Thirty-Six Apply for Town Administrator Post

Thirty-six people have applied and their names are expected to be made public by week's end.

A spreadsheet describing, at a glance, the qualifications of each candidate is expected to be provided to Milford Selectmen Friday, along with a more detailed packet of resumes and letters of interest, said Town Administrator Louis Celozzi. 

At their next meeting, the selectmen are expected to initially discuss how to screen applicants, but selection of people for interviews will not begin until later, said Brian Murray, chairman of the Milford Selectmen.

Celozzi, who has served as town administrator for 16 years, will stay on until March. Selectmen hope to have someone under contract by early March at the latest, Murray said, to give the person time to work alongside Celozzi for a transition.

The Milford Selectmen, who will make the appointment, advertised nationally for the position. Murray said he was not surprised at the number of applicants, saying it was about what he expected for the size of the candidate pool.

Although a contract will be negotiated with the board's pick, the salary range will be between $90,000 and $125,000. The board, in setting the job description, said the person should have experience in government management. A master's degree in business administration, accounting or public administration was strongly preferred.

Past experience elsewhere as a town administrator — the person who is the operational head of town government — was not required.

"I don't know that the position of the administrator is as important, as municipal experience," Murray said.