Yet Another Example of Government Waste

Is it really necessary for city governments to hire consultants to find employees for them? For example, my city spent $25,000 to get help finding a police chief. It seems like there would be a lot of interest in that type of job, and applicants would be plentiful. Then, put a committee of cops, citizens, and a couple of city council members together to evaluate the applicants. But no, they had to hire a consultant. And what did that get them? A chief that is leaving after one year. But it's OK; the city will get a 50% discount on the search for their next chief.