During the work session with commissioners Bonaparte also said he has decided to use The Waters Consulting Group to conduct the search – the same company that conducted the search for a new city manager last year resulting in Bonaparte’s hiring.
The decision to use Waters Consulting Group came after the company’s bid for the search came in nearly $8,900 cheaper than other companies. Bonaparte said they were able to come in low because of the research they have already completed on the City of Sanford.
Bonaparte had originally considered using the Police Executive Research Firm, which he used to locate the city’s interim chief – Richard Myers – after Bill Lee Jr. stepped-down from the position in March.
Myers was brought on board in early May to serve an in interim capacity while Bonaparte sought an internal investigation into the police department following the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin. During this time Lee remained on administrative leave with pay. Lee was ultimately fired from the position in late June.
Myers arrival marked the fifth police chief to run Sanford’s police department since December 2010. After former police chief Brian Tooley retired early in January 2011, the department has been run by Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Steve Harriett, Lee and Sanford Police Captain Darren Scott.
Myers has informed commissioners he is willing to remain in Sanford for as long as they need him and until the search for a new chief is complete.