UPDATE: Orange City Council is launching an urgent search for a permanent CEO, with the position set to be advertised immediately. This decision follows months of indecision that left the council without a permanent leader, ultimately leading to the temporary appointment of Barry Omundson.
During a closed-door meeting on October 21, 2025, councillors unanimously agreed to recommence the recruitment process after a previous attempt failed to yield a suitable candidate. The community is now left wondering: will this indecision cost ratepayers?
Mayor Tony Mileto emphasized the importance of filling the position promptly, stating that if all goes well, the new CEO could be in place by Christmas. “It’s a great job in a great city with a staff focused on delivering for the community,” Mileto said. He reiterated the council’s commitment to ensuring a competitive recruitment process.
The recruitment will be handled by Capstone Recruitment, a firm tasked with finding the right candidate for the pivotal role. According to a council statement, the costs associated with this new round of hiring will be minimal compared to the expenses incurred had a permanent CEO been appointed initially.
Officials revealed that the recruitment process operates on a fixed price rate, covering both the interim and final hiring phases. However, the exact financial implications remain confidential, as disclosed in a freedom of information request by the Central Western Daily. The council stated, “The final cost is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the organization who supplied it.”
Residents are urged to stay informed as the council moves swiftly to fill this crucial leadership role, which has significant implications for local governance and community services. With the clock ticking, the urgency of this search is palpable.
As the recruitment process unfolds, all eyes will be on the council to ensure transparency and effective communication with ratepayers regarding the chosen candidate’s qualifications and vision for Orange City.
