Friday, August 21, 2026
Money Approved This Meeting
$35K
What Happened
The Compton City Council held a special meeting on August 21, 2026, primarily to discuss the hiring of a new city manager. After a closed session, the council voted to approve moving forward with a professional services agreement for recruiting a city manager. The council then passed a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Bob Murray and Associates, an executive recruiting firm, for professional recruitment services for the city manager position in an amount not to exceed $35,000. Council members Spicer was absent for the votes. Council Member Darden closed the meeting by honoring the memory of community member Jermaine L. Brown.
Key Moments
City Council
City council approved moving forward with recruitment of a city manager.
City Council
City hires Bob Murray and Associates for manager recruitment at $35,000.
Meeting Sections
Call to Order
0:13:47The meeting was called to order and preparations began for roll call.
Watch this section ▶Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
0:22:49Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. The council then observed a moment of silence and recited the pledge of allegiance.
Watch this section ▶Public Comments Before Closed Session
0:23:34The public was given the opportunity to comment before the closed session. No audience members came forward to speak.
Watch this section ▶Motion to Convene Closed Session
0:23:38A motion was made and approved to reconvene into closed session at 3:02 PM. The closed session was held to discuss the hiring and appointment of a city manager under Government Code Section 54957(b)(1).
Watch this section ▶Closed Session on City Manager Hiring
0:24:09The council entered closed session to discuss the hiring and appointment of a city manager. This session was not open to the public as allowed by state law.
Watch this section ▶Reconvene from Closed Session
2:27:14The council reconvened from closed session at 5:06 PM. A roll call vote was taken to formally return to open session.
Watch this section ▶Closed Session Report Out
2:27:55The city attorney reported that during closed session, the council approved moving forward with a professional services agreement for recruiting a city manager and directed staff to proceed. This means the city is actively searching for a permanent city manager.
Watch this section ▶Public Comments on Regular Agenda
2:28:37No members of the public signed up or came forward to speak during the regular public comment period.
Watch this section ▶City Manager Recruitment Firm Approved at $35,000
2:29:10The council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Bob Murray and Associates, an executive recruiting firm, to conduct a professional search for a new city manager at a cost not to exceed $35,000. This is a significant step in finding permanent leadership for Compton.
Watch this section ▶Council Member Comments and Announcements
2:30:23Council members shared brief announcements. A memorial notice was shared for a community member whose homegoing service was scheduled for September 12th. The council also encouraged residents to stay engaged and reminded them that they are working together to build a better Compton.
Watch this section ▶Adjournment
2:32:12The meeting was adjourned at 5:11 PM. The council noted they would be back in session in September.
Watch this section ▶Agenda Items
Closed Session — Legal Matters
Cases the council discussed in closed session. The public agenda only lists "Closed Session"; these specifics come from the agenda packet. Litigation tracker →
Closed Session: Public Employment Appointment — City Manager
The City Council will meet in closed session to discuss the appointment and hiring of a City Manager, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1).