By Cristina Kumka
Staff Writer
Published April 2, 2008

The City Council plans to hire a new, permanent city manager as early as the beginning of this month, city officials said.

The selection process, which lasted more than six months, is nearing an end.

The Council is down to two candidates, both of whom are from "outside Englewood," said Council President Ken Rosenzweig.

Rosenzweig declined to provide additional information, citing confidential personnel procedures.

He did say both candidates are "extremely qualified."

"We’re pretty close. It could happen slowly or quickly," Rosenzweig said.

The Council met behind closed doors March 25 to discuss the final selections.

Another city official, speaking confidentially, said both candidates have very experienced backgrounds in finance, and one had won numerous awards for the management of municipalities.

The city budget reflects $125,000 allocated for the new city manager’s salary. About $10,000 is also budgeted for transition training.

Since April 2007, interim City Manager Robert Casey, a contractual employee from city-management consultation firm, has managed the city on a part time basis.

To support Casey’s management, Robert Gorman was hired as the full-time assistant city manager and human resources director. Gorman also handles the city’s Special Improvement District budget and economic development matters.

Longtime city employee Howard Feinstein was promoted to finance director and purchasing agent. Feinstein also handles data processing.

Prior to last year, former City Manager Cheryl Fuller served as the city’s manager, finance director, purchasing agent and other responsibilities that have since been split by Casey, Gorman and Feinstein.

Formerly the highest paid city employee, Fuller resigned last year amidst controversy over her efficiency.