The Greeley City Council on Tuesday announced its unanimous selection for the sole finalist for the next city manager: Raymon C. Lee III.

Lee was selected acting city manager on Aug. 18, upon the resignation of Roy Otto, who served as city manager for 16 years. Otto earlier this month joined The Weld Trust and NCMC Foundation as the director of development.

The city named three finalists in early November, hosting a meet and greet with the public last week. The other finalists were Alexa M. Barton, the city manager of Belton, Missouri, and Scot H. Rigby, the assistant city manager of Wichita, Kansas.

Mayor John Gates said in a news release the council thanks the community for attending the meet and greet and providing feedback to council. Council members used the feedback, as well as interviews with the finalists, to make their selection.

In the first step of the search process, the firm Baker Tilly found a pool of 33 candidates for the city council to consider. Council members narrowed the search to 10 semi-finalists before settling on the three finalists.

Lee surfaced as the top candidate to the city council based on his background and breadth of experience, according to the release. His vision for the community and leadership in the interim role made him stand out.

"Council is in agreement, Mr. Lee has the experience, dedication, understanding, and foresight to best serve our community and our organization," Gates said in the release. "We are eager to bring Mr. Lee on in a permanent role so he can further execute his vision and strategic direction of Greeley."

City council entered into the contract negotiation stage to finalize the terms of Lee's appointment. Council will share further information, including next steps and timelines after contract negotiation.