Of six candidates contacted by the City, three have responded positively and wish to interview.
Auditor Search Committee Finalizes Next Steps
The Gardner Special City Auditor Search Committee met on January 29, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The primary objective was finalizing a comprehensive set of interview questions for prospective candidates. The committee successfully developed a framework of approximately ten core questions designed to rigorously assess candidates’ technical skills, municipal finance expertise, and suitability for the unique political and operational dynamics of the City Auditor role.
Key decisions and outcomes from the meeting include the establishment of a standardized interview process, a consensus on thematic areas for questioning, and a clear timeline for subsequent steps. The committee emphasized the need for questions that probe a candidate’s understanding of the auditor’s dual responsibility to the legislative (City Council) and executive (Mayor) branches, as well as their ability to communicate complex financial information to non-expert stakeholders.