SEQUIM — Sequim’s search for a new chief administrator will accelerate Monday if the City Council hires a consultant recommended by a search committee.
A three-person search committee, formed after former City Manager Bill Elliott was fired, recommended a schedule last week that includes hiring Lee Walton, retired manager of the city of Bainbridge Island, as a consultant.
He would earn $5,700 for 50 to 60 hours of recruiting candidates to be the city’s new executive.
Mayor Laura Dubois and fellow council newcomers Susan Lorenzen, Erik Erichsen and Ken Hays voted to fire then-city manager Elliott on May 5.
The City Council’s new majority also made Police Chief Robert Spinks the interim executive.
Spinks continues to be in charge of the police department as well.
Walton, who also has served as interim manager in Spokane Valley, Sultan, Sammamish and Mukilteo, will have about two months to present a field of candidates to City Council members (see related report).
“Part of the reason we’re hiring this man is that he has over 30 years’ experience as a city manager, an interim city manager and a consultant,” Hays said.
