UPDATE: The Orange City Council has just announced the immediate restart of its search for a permanent CEO, following months of indecision that left the position temporarily filled by Barry Omundson. This urgent move comes after a closed-door meeting on October 21, 2025, where councillors agreed to recommence the recruitment process.
The council originally attempted to fill the position earlier this year but failed to secure a candidate. Mayor Tony Mileto stated that the new recruitment will be advertised “immediately” and expressed optimism that the role could be filled by Christmas 2025, underlining the urgency of appointing a leader who can effectively serve the community.
Concerns about the financial implications of another recruitment round have been raised. However, a statement from the council clarified that the total cost for the recruitment process is a fixed price, covering the interim CEO position and the final appointment. This means that the additional costs incurred during this interim period will be minimal for ratepayers, according to information obtained through a freedom of information request.
While the council has not disclosed the exact cost involved, citing it as confidential commercial information, officials maintain that the decision to recommence recruitment is in the best interest of the community, the council, and its staff. The search is being managed by Capstone Recruitment, a firm tasked with identifying a suitable candidate for the position.
In a statement, Mayor Mileto emphasized the importance of getting the recruitment right, saying, “It’s a great job in a great city with a staff focused on delivering for the community, and for those reasons, I expect it to be a very competitive recruitment.”
With the council’s commitment to promptly filling this key leadership role, the community will be watching closely for updates on the recruitment progress. This significant decision not only affects council operations but also has direct implications for local governance and community engagement.
As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Orange City Council to see how quickly they can secure a leader who meets the community’s needs and expectations. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
