In a unanimous vote during its Dec. 9 meeting, the Arroyo Grande City Council approved a consultant services agreement with Roseville-based firm Peckham & McKenny to recruit a permanent replacement for Steve Adams, Arroyo Grande’s longtime city manager.

The executive search firm—which will be working on a $17,500 budget (plus expenses not to exceed $7,500)—will begin work immediately to find and vet city manager candidates.

Administrative Services Director Debbie Malicoat—who recommended Peckham & McKenny’s proposal as the best of the five proposals she received—cited the firm’s proven track record, cost-effectiveness, and ability to start right away as major positives.

In the meantime, the city is still trying to lock down an interim city manager to fill the position temporarily and ease the increased workload city staffers have shouldered since Adams’ resignation on Nov. 19.

The City Council interviewed two interim city manager candidates during a special closed session meeting (also on Dec. 9), but there was no reportable action coming out of that meeting.

City Clerk Kelly Wetmore told New Times that the city won’t be able to officially choose an interim manager for at least a month. Adams will remain on paid administrative leave until the City Council appoints an interim, she added.

“Any appointment or approval of an interim city manager contract has to occur at a regularly scheduled council meeting,” Wetmore said. “Our next meeting is not until Jan. 13, so that would be the earliest possible appointment date.”