New Redding mayor gives update on city manager hiring process

The Redding City Council is currently in the deliberating stage of the city manager hiring process after conducting another round of interviews Wednesday, according to new Mayor Mike Littau. 

Littau said around 50 to 60 people applied for the position formerly held by Barry Tippin, who retired in October. The applicant pool was initially narrowed down to around 15 candidates, then narrowed even further for the interview process, he said without commenting on exactly how many individuals have been interviewed for the position. The council has conducted a nationwide search, with the help of recruitment firm Peckham & McKenney.

Littau explained that the council’s deliberating process involves evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates and identifying the person most capable of leading the city forward in difficult situations, including challenges surrounding the city’s budget and unmet needs like roads, the civic center and sports parks. 

The hiring of a new city manager comes as the city faces concerns over financial transparency and accuracy, largely brought forward by a single council member, Tenessa Audette. City finances have been a point of stress for the council as a whole as the city struggles to fund needed improvements to city venues amid a $5 million revenue shortfall. Measure A, a citizen-led sales tax initiative that could have helped fund roads, parks and public safety, was soundly voted down by citizens this fall.

For now, Assistant City Manager Steve Bade is serving as interim city manager, but the council is getting closer to making a final decision on city manager hiring, Littau said. Deliberations are currently happening in closed session meetings, but once a decision is made, the city will announce that an official offer was given, and a background check will be conducted.

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