North Huron council has selected N. G. Bellchamber & Associates to recruit a new chief administrative officer.
Bellchamber was one of three informal proposals received by council, and the most expensive. The proposal also promises a much faster timeline than two others, with a new CAO expected for North Huron in just 60 days.
Reeve Neil Vincent says he's known Nigel Bellchamber since the early 80s, and spoke highly of his ability to understand the needs of North Huron. He says Bellchamber's experience in the area is ultimately what led to this selection.
Current CAO Sharon Chambers is moving to Kincardine to replace CAO Murray Clarke when he retires at the end of June.
Proposals:
N. G. Bellchamber & Associates (Accepted) -Cost: $22,650, includes job ads -Timeline: 60 days, plus notice period for successful candidate
Ward & Uptigrove -Cost: $15,420, does not include job ads -Timeline: 26 weeks
Ravenhiull Group Inc. -Cost: $18,000, does not include job ads -Timeline: 17 weeks
Council showed a united front in the selection of Bellchamber, whose $22,650 was the highest quote, but includes jobs ads whereas the other two offers did not. However, the biggest selling point for Bellchamber is the 60-day timeline plus notice period for the successful candidate, which is considerably faster than the 17-week timeline proposed by Ravenhill Group Inc., and the 26 week timeline offered by Ward & Uptigrove.
Sharon Chambers noted that Bellchamber's $22,650 price tag may ultimately come down, as she was told they were being given a fail-safe quote that would not go passed that number.
