Jefferson City is preparing to hire a new city attorney.
A new City Counselor Selection Committee has been established and will meet for the first time at 2 p.m. Tuesday to begin the process of reviewing applications for the post.
Current City Attorney Drew Hilpert announced his resignation last month, and his last day is planned for Aug. 2. Hilpert has accepted a job as senior utility counsel with City Utilities of Springfield.
City Administrator Steve Crowell said so far, the selection committee will be made up of Mayor Carrie Tergin; 3rd Ward Councilman Ken Hussey; 5th Ward Councilman Larry Henry; Gail Strope, human resources director; Janice McMillan, director of Planning and Protective Services; former Mayor John Landwehr; local attorney Mark Comley; and Crowell.
Crowell noted the committee makeup is tentative, and further appointments could be made.
Crowell said the city began advertising for the attorney position June 10 with an application deadline of June 29. The job posting described the ideal candidate as having five years of experience, preferably in municipal law, and listed the annual salary range as between $80,188-$120,282.
Crowell said the city received 17 applications.
At the committee's first meeting Tuesday, the agenda states, the members will review the process and timeline for evaluating the applicants and holding interviews, as well as designating a spokesperson before going into closed session.
Once the committee makes a recommendation, it likely will go to the mayor for further consideration. According to the City Charter, the mayor nominates a candidate for the city attorney position and appoints the candidate with the advice and consent of a majority of the City Council.