WAYNE -- The search for a new town manager has yielded 18 applicants, departing town manager Pamela Grimshaw said Thursday.

Search committee members have narrowed the 18-member field down to five finalists. Interviews will begin on Monday.

Grimshaw told selectmen at the end of June that she planned to resign approximately one year after she assumed the position. The selectmen accepted her resignation at a meeting on July 8.

Search committee members have said they might hire an interim manager to fill the position if they are unable to hire a permanent replacement.

Grimshaw said the town seeks to hire a new manager "as soon as possible."

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