LA GRANDE — The search for a new city manager soon will be underway in La Grande.

After 17 years as city manager, Robert Strope announced he will retire later this year. During the regular session meeting Wednesday, Jan. 8, Strope asked for the council’s permission to advertise for a recruiter to spearhead the search for a new city manager.

“I think it’s very important that the city council solicits someone who knows what they’re doing and casts a wide net, so we can get the best possible person to sit in this chair to continue the great work that I think we’ve collectively done over the past 17 years,” Strope told the council.

Given the length of his tenure as city manager, Strope said he wanted ensure the city had sufficient time to conduct a search. He recommended the council bring on a search firm that specializes in local government to assist with the process.

This type of firm will help broaden the search, prescreen candidates, provide recommendations on interview panels and assist with negotiations, according to Strope. The consultant will work with the city council to determine what they are looking for in a city manager.

“It is important to me to make the transition as smooth as possible,” he said.

The council agreed it was worth retaining a consulting firm to head up the search.

“I think this is a very important decision, and I think we need to have an experienced consultant guide us in that. It affects the direction of our city, so I think the consultants are worth it,” Councilor Corrine Dutto said.

Mayor Justin Rock and Councilor Mary Ann Miesner concurred.

The city will begin advertising for a search firm immediately with the goal of having the council either review proposals or interview search firms during a work session Feb. 10. The council plans to select the recruiter during its March regular meeting.

Once the council hires a firm, the search for a new city manager can commence. Strope said this process typically takes between three to four months. He said he believes the position will attract a lot of attention due to the competitive salary, as well as the stability of the city council.

“I would be surprised if there wasn’t a lot of interest in this position,” Strope said.

Ideally, the council will have finalized the selection in late June or early July. This would allow the incoming city manager to start in August. Strope would remain employed through October, but would begin using his paid time off following his final council meeting in September.

“This would provide for some overlap with the new city manager, and I would be available during my paid time off to assist the incoming city manager with their transition if needed,” he said.

Strope said this timeline puts the incoming city manager in a good position and gives them the time necessary to get up to speed before tackling big tasks, such as the budget, council retreat or labor negotiations. (The city is in the middle of its three-year long labor contracts with unions and by then would have adopted the 2025-26 fiscal year budget).

There also is good continuity within the department directors, who will help on-board the new city manager, and the council will mostly consist of tenured members.

“One of the things I would strongly encourage the council to do would be to meet with the directors and ask them what they would like to see in the next city manager,” Strope told the council.

Strope said one of the best parts of being La Grande’s city manager for the last 17 years has been creating an environment where people can step up and be successful.