For the first time in at least six decades, the City of Santa Maria has formally launched a search for a new top employee.
Despite Jason Stilwell announcing his retirement in early August and leaving Sept. 22, the city didn’t begin advertising for candidates until late January, after spending the weeks working with a consultant to craft the description for someone to fill the job.
“This is the first in a very, very long time to go out and do a recruitment,” said Mark van de Kamp, city public information officer.
It’s been since at least the 1960s when Santa Maria last hired from outside the city to fill the top job.
Stilwell and at least two of his predecessors — Rick Haydon, who served for six years, and Tim Ness, who served for 16 years starting in 1994 — were promoted to the city’s top job after working for the city manager’s office in the No. 2 job.
Ness took over in 1995 from Wayne Schwammel, who led the city from 1989 to 1994 after eight years as a deputy administrator.
Before that, the Santa Maria City Council appointed Robert “Bob” Grogan to replace Frank Fargo as city administrator in 1963. Grogan served in the top slot for 26 years after being hired in 1960 as an assistant administrator.
In the months since Stilwell vacated the office, the city has hired a consultant, Oregon-based WBCP Inc., to help spearhead the search.
The city and consultant agreed to an amount not to exceed $28,900 plus direct expenses not to exceed $7,900, van de Kamp said.
Like the vast majority of other cities in California, Santa Maria operates under the council-manager form of government instead of the strong-mayor approach.
Under the council-manager approach, the City Council sets policy that is implemented by the city manager and staff. The city manager oversees the day-to-day operations.
While many people think their mayors have more power, the job entails wielding the gavel during meetings and little more since they still make up one-fifth of votes on the council.
Stilwell’s replacement will oversee 10 departments, a staff of more than 700 and a two-year operating budget of approximately $277 million.
“Be a part of a progressive and pioneering community,” the six-page brochure states. “The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who can execute transformative projects and lead a diverse community to new heights. The City of Santa Maria is not just looking for someone with prior city manager experience — but someone who can bring leadership experience in operational department functions, fresh ideas and a clear vision to this growing city.
“Santa Maria is on the cusp of significant developments, from downtown redevelopment to improving infrastructure and updating the city’s general plan.”
The schedule called for candidates to submit applications by Feb. 22, a month after the city began advertising the vacancy.
The first round of interviews will occur virtually on March 21, with in-person interviews on April 6.
The job listing includes an annual salary of $231,825 to $344,351, depending on experience and qualifications, plus “a generous benefits package” that includes an auto allowance of $309 every two weeks, a $115 monthly cellphone stipend and more.
The two top jobs for Santa Maria remain vacant. In addition to Stilwell’s retirement, Andrew Hackleman left last summer after about two years on the job.
Longtime Recreation and Parks Director Alex Posada has served as interim city manager while Chuen Wu, community development director, has filled in as interim assistant city manager.
In recent months, Carpinteria filled its top slot by promoting Michael Ramirez from assistant city manager, while Santa Barbara found its new leader in Kelly McAdoo, who has led Hayward’s staff since 2016.