Last week, Avalon officials narrowed its search for a new city manager to seven candidates, according to Councilman Oley Olsen.
Last week, Avalon officials narrowed its search for a new city manager to seven candidates, according to Councilman Oley Olsen.
He said that 52 applicants were cut down to 14 applicants and then cut down again to seven. Mayor Anni Marshall called the culling process a “preliminary review,” but would only say on the record that there were less than 10 finalists. Marshall said if everything goes according to plan, the council will interview the finalists on Thursday, May 12. According to Olsen, if one candidate stands out, the council could go directly to making a decision. If the council gets down to two candidates, they would be brought over on separate days.
Denise Radde is currently serving as interim city manager. She and Ben Harvey were the two finalists when Avalon last sought a city manager.
The council fired Harvey in November by a vote of 3-2. The reason for the firing was not disclosed. Recently, Harvey was hired as interim city manager of Pacific Grove. He will make about $160,000 a year.
“He got a better package (there) than he got here,” Olsen said.
“Congratulations,” said Marshall, who voted to fire Harvey. “That should be awesome for him.”
