Michael Tooley

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg City Council has begun interviewing candidates for the city manager position.

On April 11 the city reviewed 19 applications for the job.

On April 14, council held two candidate interviews and more interviews are expected April 27, but further details on the number of applicants were not provided.

When asked how many candidates would be interviewed out of the 19 applicants and if any of them were local, Mayor Michael Tooley declined comment.

"Council prefers not to release additional information at this time," he said in an emailed response.

The seat was left vacant after the departure of Mohideen Buharie who served in the position for less than a year in 2023. Prior to that the role was filled by Stephen Jellie.

On Jan. 9 City Council announced they'd be hiring a consultant to assist with the search for which they are planning to cast a nationwide net.

Applications were accepted until March 22  and the advertised salary ranged for $125,000 to $150,000.

At a minimum anyone applying for the position must be qualified by at least "one year’s special training in public administration and finance, and by at least three years’ experience in a responsible executive position in governmental administration, or by any equivalent training or combination of experience and training sufficient to indicate capacity for effective governmental administration," according to the city charter which also requires residency within the city limits while in office, but not at the time of appointment.

John C. Krol is serving as a consultant on the search for a fee of $12,000.