ROCKLAND, Maine — The city’s mayor said he expects a vote Tuesday evening to hire one of three firms that have submitted proposals to help the council search for its next manager.
The council held a closed-door session Wednesday evening to interview representatives of Eaton Peabody, Dacri Associates and Municipal Resources.
Mayor Larry Pritchett said Thursday that other communities in Maine that have hired outside firms to help in a search have spent between $6,500 to $23,000. The mayor said he does not expect the cost to be on the high end of that range but that he would not know a firm price until the council discusses what scope of services it wants from which firm.
There is no timetable on when the search and hiring will be completed, he said, or whether it will be done before the Nov. 4 election. There are two council seats up for a vote and one incumbent — Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Dickerson — has already said she will not seek another term. Dr. Eric Hebert has yet to announce whether he will seek another term.
He said other communities have conducted a search in the midst of a transition of councilors or select board members.
Tom Luttrell has served for the past eight months as interim manager after the resignation of James Smith, who returned to his position as assistant city manager in Brewer. Luttrell continues to serve as finance director and interim manager.
Luttrell has declined to say whether he will seek the position on a more permanent basis.
He also served as acting city manager for five months after the resignation of Rosemary Kulow in September 2011. He has been finance director for the city since January 2007.