Town officials are close to hiring a new town administrator for Dartmouth, as interviews with three finalists are coming up in the next two weeks.

The search comes after David Cressman announced his retirement last year. He had served as town administrator for close to nine years. His last day on the job was February 16.

A total of 49 people applied for the job. MRI, an outside consulting firm, was hired to narrow that list down. The company passed along nine names to the Town Administrator Screening Committee to interview. One dropped out, leaving the choice between eight semi-finalists.

“It was a very interesting process – grueling, but interesting,” said Select Board member Frank Gracie, who chaired the screening committee. “We met some interesting people.”

Interviews with two finalists are scheduled for April 30 at 5 p.m. and the final interview is on May 7, although the specific time of the interview is still being worked out. Interviews will be carried live on DCTV.

A vote could come as early as after the May 7 interview.

Since Cressman's official last day on the job, two town officials, Greg Barnes and Deborah Melino-Wender, have served as co-town administrators.