The Maple Valley City Council unanimously chose David Johnston as the next city manager.

The members voted 6-0 in favor of hiring Johnston at the special meeting Monday following an executive session. Councilman Glenn Smith was not present.

“I think the process went really well,” Councilman Noel Gerken said.

Johnston was among five candidates presented to the council March 5 at a public forum after a seven-month search.

Johnston was the city administrator for Rantoul, Ill.

The city hired The Waters Consulting Group, Inc., a Dallas, Tex. based firm with an office in Bellevue to find the candidates.

Mayor Laure Iddings said at the meeting it was the first time the city had used a consulting firm to hire a staff employee.

“David stood out in many ways,” Iddings said. “He has excellent knowledge in the areas we are looking for like land-use zoning and economic development.”

According to city officials, Johnston’s three-year contract will pay him $125,000 annually with up to $25,000 paid for relocation costs and a car allowance of $450 per month.

Johnston’s contract calls for him to begin by April 15.