Despite cutting 14 positions for next year, the city is looking to hire a purchasing manager.

Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman defends the move, saying the position could help the city become more efficient.

The job was listed on the city’s human resources department Web site last week. The position has been empty since at least 2007. Two previous searches for a purchasing manager, in 2007 and earlier this year, ended with no one being hired.

Bosman said it is important to fill the position.

“They’re in charge of the procurement of supplies for every department in the city,” Bosman said. “It is important that we get the best quality, price and timeliness for being able to procure these products.”

Bosman said not having a purchasing manager has created difficulties for the city and has been a target since he became mayor 18 months ago.

“Not having this position filled negatively affects every department in the city,” Bosman said. “The whole operation of the city can be set back if people don’t have the equipment they need to get their jobs done. We don’t carry stockpiles of parts around with us. We’re probably a little inefficient in this manner right now.”

Bosman said this year’s earlier posting did not result in a substantial enough pool of candidates to hire a purchasing manager. The city attempted to draw more attention by increasing the maximum salary by about $10,000.

“It had to be put in the budget at a higher level in hopes of getting a larger pool of candidates,” Bosman said.

The salary range is $62,856 to $78,564. The city’s human resources department had received 20 applications as of Friday morning.

The position, at the higher salary, was included in the approved 2010 budget, which also eliminates six dark positions and eight others.

But Bosman said there is value in hiring a purchasing manager despite other cutbacks.

“There was a lot of buy-in from the city departments and the council that this position needed to be filled. We just didn’t get that done in 2009,” Bosman said. “I think everyone here recognizes the need for this position because it touches every department in the city.”

Requirements for the purchasing manager position include a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in public or business administration and seven years of work, training and education experience relevant to the job. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 22.