Acting general manager Glenn Inglis said the search should be completed and a new manager found within three months

On Wednesday, he met with a committee of five councillors, including Mayor Laurie Bishop, Deputy Mayor Jenny Bailey, Andrew Murat, Jim Maher and Herman Beyersdorf, to discuss the recruitment drive.

The agency is expected to conduct a nationwide search for a replacement to Shane Burns, who was shown the door by Cr Bishop earlier this year.

It is also currently searching for general managers for Central Darling and Wollondilly shire councils.

Cr Bishop said yesterday he envisioned the new general manager would “facilitate moving Armidale forward, in terms of population and business”.

Mr Inglis said he would not apply for the position full time. “I enjoy working as a ‘locum’ general manager and I have been approached by a number of organisations after my term ends here,” he said.

Mr Burns’s contract was terminated in February, potentially leaving ratepayers with a bill for at least $100,000. 

He had been general manager for 13 years after taking over from Bill Perry, who was sacked in 2001. Mr Burns was due to leave Council in September.

The sacking was dubbed “dunnygate” after Cr Bishop told Fairfax Media Mr Burns had failed to show him the executive toilet when he became mayor in September.

The move also led to then local government minister Don Page admitting he was monitoring Armidale Dumaresq Council