RUMFORD – The Town Manager Search Committee began conducting interviews of potential candidates last week.

Selectmen Chairman Jim Thibodeau said that three men, all from within the state, were interviewed by the committee Monday. In addition to the selectmen, Jolan Ippolito, a Finance Committee member, and William French, a retired lawyer, are on the committee.

Thibodeau said several more candidates will be interviewed this week. From the more than 30 applications received, most from in state, he expects that eight or nine applicants will be called in. He said he hopes to have the first round of interviews completed by the end of October.

The committee hopes to narrow the field to a finalist by the end of October or early November, he said.

Longtime Town Manager Robert Welch submitted his resignation in June, effective no later than Dec. 31.