Lemon Grove hires recruiting firm to find new city manager

The Lemon Grove City Council hired a consultant to recruit its next city manager and set a tentative timeline for the selection process.

Former City Manager Lydia Romero announced that she was departing her position at the end of last year. Romero’s contract was set to expire Jan. 1, but no action was taken by the City Council to extend it, thus terminating her employment, according to her separation agreement.

City leaders met in closed session in early January and ultimately chose Tony Winney to serve as interim city manager until the recruitment process is complete. He was formally appointed on Jan. 20, and his contract stated he is expected to fill the position for around 6 months, or until a permanent selection is made.

“The depth and breadth of Tony’s city management experience will keep us on track to meet our goals and priorities as we recruit a permanent city manager,” Mayor Alysson Snow said.

City officials approved an agreement with the consultant company Bob Murray & Associates. The firm specializes in recruiting executives for public offices across California and was recommended after extensive research and consideration by city officials, according to a staff report.

The full rec...