Unable to enter into contract with a new city manager, Pell City Council voted to re-post the position.

Mayor Hereford said the final candidate interviewed and the city were unable to reach negotiable terms.

“We really hoped to hire this person,” Mayor Hereford said, “But we just couldn’t come to an agreement.”

Hereford said the city was unable to release the name of the candidate because he was employed by another entity.  The candidate was also interviewed privately, even though the interview process for six applicants back in January was public.

“There are competing concerns here,” Hereford said.  “There is the right of the public and the applicant’s right to privacy is an issue.”  Hereford said he believed the applicant had a right to conceal his identity, not wanting to risk losing his current job.

From this point forward, Hereford said applicants wishing to be considered finalists will most likely need to agree to have their names released.

The salary range for the city manager position is $52,394-$103,406, set during a meeting in Oct. 2011.

Hereford said the city has had several applicants, but “The screening process is the most time-consuming part of the process.  This is a new thing for us.”

The council is in complete agreement that a city manager needs to be hired.

“The question is not do we hire a city manager, but who do we hire,” Hereford said.  “Finding the right fit is the most important thing.”