The Salina City Commission held a special meeting on July 30, 2025, to finalize plans for the hiring process of a new city manager. During the session, commissioners decided against having staff panel interviews with candidates due to concerns about a potential internal candidate.
The meeting began with an executive session where commissioners consulted with Chris Lowe of Government Professional Solutions, the consultant hired to assist with the city manager search. After reconvening in open session, Human Resources Director Natalie Fischer provided an overview of the upcoming selection process.
Fischer disclosed that several staff members had expressed concerns about their potential involvement in the hiring decision. "Some of the concerns were the perception that staff was involved in a commission decision," Fischer explained, noting that one leadership team member was concerned about having "a thumb on the scale." Staff also worried about being put in an awkward position, particularly with the complexity of having a potential internal candidate.
After discussion, commissioners agreed to modify their original plan. Rather than having candidates make presentations to a staff panel, candidates will instead complete a written exercise on a specific topic selected by the commission.
"If you're uncomfortable with including staff because of the internal candidate, then don't have them sit as the mock commission," Lowe advised. "Just have the exercise done by the candidate."
The commission established a two-day interview process. On Monday, August 11, candidates will receive tours of city facilities and the community, followed by a public meet and greet event. City staff will assist with facility tours, while community partners like the Chamber of Commerce may help showcase the broader community.
Formal interviews will take place on Tuesday, August 12. Commissioners decided they would take individual lunch breaks between interviews rather than eating together to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Lowe confirmed that the city would cover travel expenses for candidates, with Fischer noting she had already secured hotel accommodations for the finalists.
The commission plans to issue a press release with details about the public meet and greet once all arrangements are finalized.
