The city has decided to search for a half-time administrative position in the police department rather than the full-time "police manager" position advertised in December.

The position would be similar to the "executive assistant" position held by Marci Protze before she resigned Dec. 15 to move to Washington, D.C.

Interim City Manager Linda Herzog said at the March 23 city council meeting she agreed with Police Chief Robert Spinks regarding a scaled-back version of the position first advertised as a "police manager."

City officials will begin recruiting for a half-time administrative position and then they’ll see if there’s a need and budget funding available for a full-time position in 2010, she said.

According to a memo from Herzog to the council, the recruitment process will begin after the job description is completed and will be done according to the city’s standard recruitment processes.

Finalists will be screened and interviewed by members of the police and administrative services departments.

Protze’s executive assistant position had been upgraded to a "police manager" position requiring more education, training and experience. Then it was put on hold as part of a 60-day hiring freeze implemented so Herzog could analyze the city’s staffing.

Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@sequimgazette.com.