The Albert Lea City Council on Monday selected five — or potentially six — city manager finalists who they are inviting to come to town at the end of the month for in-person interviews.

After a presentation of 14 semifinalists by Brimeyer Fursman President Richard Fursman — who is conducting the search — the councilors wrote down their top five people they would like to see move on to the next round.

Three candidates received clear majority, while the fourth and fifth spots had to be re-voted on. The council also agreed on having Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen ask a sixth candidate who recently dropped out of the search to reconsider staying on board.

The names of the finalists have not been released, pending notification and acceptance from each. This information is expected today.

The search comes after former Albert Lea City Manager Jim Norman resigned in August, amidst allegations that he misused the city-issued credit card for personal purchases. He was hired last year around the same time.

Fursman said 63 people submitted resumes for the position. Of those people, he interviewed 16. He narrowed that list down to 10 or 11 semifinalists and then added a few other people from the 2010 search to present to the council.

He rated the candidates on the following topics: working with elected officials, budgeting, organization and development, community and economic development, supervision and leadership, and community involvement. He also conducted basic background checks.

Once the candidates accept being a finalist, he will be able to conduct more in-depth background checks, including a credit check and reference report.

The candidates are slated to come to town March 25 and 26.

Look to the Tribune online later today and in print Wednesday for more about these candidates.