CASSOPOLIS — The Village of Cassopolis may be without a permanent manager until the beginning of next year.

Village council president Clare Mallo said the goal is to have a replacement for Kevin Gillette, whose contract was not renewed, by Jan. 1.

The Michigan Municipal League is putting together a pool of two or three candidates for the council to consider for the position, according to Mallo.

In the meantime, the council may hire an interim manager, although there are currently no candidates.

He said the council has been reaching out to neighboring municipalities to find someone who may be able to serve as the interim on a part-time basis.

It’s Mallo’s opinion the village doesn’t need an interim manager during the search process.

“My idea is that I just assume hire a manager and skip the interim,” he said. “To me that’s a delay and is costly.”

Mallo said he is confident that village business can be run smoothly between himself and Village Clerk Judy Hartman until the council hires a new manager.

In October the village council voted 6-1 not to renew Gillette’s contract. Gillette, a Stevensville resident, had served a manger since November 2007.

“It was a big mistake,” Mallo said. “All he was doing was protecting the village.”

Village President Pro-Tem Robert Yoder explained the decision to the Vigilant last month.

“I think Kevin is very knowledgeable of the laws and regulations he had to follow, but we wanted someone who would integrate into the community, attend functions and be acquainted with the people,” Yoder said.

The village council will meet next week and may select an interim manager at that time, according to Mallo.