BEDFORD — The search for a town manager continues and could lead to an amendment to the Town Charter.

According to Council Chairman Bill Dermody, the deadline for receiving resumes was June 1. Of the 67 resumes received, Dermody said 28 met at least the minimum requirements for the job.

The council first tried finding a town manager on its own in February, but the chosen candidate did not accept the offer because of a requirement to move to Bedford within six months of being hired.

The council now is considering an amendment to the charter that would change the six-month residency requirement to allow the top pick to move to Bedford within a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 18 months.

Councilor Chris Bandazian said the six-month residency requirement could discourage qualified candidates from applying for the job, and that amending the charter would more accurately reflect the reality of the current housing market and economy.

A public hearing will be held June 27 to seek feedback on the residency requirement, as well as two other minor “housekeeping” changes.

Residents heading to the polls Sept. 11 for the state primary, will vote on these amendments as well.

The town has contracted with search firm Municipal Resources, Inc., to help find a candidate for the manager position, at a cost of about $9,000.

MRI will narrow the 28 candidates down to six, who will be ranked numerically by both MRI and the council. From that pool, the top three candidates will meet with the council, MRI and department heads, Dermody said.

The final three will meet with the council on July 26.

Dermody said he hopes to have a candidate chosen by August.

Bedford’s former Town Manager, Russ Marcoux, died of meningitis in late 2011. Finance Director Crystal Dionne has served as acting town manager since his death.

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