The Great Bend City Council Monday night held a 45-minute executive session to discuss the three finalists for the city administrator’s position. No action was taken.

The finalists include: Larry Collins, who served as fire chief and interim city administrator in Ann Arbor Michigan; Kendal Francis, who served as city manager in Coffeyville and city administrator in Lakin; and Scott Hildebrand, who currently serves as the city administrator for Valley Center.

A week ago Monday, the Great Bend City Council announced candidates and the schedule for their visit to the community last week. On Wednesday, the City Council interviewed them, introduced them to department heads and took them on tours of the city. 

Then, on Thursday, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce members and the public were invited to meet-and-greet sessions at the Great Bend Events Center. 

Although aware of the turmoil last summer surrounding now resigned Police Chief Clifton Couch and now retired City Administrator Howard Partington, all said they see great potential for growth and unity in Great Bend. They liked a progressive stand and desire to plan for the future.

Slavin Management Consultants of Atlanta, Ga., is the company in charge of the official search for candidates. It helped the City Council narrow down the field to those who best fit the needs of Great Bend.