News Summary
North Myrtle Beach is searching for a new city manager following the ousting of Mike Mahaney, who served for 14 years. The city council allocated $34,500 to assist in this process. The search will be conducted in five phases, focusing on evaluating the city’s needs, recruiting candidates, and conducting interviews. Mayor Marilyn Hatley emphasized the importance of finding a leader with experience relevant to coastal city challenges. With a timeframe of 90 to 120 days for completion, the council and Colin Baenziger & Associates aim to ensure a seamless transition as the city looks toward the future.
North Myrtle Beach on the Hunt for a New City Manager
North Myrtle Beach is currently navigating through a significant transition as the city takes steps toward finding a new city manager after the recent ousting of Mike Mahaney. This decision, which unfolded more than three months ago, has been a hot topic in the community.
The Search Process Begins
Just recently, the city council gathered for a special meeting on February 6. During this meeting, the council made a crucial decision: they voted to allocate $34,500 for the help of Colin Baenziger & Associates (CB&A) in their search for a new city manager. This firm isn’t new to North Myrtle Beach, as they previously assisted in bringing on the interim city manager, Ryan Fabbri.
The search for the new city manager is set to unfold in five structured phases. These phases include: assessing the needs of the city, gathering information, recruiting candidates, conducting background checks, facilitating interviews, and finally, negotiating contracts with successful candidates. This thorough approach is aimed at ensuring that the right person steps into this key role.
Understanding the City Manager’s Role
The city manager plays a vital role in North Myrtle Beach, heading all city departments and overseeing important tasks and projects. Previously, Mike Mahaney held this position for an impressive 14 years and was responsible for managing around $80 million in grants during his tenure.
However, Mahaney’s time came to an abrupt end when the city council voted 5-2 to remove him for cause. The specific reason behind this decision was Mahaney’s failure to hire a grants manager—a role deemed crucial for the city’s future funding opportunities. Although he planned to appeal this dismissal, he signed a nondisclosure agreement and completed a legal waiver, effectively sealing his exit.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, the city is on a timeline to fill this essential position within 90 to 120 days. There is a clear deadline for completing the hiring process within 130 days once the city issues a notice to proceed. This urgency indicates how crucial it is for North Myrtle Beach to maintain stability and forward momentum, especially on coastal issues which require particular attention and expertise. Mayor Marilyn Hatley has emphasized the need for a city manager to possess relevant experience and familiarity with challenges unique to coastal cities and the Army Corps of Engineers.
A Glimpse into CB&A’s Experience
Colin Baenziger, the head of CB&A, boasts over 26 years of experience in executive recruiting, complemented by a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University. His firm aims to find a highly qualified candidate suitable for managing a city like North Myrtle Beach, which requires a deep understanding of both administrative duties and community needs.
As this search unfolds, city council members will be intimately involved in interviewing shortlisted candidates, with the assistance of CB&A ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Nort Myrtle Beach is currently in a phase of reflection and new beginnings. Mike Mahaney, despite the circumstances leading to his departure, has voiced his desire to remain active in public service. Interestingly enough, he is running for mayor in the upcoming November election, indicating he’s not stepping back quietly.
As the city moves forward, the eyes of the community are on the council and CB&A to find a new city manager who can lead North Myrtle Beach into a bright future. Stay tuned, as this story continues to develop and shapes the landscape of the city!
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Spending $34K on Firm to Help Hire Next City Manager
- WMBF News: Watch Live – North Myrtle Beach Decide on City Manager’s Position
- Post and Courier: North Myrtle Beach City Manager Agreement
- Google Search: City Manager North Myrtle Beach
- Count On 2 News: North Myrtle Beach to Get $2M as Part of Settlement
- Wikipedia: City Manager
