Merced expects to name city manager soon, city leaders say

The Merced City Council conducted a second round of interviews with city manager candidates this week after paring the list down to three finalists, according to city leaders.

The council came to an agreement on its top choice, although members remain mum on who it is until after background checks are complete. “Nothing is done until everybody inks the contract,” Merced spokesman Mike Conway said.

After interviewing six candidates Saturday, the council identified three for a second interview, which the council held Thursday night.

Consulting firm Bob Murray and Associates has overseen much of the process, including helping to recruit candidates and collecting community input through a public forum last week.

Councilman Kevin Blake said all three candidates were “very qualified,” but the council came to an agreement that one was the best fit. He said the forum from the community was helpful in making the decision.

“It really gave us a peek inside of what the community at large wants,” he said.

Issues surrounding homelessness, gun violence and economic development were common concerns during that forum. Residents said they also wanted someone who is “approachable.”

The council also asked the city’s department heads to meet with the three candidates for a question-and-answer session, Blake said. The department heads were asked for their opinions about each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.

City leaders say there is no plan to allow representatives of community groups to be involved with interviews, which are now complete. The council entertained the idea briefly, but decided against it, saying it could jeopardize the jobs of the unsuccessful candidates.

Mayor Stan Thurston said he believes the community will like the choice, assuming all of the background checks clear.

He, too, applauded the community forum for gathering input. “I think it had a very positive impact,” he said. “The person we chose fit the requests of the public very nicely. I think they’ll be very happy.”

Conway said it is likely the next city manager’s name will be made public the first week of December. The name would have to appear on the agenda of the regular council meeting for approval, which must be made public at least three days before the vote under Brown Act rules.

City Manager John Bramble has said he will retire after Dec. 5, but the city expects to contract with him on a temporary basis until the next administrator can move into the job. He makes $175,086 a year.

The city is working with the same consulting firm to hire the next city attorney, because Randolph Hom intends to leave Merced after Dec. 20 for a similar position in Cupertino.

Blake said now is an exciting time for Mercedians. “We’re getting off to a fresh start in Merced with hiring two new charter officers,” he said. “I do think it’s probably the most important decision that I’ve been a part of since I’ve been on the council.”

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 6:15 PM with the headline "Merced expects to name city manager soon, city leaders say."