AUBURN – The search for a new city manager is down to a handful of names, according to city councilors.

“But we’re all over the place among ourselves,” Councilor Ron Potvin said. “We don’t have anyone that tops the list at this point. As far as that’s concerned, it’s wide open.”

Councilors met in executive session Jan. 17 to discuss the search for a new city manager and again Thursday night to discuss negotiations with possible candidates.

“We have questions for each of the candidates, and now we’re waiting for their responses,” Potvin said. “What they say will determine our next steps.”

Longtime City Manager Pat Finnigan announced her resignation last February, effective in June. She’d been Auburn’s manager since 1995. Then-Assistant Manager Laurie Smith has been acting manager since .

Councilor Ray Berube said Smith’s name is among the candidates for the permanent job. He would not say how many names the councilors are negotiating with.

“But it’s too early for us to say what’s going to happen next,” Berube said.