Deadlines have been set by the City of Lacombe in search for a new Chief Administrative Officer.

The City will begin advertising the job on Jan. 3 with the closing date set for Jan. 20. Interviews will then be expected to take place on Feb. 19 and 20.

Human Resources Manager with the City Barb Wilton said it’s a process that shouldn’t be rushed.

“We didn’t want to have our process delayed by the holiday season and lack of availability of the candidate’s recruitment panel or referees for the position. It’s a very important position for the City so time is required to undertake the process in a comprehensive manor.”

At council Monday (Nov.14) night, councillors Don Gullekson and Chris Ross both agreed they would have liked to see the process start earlier than suggested by Wilton.

Although Mayor Grant Creasey said he would also like to see it happen earlier, he trusts her position.

“In all honestly, there were some valid points made for the reasons to not advertise over the holiday season and that’s fine, that’s the way the majority of council felt. I think the timeline will be fine.”

“I truly believe this is an enviable position and we will have several qualified applications to choose from.”

After less than six months on the job, Lacombe’s former CAO Dion Pollard announced in September he was taking a job in Lloydminster as City Manager.