After announcing July 31 that it would be taking a recess until September, the Richmond City Council decided to hold a special meeting today at 6 p.m. to discuss appointing a city manager.
The over two-hour discussion took place in a closed session because it’s employee-related. After the council reconvened, city attorney Shannon Moore said there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session.
During the special meeting, the council voted unanimously to approve a contract with Bob Murray and Associates to “assist with the search for specialized positions.” This would raise the expenditure for recruiter Bob Murray & Associates to $168,000 and extend their contract through June 30, 2027.
Most notably, the firm was involved in the job search for the Richmond Police Department chief position earlier this year. Ultimately, the city hired Timothy Simmons for the job of the department’s top cop.
City Manager Shasa Curl announced April 21 that she was retiring from the position she’s held since 2022 year amid tensions with the police union, which has been working without a contract for more than a year. At that meeting she said she would “not be bullied” by the union, which also had criticized her handling of the reinstatement of officers involved in fatally shooting suspects.
It’s unknown whether the city has been actively advertising for the position.
Richmond City Council meeting
What: The Richmond City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss appointing a new city manager.
When: A closed session is tonight at 6 p.m.; the public session is at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 440 Civic Center Plaza or via Zoom and a livestream.
A high-level city staff member who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they believed Curl was trying to wait until Richmond’s next mayor is chosen in November before confirming her last day of work, which sources have said is Oct. 2.
The Nov. 3 race pits Ahmad Anderson against Richmond Progressive Alliance council incumbent Claudia Jimenez. The staff member said it’s thought that an Anderson win might have persuaded Curl to stay.
