Sept. 29, 2026 City of Mulberry, FL Commission Special Meeting, City Manager Search SemiFinalist

The City of Mulberry Commission held a special meeting on Oct. 2, 2026, to review 13 semifinalists for the city manager position and identify candidates to advance. Commissioners discussed candidate experience, local knowledge, management style, salary expectations, and concerns raised in candidate materials and public comment. The search consultant advised that age should not be considered in the selection process. The discussion narrowed the field to a small group for on-site interviews, with Richard Reed’s participation uncertain because he had another employment offer; the transcript does not clearly record a formal vote on the shortlist.

The consultant outlined next steps, including background and reference checks, possible online DISC assessments at about $150 per candidate, and on-site interviews tentatively planned for Oct. 26–27, with the morning of Oct. 28 held as a contingency. The consultant recommended covering out-of-town candidates’ travel, hotel, and eligible meal costs, subject to city policy. Salary and benefits, including vacation, were discussed as potential negotiation items within the posted range. No contract award or final hiring decision was recorded; the meeting addressed the ongoing recruitment process and its associated costs and logistics.