The field of nine semifinalists for the city manager position was narrowed to four last week at an Oct. 14 executive session of the city council and a public reception and private interviews before three panels were set for Nov. 7-8.

Mayor Laura Dubois said the names of the four finalists aren't being released until closer to the interview time because their current employers may not know yet that they are interviewing.

The four candidates will get a chance to meet the public at a reception set for Friday at the Sequim Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar. The plan is to allow people to provide their feedback afterward on a comment card.

Saturday the four finalists will face interviews before three panels in closed session.

One will be comprised of the seven city councilors. Another will be five city staff members, probably senior management. The third will be comprised of community members from groups such as the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, chamber of commerce, schools and nonprofit organizations.

The panels won't rank the candidates but will present what they think are their strengths and weaknesses to the councilors for their consideration.

The city began advertising for its city manager position last month. The city manager position's salary range, as set by council at its Aug. 11 meeting, is $95,000 to $115,000 "plus excellent benefits."

Requirements include a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field with a master's degree desirable. They also include seven years experience, preferably as a city manager, city administrator, assistant manager or major department head.

The successful candidate will be taking over a city with a $22.5 million budget, including an $8.1 million general fund and 79 employees, although three of those positions are vacant.