The City of Brentwood hasn't quite found its next city manager despite a thorough search and interviewing three potential candidates. The city's mayor, Mark Gorman, relayed that none of the finalists were considered the right fit and hence the search continues. "We were unable to come to terms with an acceptable candidate, so we are starting over," Gorman told the City of Brentwood Home Page. Applications will be taken till January 10, 2025, as the city seeks to fill the significant role left by the current city manager Kirk Bednar, who is set to retire in February 2025 after over two decades of service.
Bednar's forthcoming retirement was announced earlier this year, prompting the city commission to invest in the services of Government Professional Services (GPS) to help efficiently conduct a national search. More than 40 applicants were distilled down to just three candidates by GPS. The commission hoped to quickly conclude the search but was unable to reach an agreement on employment terms they found suitable. "We were not able to come to terms with an acceptable candidate, and instead of going back through those candidates, we thought we’re going to start over and go through the process again," Gorman explained in his statement obtained by the City of Brentwood.
As part of its revised strategy, GPS is setting its sights specifically on southeastern states in hopes of attracting a more suitable pool of candidates. The position offers a competitive salary range from $225,000 to $275,000 and no longer requires residency within Brentwood's city limits, perhaps aiming to entice prospects with these terms.
The commission's efforts to appoint a new city manager hope to culminate successfully this spring. Yet, as Brentwood remains steadfast in its pursuit of the ideal candidate, it stands as a reminder of the city's commitment to finding a compatible steward for its administration. With the expanded search and modified incentives, the City of Brentwood lays down the groundwork to carefully select a leader who will continue to steer their community forward.
