Gardiner elected officials on Wednesday will consider hiring the Maine Municipal Association to conduct its search for a city manager.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. to review the association’s proposal, which details a nine-step process that will conclude with making an offer to the successful candidate and negotiations.

Originally slated for the Feb. 15 city council meeting, the item was rescheduled when that meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.

If the City Council accepts the proposal, which is expected to cost $4,900, they will have a chance to speak with David Barrett, MMA’s director of Personnel Services, who would shepherd the city through the process.

As outlined by the MMA, the process starts with a needs assessment that includes developing a candidate profile. Following recruitment, a system to rate candidates would be developed, and resumes would be reviewed and rated by the MMA’s personnel services director before being presented to the City Council for its review. Following interviews and background checks, second interviews would be scheduled.

“The most important thing for us is to find the right person for the right match for what we are doing in the city and community,” Gardiner Mayor Thom Harnett said. There’s no set time line.

City officials have put in place a six-month transition plan, which can be extended if needed, he said.

“There are many municipalities looking for city managers right now,” Harnett said. “I like to think we have exciting things happening here and that we will attract good candidates.”

City elected officials will also continue to deliberate about entering into either a purchase and sale agreement or an option agreement for lots at the Libby Hill Business Park in a closed session. If any action is to be taken, it will be taken in public session.

The Gardiner City Council meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Gardiner City Hall, 6 Church St.

Jessica Lowell — 621-5632

jlowell@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @JLowellKJ