(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will restart the search process for a new city administrator after they were unsuccessful in hiring someone during the initial search.

On the recommendation of Interim City Administrator Larry Paine, the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved contracting with the League of Kansas Municipalities to advertise the position and submit resumes to the city at a cost of $1,750.

The Commission also approved having a group of four current and retired city administrators review the resumes and submit a short list to the Commission at an estimated cost of $600.

The position has been open since former City Administrator Mike Nichols resigned, effective April 6, to take a similar position in North Kansas City, Missouri.

Paine, a retired city administrator from Hillsboro, has been serving as interim administrator since that time.