Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said a shortlist of three to five candidates had been prepared from a field of about 25 applicants for the city’s top job, which is worth $350,000 per year.

“On Tuesday afternoon all the councillors present will interview the candidates on the shortlist and then a decision will be made at an extraordinary meeting to make an offer of employment,” Councillor Conkey said.

“It’s up to that person whether they will accept the role, we can’t make an announcement until that person accepts or rejects the offer.”

The late meeting, scheduled for 9.30pm in the council chambers, will be closed to the public, but Cr Conkey said the new general manager would be revealed as soon as possible.

“It’s pointless to make known who the successful applicant is if for whatever reason they decide not to take (the job),” Cr Conkey said.

“We interviewed a number of applicants last Tuesday and Wednesday and the interview panel came up with (the shortlist) from a quality field.”

Council staff have been without a permanent leader since Alan Eldridge stood down from the role in February, amid claims he had failed to declare his son’s involvement in a property development while he was in charge of the planning department.

Riverina Regional Library executive director Robert Knight was originally appointed acting general manager for five weeks, but after six weeks in the role he handed the job over to former council director James Bolton last month.

While there was a public perception of a “revolving door” for council’s top job, Cr Dan Hayes wondered whether that was a reflection of a widespread shift towards shorter tenures.

“People speak of previous general managers in the role for long periods of time, but I’m not sure if (the perception) is just a reflection of current workplaces, including local government,” he said. “Personally, I’d want to see someone who is capable, committed and has local government experience (as the new general manager), but also knows how to make it work for the benefit of Wagga.”