Sequim will search Washington, Oregon and California for a city manager who could receive between $95,000 and $115,000 annually but must have at least a bachelor's degree in public administration or a similar field plus continuing education and seven years experience, preferably as a city manager or department head.

The person offered the position also must pass a full background check, including credit history.

The position's closing date will be Sept. 26.

Those are the parameters of the city manager search set by the Sequim City Council at its Monday meeting.

City Attorney Craig Ritchie said the specific contract terms, including salary and benefits, could be negotiated later.

The specifics of how the advertisement reads will be developed by the city's search consultant based upon comments submitted by city councilors to Mayor Laura Dubois and the council's lengthy discussion Monday night.

The city council agreed at its July 28 meeting to hire Lee Walton of Bainbridge Island as a search consultant.

Walton has been manager of several cities during his 40-year career and also freelanced for "headhunter" recruitment firms.

The council's four newest members voted to fire city manager Bill Elliott on May 5 due to disagreements over his management style including the search for a new Public Works director.