The Board of Aldermen of Grain Valley on Thursday approved Resolution R25‑36 authorizing the city administrator to enter into a contract with Next Move Group LLC to assist in recruiting a replacement for the city engineer. The vote was approved by the aldermen.

City staff told the board the previous city engineer retired in January and the position was posted in December. “We did make one conditional offer, and that person ended up taking a job on the private side,” a city staff member said. Staff said other qualified candidates have not materialized and the city sought proposals from recruiting firms.

Staff described the proposed contract with Next Move Group LLC as contingent-fee: the city would pay only if it hires a candidate the firm provides. Staff added that if a candidate placed through the firm does not work out within 12 months, the firm will restart the search at no additional charge.

The resolution moves the recruitment process to a contracted search to expand outreach and candidate sourcing. No hiring decision was made as part of the resolution; it only authorizes the contract with the recruiting firm.

Mayor Ward and aldermen took no additional action beyond approval of the resolution; the city will proceed through the recruiting firm’s process before any candidate is hired.