But she's conceded that three months after Luke Johnson left the post, an interview panel is still divided on two candidates.

She has called an extraordinary meeting with all councillors next Wednesday afternoon to resolve the impasse.

Up until now a selection panel, comprising six councillors, an independent person and a recruitment agency representative has been interviewing applicants. This time around, all nine councillors will interview the final two candidates in a closed session.

Cr James insisted a decision would be made at that meeting.

Her comments came after councillors on the selection panel met at 7.30am last Monday in the Mayor's office.

Crs James, Nina Dillon, Neil Penning, Andrew Banfield and Denzil Sturgiss attended.

For the full story, please see Friday's Goulburn Post, available from our front office in Auburn St, or at all leading newsagencies across the Goulburn area.