Freeport begins search for new borough manager

Down a manager, Freeport has begun the search for a new head administrator for the borough.

According to Councilwoman Kimberly Barr, Freeport already has received several applications to fill the role, but the borough has not finalized a hiring timeline.

The post was left vacant on June 20, when Zachary Filous, the borough’s first manager, resigned after a 2 1/2-year tenure.

Filous said he will take up the manager role in Franklin Park, though he’ll continue to live in Freeport.

As the search goes on, Barr said council members and current borough staff would take on the manager’s tasks.

Though it would be better to have a new manager soon, Barr said, council will wait for the right candidate.

“It’s more important to get the correct person than any person,” she said.

An online job description for the post lists the starting annual salary range as $45,000-$60,000.

Filous beat out 19 other candidates for the position in 2023, resigning from council to take up the post.

Barr said the borough is seeking a manager with strong administrative abilities and grant-writing skills.

But the new manager also would likely oversee the early stages of the borough’s new sewage treatment plant, which is expected to go online in September.

So far, the council has not discussed the applications, but Barr expects the members to consider the first batch in an executive session before their July 8 public meeting.

Still, it’s too early to say when the council would begin interviewing candidates, she said.

Freeport continues to accept applications.