KEEP 'ER MOVIN'. The City of Chippewa Falls' city administrator role, which has sat vacant since 2009, will continue that way for the foreseeable future. Following a roughly six-month search for candidates, narrowed down to two candidates, the City did not hire anyone. (Photo via Go Chippewa County)

As initially reported by the Leader-Telegram earlier today, the City of Chippewa Falls has opted not to hire either finalist for its city administrator position. The decision follows a roughly six-month formal search for candidates, which the L-T said cost $18,500.

Chippewa Falls has not had a city administrator in almost 20 years, following the firing of Ron Singel in 2009, the last person to hold that role. While not officially eliminated as a position, the job has sat vacant ever since.

During closed session at its Monday, June 29 meeting, the Chippewa Falls City Council conducted interviews with both final candidates and considered making a job offer.

Those candidates were Jerry Gabrielatos, who resigned as the city manager of Beloit late last year; Laura Stelzner, the current city administrator of Chetek.

“At this time, no offers of employment are being extended to the interviewed candidates for the city administrator position and further instructed (hiring firm Public Administrator Associates) to continue the search for administrator candidates, on the City’s behalf,” the council announced after its closed session, as reported by the L-T.

Notably, Eau Claire City Manager Dave Solberg was being considered for the Chippewa Falls role this spring – among five candidates; the final two, Gabrielatos and Stelzner, as well as Chippewa Falls City Planner Brad Hentschel and Kewaunee City Administrator Heath Eddy – before being offered and accepting his current position with the City of Eau Claire.

Learn more about the City of Chippewa Falls online at www.chippewafalls-wi.gov.