By Moses Leos III

The search for Kyle’s new city manager will be accomplished by a firm with ties across the state and nation. 

Kyle’s city manager position became vacant in August when Lanny Lambert left to take the same position in Helotes.

While the city seeks external applicants, it will also leave the door open to the possibility of an internal hire.

“We are not going to specify whether we look externally or internally,” Kyle Mayor Todd Webster said. “My preference is I’d like to explore bringing folks in from outside Kyle.” 

On Sept. 16, the Kyle City Council voted 6-0 to hire Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to begin the search for the vacant position. Kyle will spend no more than $27,000 for SGR’s services.

The firm has a timeframe set by the council, which voted 6-0 at the Sept. 6 special called meeting to fill the position by Nov. 15.

According to Assistant City Manager James Earp, who was tabbed as the interim city manager on Sept. 6, this type of hiring process normally takes 90 to 120 days. 

“[Council] is really trying to push things. They want to get their business done before the holidays roll in,” Earp said.

This is Earp’s second stint as interim city manager. He held the position from April 2010 to January 2011. Earp will receive a bi-weekly stipend of $1,385 until the city hires a new manager.

Unlike his first stint in the interim role, Earp said he will not apply for the city manager position. 

Earp said taking on the interim role but not vying for the job gives him a chance to work with his staff to change momentum for the next top city administrator. 

“I’m better suited to stay where I’m at, with the resources I have available to me,” Earp said. “I’m well positioned to help the new city manager to be successful.” 

Earp said he will work with staff on reassessing systems and processes. He said it’s a chance to modify systems, finding out what the city is — and isn’t — getting done. 

“It’s important that we don’t make drastic changes that could be negative, but capture the opportunity we have to improve the way things work,” Earp said. 

Meanwhile, SGR will comb through possible candidates. Webster said SGR’s network of applicants, especially within Texas, was one reason he chose the firm. According to the SGR website, the firm has more than 300 government clients in 41 states. 

In addition, Webster said the firm’s guarantee to find applicants stood out among the three proposals the city received. 

While he prefers an in-state hire, he hopes to leave all options open. 

“I want diversity in the experience,” Webster said. “I’m hopeful to find someone that has fresh ideas.”