MARION — With a March deadline looming, a professional consultant has been brought on to guide the hiring process for a new town administrator in Marion. 

Selectmen on Tuesday examined three proposals from consultants, eventually approving one submitted by the Plymouth-based company Community Paradigm Associates, LLC, to assist the town in finding a town administrator. 

In November, current Town Administrator Paul Dawson announced to the board that he would be retiring from his post following 12 years of service to the town, citing personal reasons for his departure. 

The board briefly discussed the proposals, and Selectman John Waterman noted that none of the proposals stood out to him. 

“Each of these firms, as you can probably see from the list of references, have extensive experience in the Commonwealth,” said Dawson. “My personal preference would for Community Paradigm.”

Dawson stated that the Paradigm proposal was slightly cheaper than the others which were submitted, and would be a better fit for the town’s timeline to find his replacement.

Chair Norm Hills agreed with Dawson. He said the Community Paradigm Associates would bring more experience into the process, and added that they have already helped a number of towns fill similar positions. 

The other proposals were submitted by the Collins Center at UMass Boston and Groux-White Consulting. Though the board was confident in the ability of these firms, the ultimate decision was made to hire Community Paradigm Associates.