The city of Ouray will start over its search for a new police chief after city leaders said they received “overwhelming” feedback from residents that they want a “more thorough and inclusive” process.

The effort to find a permanent replacement for Police Chief Jeff Wood, who was fired last June, had narrowed to three finalists: Bayfield Police Chief Michael Hoguet, Delta Police Department Detective Sgt. Stephen Furstenfeld and Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Cmdr. Ted Valerio. The job has been open since former Chief Jeff Wood was fired in June.

Former Ouray City Councilor John Wood told the Plaindealer earlier this week Hoguet had been eliminated from contention, leaving Furstenfeld and Valerio. With input from incoming City Administrator Michelle Metteer, interim City Administrator Joe Coleman was expected to make the final hiring decision.

But city officials announced in a press release at noon today (Friday) that they will relaunch the recruitment process once Metteer starts her job. She’s expected to begin no later than March 1, possibly sooner.

“Through the recruitment effort, the City learned that while there were multiple qualified candidates — each supported by the professional interview panel led by Sheriff Justin Perry — the Ouray community feels strongly about ensuring that the position is filled in a way that best aligns with the values and goals of the City of Ouray moving forward,” the press release reads.

The three finalists met with community members on Jan. 16 and interviewed with two different panels — one consisting of local law enforcement and public safety leaders and the other consisting of city department heads and community representatives — on Jan. 17. The law enforcement interview panel included representatives from agencies around the region, including the departments where Valerio and Furstenfeld are currently employed.

At the community reception, members of the public used slips of paper to submit anonymous feedback.

The city’s statement says it is confident that through the new recruitment process, the new police chief “will be someone who will help foster trust and build strong partnerships with the residents of Ouray.”

“The City of Ouray remains committed to finding the right individual who will lead the Police Department with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. This restart of the recruitment process underscores the City’s commitment to transparency and community involvement as it seeks to make this important hiring decision.”

The city paid executive search firm KRW Associates $18,000 to lead the initial recruitment process.