A controversy is brewing in Bartlesville over the search for a new City Manager.

 

The City has been searching for an individual to fill the position left vacant by the August 7 resignation of Mike Bailey, who had served the City for 21 years. City Council member Tim Sherrick has expressed his concerns about the process the City is using to interview five internal candidates for the role. He says the process is not taking place during city council meetings.

 

Sherrick says the process is already in place.

 

He adds that he thinks the process is being conducted in order to avoid the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

 

Despite Sherrick's concern, keeping information about interviewees confidential is expressly allowable under Oklahoma's law. Internal files related to hiring, promotion or resignation are protected from public view. Additionally, information related to unsuccessful applicants for a position is also protected.

 

Sherrick is calling for interviews to be conducted in either an open meeting or in an executive session.