By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

If all goes as planned - and current efforts are right on track thus far - Enumclaw could have a new police chief by the end of next month.

The city's Police Department has been under the direction of interim chief Jake Evans since Bruce Weigel retired in January. Evans specializes in filling temporary positions and is not a candidate for the permanent job.

Members of the Enumclaw City Council were given an update on the job hunt during their most recent meeting.

According to City Administrator Mark Bauer, the Enumclaw job attracted 41 candidates; application packets were sent to 26 of those hopefuls. Eleven of those candidates live in Washington, but responses also came from California (four), Oregon and Texas (three each) and other states scattered throughout the nation. One application came from outside the United States.

According to a schedule provided by Bauer, interviews with semifinalists should be wrapped up by the end of this week. A list of recommended finalists should be forwarded by Monday, background checks will be conducted through Aug. 11 and final interviews are slated for Aug. 12 and 13.

The search process is being handled by Seattle-based Waldron and Co. The City Council contracted with Waldron earlier this year, agreeing to pay the firm $60,000 to lead the effort to fill four city vancancies. Aside from police chief, the city is in need of a finance director and is looking to fill two positions in the Public Works Department.

Regarding the finance director's spot, which also carries department head status, Waldron's schedule calls for final interviews Aug. 19 and 20. The finance job attracted 30 candidates, almost half of those from in-state.

When it came to the two Public Works posts, Waldron found mixed success. Advertisements for a utility engineer post brought only two applications, and both candidates expressed some concern about the salary offered. Waldron will continue recruiting for the position.

A second position, however, brought better results. Ads for a water/sewer superintendent brought 16 applicants, nine of whom were reviewed. Finalists will be recommended Monday and interviews are slated for Aug. 6.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com