when we could just post the job ourselves?” Stevens asked. “This seems excessive when there are other priorities.”

City officials responded by outlining the scope and value of using a third-party executive search firm, explaining that such firms provide more than just job listings—they actively recruit top-level candidates, conduct background checks, and help ensure an impartial and competitive hiring process.

“This isn’t just a matter of posting the job and hoping the right person applies,” explained one city official. “We want someone with the experience, leadership, and long-term vision Coalinga needs. That takes outreach.”

The Need for a Permanent City Manager

Coalinga has been operating under interim leadership since the previous City Manager’s departure. The council expressed a strong desire to fill the position with a qualified, forward-thinking professional who can guide the city through its next phase of growth and stability.

Councilmembers noted that hiring a permanent City Manager is one of the most consequential decisions they will make this year—and one that warrants careful investment.

“If we get this wrong, it could cost the city far more in the long run,” said one councilmember. “Bringing in the right fit now saves us time, turnover, and potential disruptions later.”

Transparency and Public Involvement

While no vote was taken during the meeting, staff assured the public that the recruitment process would be transparent and accountable, with updates provided at key milestones. Council also discussed potentially allowing community involvement in candidate vetting or final interviews.

The proposed $25,000 consultant fee would come from administrative funds already allocated in the city’s personnel budget. Final approval will likely take place during the upcoming budget cycle discussions, expected later this spring.

Should Coalinga hire a recruitment firm for its next City Manager—or handle the process in-house?
Weigh in with your thoughts.