The Redding City Council has voted to hire a recruiting firm at a cost of around $50,000 to find the right City Manager. The decision was made during a special closed session meeting Monday afternoon. Mayor Mike Loittau was unable to attend the meeting. After the retirement of Barry Tippin last year, William Tarbox had been hired from a Bay Area position and served as City Manager from February until his unexpected death in July. Since then the Interim City Manager has been Michael Webb. He has shown interest in being hired for the job permanently. The city will hire Ralph Andersen and Associates to conduct a nationwide search for the right candidate. The City Council has the power to hire only two positions: the City Attorney and the City Manager. All other personnel is under the direct supervision of the City Manager, who is also responsible for presenting most major decisions to the council for final approval.
-Steve Gibson