POULSBO — The City Council Wednesday approved a contract with Prothman Company to recruit a new police chief. Prothman Company is the same firm that recruited Chief Dennis Swiney in 2007.

Mayor Becky Erickson has been authorized to use up to $25,000. The funds will come out of the city’s revenue stabilization fund.

The firm’s consultants will be paid $16,500. The firm estimates advertising will cost between $1,600-$2,600. The city will also pay travel expenses for the finalists.

Prothman, a Seattle-based company, estimates it will take 10-14 weeks to complete the search. Final interviews are expected to take place in early January.

“We want the best, whether [the candidate is] from Poulsbo or Des Moines, Iowa,” Erickson said.

The city announced Swiney’s retirement Sept. 26. He will serve until the new chief is hired.