Council tight-lipped on Raleigh manager search

Members declined to say whether they voted to offer a contract to any of the four finalists, only reiterating that they hope to name a new manager by Oct. 1.

The council in April fired City Manager Russell Allen, who had overseen municipal operations for 12 years. Mayor Nancy McFarlane said at the time that Raleigh needs a new perspective as it grows and looks toward the future.

The four finalists were chosen last week from 80 applications from across the country, and council members interviewed each of the four Wednesday and Thursday.

The names of the finalists haven't been released.

Councilwoman Mary-Ann Baldwin, who voted against Allen's ouster, said Friday that she was impressed with all of the finalists and that any of them would be a good fit for Raleigh.

Although some of the council members appeared unhappy as they left the Raleigh Marriott City Center after the meeting, McFarlane said the discussions went well.

"We had a really good discussion. It was very thoughtful," she said. "(The finalists) are all incredibly well-qualified. They all bring very different strengths to the table."

No details about when the council will meet again were released.

Raleigh Chief Financial Officer Perry James has been serving as interim city manager since Allen left in early July.