PORT TOWNSEND — The city of Port Townsend has officially opened its recruiting process for a new city manager.

The City Council hired Peckham & McKenney for $24,500 to help with the search to replace David Timmons, who was hired as Port Townsend’s first and only city manager in 1999. He is retiring June 30.

Applications will be accepted through May 6, according to a press release on the city website at cityofpt.us.

They can be obtained on Peckham & McKenny’s website at www.peckhamandmckenney.com under “searches.”

Preliminary interviews are scheduled to take place May 8-15, and a recommendation of candidates is expected May 20.

The finalist interview process will be held June 17.

“Multiple firms provided proposals,” for recruiting a city manager, “but Peckham & McKenney’s approach seemed to be the best fit for us,” the release said.

“In fact, the firm’s tagline is ‘All about fit,’ which is certainly a major consideration as we search for the best candidate to serve as our next city manager.”

A task force led by former City Council member Catharine Robinson held 10 public meetings between last October and January.

The task force included 13 city residents from a variety of different community groups and demographics.

It also hosted one public “conversation” attended by 40-50 community members.

The task force also read 348 responses from a public survey, which was sent to all Port Townsend addresses and available online.

Lead recruiter Phil McKenney spent several days in Port Townsend in early March, the news release stated.

The task force presented documents to the city council Jan. 25 that included the ideal candidate profile, opportunities for strategic leadership and public process next steps.

All task force recommendations were adopted as presented.

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Jefferson County Managing Editor Brian McLean can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 6, or at bmclean@peninsuladailynews.com.