The search for a new Mancos town marshal has been narrowed down to two finalists: Boyd Neagle, a Cortez Police Department patrol officer, and Justen Goodall, a Montezuma County Sheriff’s deputy.

Mancos Town Administrator Heather Alvarez said she is happy to have two qualified applicants who know the town and the county. Residents will have a chance to visit with Neagle and Goodall at a community meet-and-greet at the Mancos Community Center from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 28.

Alvarez said both candidates have passed several tests and procedural requirements and now have three final steps. Neagle and Goodall will undergo law enforcement oral board interviews, mixed-panel interviews and attend the community meet-and-greet.

As the majority of a town marshal’s job is interacting with the community, Alvarez said she wants public input.

“I want citizens to be vested in the process,” she said.

Residents will have one hour to ask the candidates questions. She said cookies and coffee will be served in an informal atmosphere. Residents will be given a piece of paper to choose their preferred candidate and provide any comments.

“I’m trying to keep it loose,” Alvarez said. “Mancos likes to do things their own way.”

As town administrator, Alvarez will make the final decision on the two finalists. Depending on when the final interview steps are complete and Alvarez makes the decision, the Mancos Town Board will either discuss the finalists or ratify the selected candidate at a meeting Jan. 9.

“We’re small town, small staff, small board,” Alvarez said. “I want to make sure we can all work together.”

Mancos Town Marshall Jason Spruell stepped down in November and purchased Mesa Verde Motorsports in Cortez, a business that his grandparents started under the name Gene Patton Motor Co.

sdolan@the-journal.com