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Updated: 5/13/2008 4:25:16 PM
MML to conduct search for city manager
BELLEVILLE - After months of debate and setbacks, city of Belleville officials are moving forward with their search for a new city manager by approving the hiring of the Michigan Municpal League to advertise, screen and present viable candidates.
Some Council members were, at first, concerned that the city would have to pay for the cost of the search even if they were unable to hire a candidate. After meeting with MML representatives Monday, Mayor Richard Smith said that confusion was cleared up within 10 minutes and they had their motion.
"If (the MML) presents a list of candidates and we do not hire one (for our own reasons) then they consider their fee earned," Smith said. "However, if the candidates decide they don't want the position on their own then they will continue looking for us at no additional charge."
City officials have been searching for a new city manager since August, after the controversial termination of Walter Mears. They conducted advertising, searches and subsequent interviews twice, before agreeing to look into the MML services.

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