Officials are considering going back to the drawing board in the quest to hire an economic and community development director for the city of Farrell.

City Manager LaVon Saternow said she offered the job to one candidate, but he turned it down.

Other candidates, while they appeared that they would be good workers, lacked the experience officials were hoping for.

Fourteen people applied for the job and five were interviewed.

"We had some very good people apply for the job but we're looking for some very specific background requirements," she said. "We want him to be able to step into the job."

The director's duties would include administering the urban renewal project and Community Development Block Grant program and handling business loans. The director also would perform tasks assigned by Mercer County Regional Planning Commission.

The city asked the state, which is providing a three-year grant to help pay for the position, if the position could be handled on a consultant basis rather than by a full-timer. The state wants the city to hire a full-time city staffer, Mrs. Saternow said.

Officials also asked council about waiving or altering its policy requiring city employees to live in Farrell.

Mrs. Saternow said two applicants asked not to be interviewed because of the residency requirement.

Council is "somewhat divided" on the issue, she said.

The Rev. Martha J. Sanders, who is challenging Mayor William A. Morocco Sr. for his seat, and resident Kimberley Richards told council that waiving the residency requirement is a bad idea.

"If anyone wants to work in Farrell, they should live in Farrell," Rev. Sanders said.

"There's property all over Farrell for people to move in," added Ms. Richards, executive director of Southwest Gardens Economic Development Corp., Farrell.

"Our feet are to the fire," said Councilwoman Helen Marenchin. "We need somebody and we can't get somebody."

Rev. Sanders pressed council to hire a director soon.

"We cannot attract business to Farrell unless we make this hiring," she said. "We are losing our opportunity to expand new business and attract development."

Mrs. Saternow said she will talk to Tom Tulip, the city's state-appointed economic recovery coordinator, and Denny Puko, executive director of the planning commission, about the position.

"We might just readvertise and start over again," he said.

Officials said the state has not set a deadline for the position to be filled, and one of the top priorities for the director -- to see through the urban renewal project -- is on hold as the state has frozen its half of the $1 million project.

Mrs. Saternow said she shares the frustration with people over the job remaining open.

"I wish he could start tomorrow," she said.