Town council to interview candidates for town manager, finance director, and town clerk positions on October 22
San Tan Valley’s recruitment process for key municipal positions moved forward on October 15, 2025, as town attorney Allen Quist updated the council on Interim Public Management’s (IPM) progress in screening candidates. The update comes two weeks after the council voted 5-2 on October 1 to engage IPM for a 30-day exclusive search for a town manager, finance director, and town clerk—three critical roles needed to establish Arizona’s newest municipality before its July 1, 2026 independence deadline.
IPM Search Progresses with Multiple Candidates Identified
At the October 15 council meeting, Quist reported that he had reached out to IPM owner Tim Pickering, who provided written updates. According to Quist, Pickering indicated that IPM is actively screening candidates for all three positions and securing commitments. Quist told the council that IPM has identified interested candidates for all three positions and will submit resumes to the town attorney’s office once final commitments are secured.
When Councilmember Rupert Wolfert asked about the number of candidates IPM planned to present, Quist responded that the firm is looking for at least three candidates per position. Quist indicated that IPM owner Pickering expressed confidence in having candidates available, particularly for the town manager role.
Special Council Meeting Scheduled for October 22
The council reached consensus to hold a special meeting on October 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM to conduct candidate interviews, pending formal notice to be issued by the town clerk. Quist noted the item was not agendized for action but sought input from council members on the proposed date. He made a reservation for the meeting space and confirmed with Pickering that candidates would be available for interviews on that date.
The interviews will take place in executive session and may use a hybrid format, with some candidates appearing via Zoom and others in person. “I know IPM has some candidates that may be out of state, but obviously we’re going to encourage in person where possible. These are important positions,” Quist told the council.
Quist’s law firm will assist in preparing standardized interview questions to ensure a “uniform and fair” process. Resumes will be distributed to council members before the October 22 meeting, though Quist did not provide a specific date for when they would be available.
Town Manager and Finance Director Identified as Priorities
During the discussion, Quist emphasized that the town manager and finance director positions have been identified as the highest priorities. “I think we definitely would recommend that that be the priority, perhaps that and finance director,” Quist said, adding that he has communicated these priorities to Pickering.
Following the interviews, the council will discuss candidates and determine whether to proceed with contractual negotiations with one or more of the individuals presented by IPM.
Public Comment Raises Cost Transparency Concerns
During public comment, Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commissioner Karen Mooney raised concerns about the financial terms of the IPM engagement.
Mooney asked the council to clarify specific costs before hiring decisions are made, including the percentage that would be added to payroll and the buyout cost if the town chooses to hire any of the three positions. “Those are our tax dollars that we’ll be paying for that,” Mooney said. She acknowledged the town doesn’t yet have a budget but emphasized the need to understand these costs going forward.
Mooney said she wished the matter could have been tabled until the council had firm numbers to present to the public before making hiring decisions. Her concerns about transparency echoed Councilmember Gia Jenkins’ motion at the October 1 meeting to table the decision for further research.
Background on IPM Engagement
The October 15 update follows a contentious debate at the council’s historic first meeting on October 1, when the council narrowly approved engaging IPM for the recruitment effort. Councilmember Gia Jenkins had moved to table the decision, expressing concerns about rushing the process and wanting to research alternatives, but that motion failed 3-4.
Councilmember Brian Tyler then successfully moved to proceed with IPM for all three positions, arguing that “delaying this process only hinders our ability to move forward.” The motion passed 5-2, with Jenkins and Councilmember Daniel Oakes voting against.
Under the terms of the engagement, IPM conducts the 30-day exclusive search at no initial cost to the town. The firm provides up to three candidates per position, with the council retaining full discretion to select, reject, or negotiate with candidates.
The town faces mounting pressure to fill these positions as it works toward operational independence. San Tan Valley must establish all essential municipal functions by July 1, 2026, when Pinal County will cease providing services including police, street maintenance, permitting, and zoning enforcement. Based on projections from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, San Tan Valley could receive approximately $47 million annually in state-shared revenue if the Census certifies a population of 100,000, though actual revenue will depend on the final certification outcome.
The council’s next regular meeting remains scheduled for November 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the San Tan Valley County Complex, with the special meeting on October 22 focused on candidate interviews for the recruitment process.
