Recruitment firm chosen for Cleveland city manager search

Former City Manager Janice Casteel listens at a Cleveland City Council meeting in this file photo. Cleveland is searching for Casteel's replacement.
Former City Manager Janice Casteel listens at a Cleveland City Council meeting in this file photo. Cleveland is searching for Casteel's replacement.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - An executive recruitment firm has been selected and a citizen advisory committee has been created as part of Cleveland's search for its next city manager.

City Manager Janice Casteel, who has served as Cleveland's chief administrator for more than eight years, announced in December she would retire May 31. She has been employed by the city for 42 years.

On Monday, the Cleveland City Council voted 6-1 in favor of a $16,500 recruitment contract with Mercer Group of Santa Fe, N.M., one of seven executive search firms to submit a bid. Councilman Charlie McKenzie cast the sole "no" vote.

Mercer Group's offer to provide extensive follow-up services set it apart from its competitors, said Councilman Bill Estes, citing the company's willingness to offer feedback 30, 60 and 90 days after the decision to hire a manager had been made.

"The kicker for me is that they will tell us why people didn't apply," Estes said. "In a way, they are also telling us our own shortcomings."

He said the Mercer Group proposal offered more in its package and was $10,000 cheaper than its closest competitor, Strategic Government Resource of Keller, Texas.

Councilman Richard Banks voiced concern that possible candidates might shy away from applying for the city manager position once they discover the "negative press" Cleveland has received with an Internet search.

Last year, the Cleveland Police Department underwent seven months of highly publicized turmoil after then-Chief Dennis Maddux was discovered having an affair with a subordinate officer's wife in late February, prompting a search for a new chief and launching a comprehensive review of the department's policies and procedures. A pair of police officers have initiated lawsuits challenging disciplinary actions taken against them in connection to the Maddux affair.

By the end of last summer, several other officers had resigned or been fired following allegations of inappropriate behavior. One officer, Edwin Millan, was indicted on charges related to insurance fraud and arson.

"It has been one of the toughest periods this department has been through," said then-interim Chief Mark Gibson, at the time. He since has been named the department's chief.

During that period, the City Council also approved revisions to citywide personnel policies, especially regarding disciplinary processes. The body also conducted its first performance evaluation for the city manager, a position created 23 years ago when Cleveland adopted its city charter.

Former Cleveland city manager Joe Cate and Bank of Cleveland CEO Scott Taylor will be part of the citizen advisory committee. Cate served as city manager before Casteel, and Taylor served as chairman of the city charter committee in 1992.

Consultant Larry Wallace, who assisted the city during its comprehensive policy revision process and police chief search, will serves as a facilitator for the advisory committee.

The panel has been called to review all applicants recommended by Mercer Group and recommend five candidates for the City Council to consider.

Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events