Leesburg begins search for city manager

LEESBURG, Ga. — Leesburg City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday night to employ a Thomasville-based consulting firm to help them find their first city manager.

The City will pay Underwood & Co. up to $4,000 for its assistance in gathering a list of qualified candidates from which they may choose.

Handling the search will be Tom Berry, a former city manager, who recently assisted the Georgia Municipal Association in an operational assessment for the City of Leesburg.

That assessment noted the need for a more structured administration system for the city.

Berry is expected to meet with city officials and get details on their expectations for the city manager. He’ll then advertise the position and determine which candidates the city should interview. As part of his deal, the consultants will review each applicant and make recommendations.

Berry and his partner, Debra Underwood, will also be assisted by the GMA in the search.

Berry said his contract calls for a fee to cover expenses of the search, not to exceed $4,000. The city will be responsible for advertising fees, travel expenses of the candidates and background check expenses.

Debra Long made the motion to enter into the agreement with Underwood & Co. It was seconded by Councilman Bobby Wilson and approved without opposition or comment.