WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen decided on Thursday to engage a head hunter to find the new town manager.

 

The board held a retreat to discuss its plans to replace Peter Fohlin, who announced his retirement this month.

 

"We decided we would use an outside recruiting firm," Chairman Ronald Turbin said on Saturday. "There are three we're considering. We're going to ask them for proposals.

 

"I think this is too big a job to do it on our own, and I think we need some professional assistance."

 

Turbin said Williams College has offered to help fund the search. The college made a similar offer to the Mount Greylock Regional School District to help its search for a new superintendent.

 

At Monday's regular Board of Selectmen meeting, the panel plans to name a town manager search committee, Turbin said.

 

The BOS and the committee will have Fohlin available as a resource.

 

"I’m sure he'll give us his guidance, but generally, it's better we work on our own," Turbin said. "Peter will assist where he can where it’s appropriate."