Shafter holds town hall to discuss recruitment of new city manager

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Thursday night the City of Shafter held a town hall to discuss the recruitment of a new city manager. The city council voted 3-2 in August to accept the resignation of former manager Scott Hurlbert.

The meeting was held at the Shafter Police Department. The city hired a recruitment agency to assist in finding the new manager. Recruiters asked residents to consider several questions as they begin the hiring process.

Locals said the city is a great place to raise a family and it's a peaceful community.

They also discussed challenges the next manager will face. Residents discussed issues surrounding homelessness, the environment and resources for those struggling with addiction.

Residents then expressed what they were looking for in the manager and said they want the person to be available to community and hopefully live within the city limits.

Next steps involve the recruitment agency writing a brochure and presenting it to city council for a vote to go ahead in finding the next manager. Recruiter Josh Jones says the process will typically take 3-4 months.