New Recruitment Agency Selected for Sarasota City Manager Search

After nearly five months and the involvement of two interim city managers, the Sarasota City Commission has finally chosen a new firm to assist in recruiting its next city manager. This decision comes 11 months following the retirement of Marlon Brown, during a special meeting held on September 9.

The commission selected Sumter Local Government Consulting, a small firm based in Alpharetta, Georgia, over the more established MTG Impact Solutions from Northfield, Illinois. With a vote of 4-1—Vice Mayor Debbie Trice dissenting—the commission made its preference clear.

The selection process followed virtual interviews with both firms, while a third firm, Slavin Management Consultants of Norcross, Georgia, had voluntarily withdrawn from the consideration.

Founded by Warren Hutmacher, a local government executive with 15 years of experience, Sumter is looking to build its reputation in Florida. Hutmacher emphasized direct collaboration, ensuring that commissioners would work exclusively with him throughout the recruitment process. “You’ll only be working with me directly,” he stated.

Demonstrating their commitment to the role, Sumter’s bid of over $18,000—with additional expenses tied to pre-approved advertising and travel—is significantly lower than MTG’s $45,000 proposal. Before backing out, Slavin had also submitted a specific bid of $25,722.25.

Beyond the cost, commissioners resonated with Sumter’s innovative approach, which includes a dedicated portal for ongoing access to all communications and resumes. Notably, semifinalists will undergo 45-minute video interviews, which will be shared with the commission. Additionally, Sumter plans to conduct a community tour and engage with local stakeholders to better understand the city’s needs.

Furthermore, Sumter promises to create a detailed community brochure for recruitment purposes and leverage its database of 25,000 local government professionals.

While four commissioners were impressed, Trice expressed her preference for the larger MTG, citing concerns about candidate stability. “I just feel that with MTG, we would likely get a better candidate,” she said, suggesting that Sumter’s lower price indicated a risk. Her motion to hire MTG was not seconded.

Mayor Liz Alpert admitted to initially questioning why Hutmacher would participate in the process at all. However, she later expressed her amazement at Sumter’s presentation, saying, “I was truly blown away. I felt like there was an edge with Sumter.”

Key Information

• Commission Decision Date: September 9
• New Firm Chosen: Sumter Local Government Consulting
• Cost of Service: Over $18,000 (less than MTG’s $45,000)
• Vote Result: 4-1 in favor of Sumter
• Opposition: Vice Mayor Debbie Trice
• Key Advocate: Mayor Liz Alpert believes Sumter offers an innovative edge.