ATWATER -- City Manager Kathy Kivley endured another performance evaluation during a special City Council meeting Wednesday, but no reportable action was taken.
Because the performance review was held in closed session, city officials declined to comment on it, or why there have been several evaluations on Kivley since she was unanimously selected for her job by the council in April 2011.
Kivley has more than 30 years of experience in local government. Before she was appointed as Atwater's city manager, she worked as the assistant city manager of Delano in Kern County.
Kivley's base salary is $134,000 a year, according to her employment agreement.
During open session, the council selected a consultant to complete a financial assessment report for the city.
Municipal Resource Group, a consulting firm based in Danville, was chosen by the council on a 4-1 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Joe Rivero voted against the item.
Councilman Jeff Rivero said the city wants more thorough numbers as the budget is considered.
The consultant is expected to find areas in which money can be saved to help balance the budget, he said, adding that he'll feel more comfortable with projected budget numbers after the firm completes its report.
"There are a lot of questions that council has, so it'll be good for these guys to come in and answer them and give us some very accurate numbers," Jeff Rivero said.
City management will negotiate a contract with the firm. A representative from Municipal Resource was at Wednesday's meeting and said once the project starts, it could take three or four weeks before the organization has information to report back.
City officials expect the assessment to cost about $20,000.
Mike Oliver, managing consultant with Municipal Resource, described his group as "hands-on" and said his firm recently helped the city of Hercules institute some "dramatic changes" to add return financial credibility to the municipality.
Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsunstar.com.
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