The search for acting Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson’s replacement is on, though he might wind up his own replacement.
The city council voted 6-1 on June 20 to instruct the city’s human resources department to begin recruiting for Thompson’s replacement.
“People from inside and outside the city are very appreciative of our city manager Jim Thompson,” councilwoman Solange Whitehead said during the meeting.
She declined to comment any further after the meeting.
Councilwoman Tammy Caputi was the lone vote against the move.
“Scottsdale expects world-class service,” Caputi said in a written statement. “City Manager Jim Thompson has a track record of delivering it, year after year. Mr. Thompson is willing and able to continue as our city manager. There is no reason to put the city through the expense, uncertainty and disruption of searching for another city manager when we already have one in place who has been doing an excellent job for many years, and is positioned to lead us successfully into the future.”
Scottsdale city spokesman Kelly Corsette said Thompson doesn’t want not going anywhere.
Thompson said in a written statement, “We’re a public entity, and the mayor and city council understandably want a public process brought forward to address what happens after my current contract expires on Oct. 13. I want to continue serving this wonderful community alongside so many amazing city employees, so I intend to be part of that process.”
Councilman Barry Graham said Thompson is welcome to reapply and noted he has some strong supporters on the council.
“We still have to have a fair, open and transparent process,” Graham said.
Mayor David Ortega echoed that sentiment.
“The current arrangement through an employment agency contract expires in October,” Ortega said. “Council action initiates the standard process to restore the city manager position with full city charter authority.”
Councilmember Tom Durham called the situation “complex.”
“If his plans have changed and he wants to be considered, he can go ahead and apply,” Durham said. “We’re certainly not forcing him out.”
Thompson has been the acting city manager since October 2022, when he retired from the city manager post mainly because of Arizona State Retirement System rules.
He was earning $375,000 per year at the time he stepped down. His current contract is for $347,000 per year.
Thompson has 35 years in public administration and has held the position of Scottsdale city manager since 2017.
Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield said she only voted to start the recruitment process for Thompson’s replacement so she could bring it back up for discussion.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job for us,” she said. “I would like to see him stay myself.”
She said his reviews by the individual council members are mixed.
“There are some who are happy with him and think he’s doing a wonderful job and some who aren’t so happy,” Littlefield said.
Councilwoman Betty Janik declined to comment on the situation.
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