CLEARWATER â For the first time in 20 years, the city of Clearwater will be looking for a new person to lead its more than 1,600 employees. After years of discussing his retirement plans, City Manager Bill Horne earlier this year said that time was near. In preparation for the transition, the City Council on March 4 approved a $26,500 contract with the Baker Tilly consulting firm to conduct a nationwide search to find the cityâs next chief executive officer.  âThis is a big deal,â Mayor Frank Hibbard said. âThis is something we need to take very seriously. I think those who chose Mr. Horne, chose extraordinarily wisely. Itâs unheard of to have a city manager for 20 years, and this will affect years to come. So, I want to do as good a job as the folks did back in 2001 in picking Mr. Horne.â