PORT TOWNSEND — The city’s search for a new city manager may conclude next week.
The Port Townsend City Council and its consultant will narrow candidates to finalists Monday and host a public meet-and-greet Tuesday before they make a potential decision by Wednesday night.
The city is working through the process to replace David Timmons, its only city manager, who was hired in 1999. Timmons plans to retire at the end of June.
A farewell gathering for Timmons has been set for 5:30 p.m. June 27 at the Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St.
Next week’s timeline includes City Council members interviewing semifinalists in executive session Monday morning. Six candidates were selected to form that group from an original 48 applicants, Mayor Deborah Stinson said.
Four semifinalists had confirmed for Monday interviews by Thursday, Stinson said. The other two have not been eliminated from consideration, she added.
The city previously hired consultant Peckham & McKenney and also formed a selection committee that includes community task force representatives.
Peckham & McKenney is expected to recommend finalists during the council’s regular business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Stinson said.
The finalists will be interviewed Tuesday by the selection panel and community leaders, Stinson said.
The public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists during a meet-and-greet open house at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Port Townsend Community Center, 620 Tyler St.
“There will be a short talk by each of them,” Stinson said. “Not a formal presentation, but an opportunity to talk to whoever is there in front of the group.”
Public comment cards also will be available at the event. They will be collected and organized for the interview panel, Stinson said.
A special city council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. It will include an executive session to discuss the qualifications of the candidates and conclude with a decision in open session, Stinson said.
“That will be whether we want to move forward and extend an offer or keep the process open,” she said.
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Jefferson County Managing Editor Brian McLean can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 6, or at bmclean@peninsuladailynews.com.
