Michael V. Hannigan/HCN
The Athens City Council will not be using a search firm to find its next city manager.
The city manager’s job became open last month when Philip Rodriguez resigned to take a similar position in Colorado. The city has contracted with Gary Whittle of Texas First Group to serve as the interim city manager.
Whittle said his firm will be helping the city with the recruitment process as well.
“Kerry Sweatt, principal in the firm, has successfully assisted other cities in their recruitment process, with the most recent being the City of Dayton and Karnes City,” Whittle said. “Even though Texas First Group is not a search firm, Mr. Sweatt feels he is an integral part of the City just as the interim position he provides, therefore, his assistance is a part of his agreement at no additional charge. He has over 50 years of experience in local government and has been a partner, and now sole owner, in Texas First Group for about 18 years.”
Whittle said the next step for the City Council is develop a city manager profile to use in the recruiting process. He said officials hope to have a new hire in four to five months.