The Lawrence City Council convened on January 22, 2025, to address ongoing concerns regarding the search for a new police chief and the communication breakdown within city departments. The meeting highlighted frustrations among council members about the lack of transparency and effective communication in the hiring process.

The discussion began with council members expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of the search committee. One councilor noted that the item had been on the agenda since 2023, indicating a prolonged and seemingly stagnant process. Concerns were raised about the departure of former director Mike Owens, which some members linked to a decline in organizational effectiveness and communication.

A significant point of contention was the alleged lack of communication between city employees and the consultant overseeing the search. Council members debated whether the issues stemmed from miscommunication or intentional withholding of information. One councilor suggested that the absence of updates was deliberate, aimed at keeping the community uninformed about the hiring process.

The council also discussed the status of the candidate interviews. It was revealed that a second round of interviews was underway, with 12 to 15 candidates having been considered. However, questions arose regarding the fairness of the process, particularly concerning a candidate named William Castro, who had initially not met the minimum qualifications but was reportedly moved to the second round at the request of someone from the mayor's office. This raised concerns about the integrity of the search process and whether it was being conducted transparently.

The meeting concluded with a call for improved communication and accountability within city departments, emphasizing the need for the council to be better informed and involved in the hiring process. The council plans to continue monitoring the situation closely as they seek to ensure a fair and effective search for the new police chief.