City council hears from consultant about city administrator job search

            The first part of the Clarion City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 1^st was taken up by a presentation from Mark Jackson from Hinson Consulting. Jackson, along with Brent Hinson, run a consulting firm that conducts searches for city manager and administrator positions in Iowa.

            Jackson, who is currently the city administrator in Story City, explained how they would conduct the search if their firm was hired. He described how they would meet with city department heads, council members, the mayor and others to build a profile for the position. They would advertise the position in the usual places like the Iowa League of Cities, but they would also target individual they know who may fit the position. They would then whittle the pool down and present 6 to 8 semi-finalists. Interviews would then be conducted with four candidates. Councilmember and HR committee head Dave Maxheimer asked Jackson how many applicants they could expect. Jackson noted that the pool could be anywhere from 15 to 40 people and said, right now, “it is an applicant’s market.” If the city decided to hire Hinson Consulting, it would cost at least $11,500.

            After the presentation, Maxheimer recommended that the city wait to consider hiring Hinson until after they try the job search on their own. The job will be listed as open until filled. The position is being advertised on the city’s website and Facebook page currently. Depending on how desirable applicants are, the council will revisit the resolution to hire Hinson Consulting in November. In the week since the meeting, Maxheimer has said, “We are already receiving résumés for the full-time position and hope to interview as we receive qualified candidates.  In the meantime, we are fortunate to have Diane and Ana running the office with council/mayor stepping in where needed.”