HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission is still waiting on one search firm to present a proposal to the county for help in finding a replacement for County Administrator Gary Meagher. Meagher announced earlier this summer that he plans to retire later this year.

Meagher told the commission that the deadline is Wednesday. He expects it to come before the commission for consideration next week.

During the meeting, Commissioner Ron Sellers proposed setting up a citizen committee to work with whatever firm they choose to help in the process, but Commission Chair Bob Bush said he didn’t believe that was needed. Bush said the commissioners could just talk with residents within their districts. He said the residents could give their thoughts on what they would like to see in a new administrator. Commissioner Ron Hirst seemed to echo that.

The commission hopes to come up with five candidates then cut that to three. There will also be public meetings for those candidates. This process was used when Meagher was hired.

Meagher will work through the end of his current contract, which ends on Dec. 27.