Ballarat mayor Des Hudson said councillors would begin discussions at the assembly meeting on Wednesday, to determine who could fulfil the position during the transition period until a new chief executive is appointed.

“We would want to commence the process for the new CEO as soon as possible,” Cr Hudson said. “It will be nationwide search but it could take three to four months (for the position to be advertised). We will start looking at a range of options for an interim CEO who could fill that position. This could be somebody external from the organisation or it could be even be somebody internally.” 

Cr Hudson said he expected the position to attract significant interest from across the country given Ballarat’s role as the capital of Western Victoria. 

He said the council would be looking for a high calibre candidate who had intricate knowledge of current infrastructure projects. 

Chief executive Anthony Schinck said there would be no cost to ratepayers as a result of him terminating his contract early.

"There are absolutely no contractual issues or penalties where ratepayers will have to pick up the tab as a result of me going,” Mr Schinck said.

Cr Hudson declined to estimate an exact dollar figure cost anticipated to come with advertising the city’s top paying job but said there would a “significant cost.”

“Those costs are balanced with the need to find the best possible candidate for the job,” Cr Hudson said.

 Ballarat councillor Vicki Coltman previously estimated the cost could be in excess of $150,000. The cost would be made up of thousands of dollars required for independent consulting fees alongside the appointment of a recruitment company to advertise the role and interview applicants.    

Cr Hudson said it was crucial the next chief executive shared the vision of Ballarat with current councillors but was also capable of  leading the way for new council elected next year. He said internal staff at an executive level, would be encouraged to apply.