RUMFORD – The Town Manager Search Committee has settled on a finalist to fill the town’s leadership position.

If all goes well, a new town manager may be on board by the first of December.

Selectmen Chairman Jim Thibodeau said Tuesday that the board and two residents who worked on the months-long process had agreed on a finalist.

Second interviews for two semifinalists were conducted last week.

Selectmen met in a closed session Monday night to work out the details for the offer.

Thibodeau said the board is expected know whether the offer is accepted by the first of the week. If it is, the name of the person may be announced at the board’s meeting on Nov. 18.

“The final seven (interviewed candidates) were all highly rated. Not all were compatible because some didn’t have experience. There were a lot of good candidates and most had manager experience,” he said, adding that the final two were both excellent candidates.

More than 30 people applied for the position held by Town Manager Robert Welch for the past 10 years.

Thibodeau hopes that a new person can start work while Welch is still in the position.

“That would be advantageous,” said Thibodeau.

Welch’s resignation is effective no later than Dec. 31.

Among the traits the committee wanted in a new manager was an emphasis on economic development and a strong financial management background.

Thibodeau said the two semifinalists were from within the state, but not from the local area.

Besides the selectmen, Finance Committee member Jolan Ippolito and retired lawyer Bill French served on the Town Manager Search Committee.