RUMFORD – Selectmen will begin their search for a new town manager next week when they meet with David Barrett of the Maine Municipal Association.

Board Chairman Jim Thibodeau said a so-called needs assessment will be conducted at the meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2.

He said the board will list such things as pay range, educational and experience requirements, and perhaps other characteristics for a new town leader.

Advertisements may go into state newspapers as early as Aug. 8. If that works out, he said a new person could be on board as early as late September.

Thibodeau also said it’s likely that selectmen will decide whether to place one or two members of the public on the town manager search committee.

Town Manager Robert Welch, who has served in the position for 12 years, is stepping down as soon as a suitable replacement is found, but no later than Dec. 31.

Right now, Thibodeau said only selectmen are on that committee. At meetings held earlier in the month, many residents appeared before the board requesting involvement in the hiring of a new town manager.

MMA has been hired by the town to assist in the hiring, at a cost of $4,500, plus advertisement costs and possibly other fees. All applications will be forwarded to MMA, where they will be screened. Thibodeau said, however, that all board members will see application materials from candidates.

Thibodeau said the town received about 30 applications for the position 12 years ago, when the board hired Welch.

He said he is looking for someone who is reliable, self-directed and confident, and who works well with the board. Other characteristics will likely be determined at the August meeting.