Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Services has tentatively been hired to conduct a nationwide search for the next executive director of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments.

The move was made on Feb. 27 at the regular monthly meeting of the organization’s 12-member board of directors.

Board members talked with Don-Terry Veal, executive director of the governmental services center during a phone conference and invited him to submit a contract for consideration. Veal agreed to submit a written proposed within a week and estimated that the costs would be about $10,000 plus expenses.

Veal’s hiring was made subject to the negotiation of contract terms with NARCOG board chairman Stanley Yarbrough.

Board member Ray Long, chairman of the Morgan County Commission, said Veal’s staff would review all applications and recommend three applicants for personal interviews with the board.

“We hope to reach a decision at our regular meeting in April,” Long said.

The board also heard from a Bylaws Committee consisting of board members Bobby Burch, Lawrence County Commission chairman, Priceville Mayor Melvin Duran and boad Chairman Yarbrough.

Chairman Burch reported that the committee needs to meet once more to go over suggested bylaws changes before bringing a recommendation for a vote.

The board also agreed to increase the annual salary of interim executive director Stefanie Franklin from $52,000 to $76,000, entry level pay for the position, by a 10-2 vote. Duran and Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar both opposed the pay raise.

Franklin has been employed by NARCOG since 2004. She serves as aging director, Senior Community Services Employment Program director and handles day-to-day functions as interim executive director.