The search for the City of Sarnia's new chief administrative officer will be done in-house.
Sarnia council directed the human resources department to conduct the recruitment for a CAO during a special meeting Monday morning.
Councillor Terry Burrell felt it was the better route given the short time frame for recruitment, but he also thinks it will save money.
"I think we have qualified people in-house to do this," said Burrell. "They've had many years in the human resources field and in filling recruitment necessaries."
Councillor Margaret Bird, who was the only councillor to oppose the option, said she felt asking the County of Lambton's human resources department to handle the recruitment would be better.
"Not that I don't have confidence in any of the staff that are here at the city, I just think that given the history and everything that has transpired over the last four years, that it would be safer and avoid any conflicts of interest," said Bird.
Councillor Dave Boushy was absent.
Human Resources Manager Jim Crawford said the position has been posted and closes January 13.
"We've used a number of social web pages, municipal sites, specifically targeting candidates," said Crawford. "Council has already reviewed a candidates briefing regarding what the city has to offer and what the qualifications and characteristics are that we're looking for in terms of a CAO."
He said council will be presented with a short list of candidates after January 13. From there, interviews will be conducted and a final selection will be made.
Crawford said there has been interest expressed in the position, but he couldn't elaborate on how many candidates or their qualifications.
Margaret Misek Evans left the role at the end of December after five years with the city.
