An applicant was offered the Marion City Clerk position Monday evening but not until after the council and city officials met in executive sessions for nearly two hours.

Even then, the council could not unanimously agree on whom to hire — they voted 3-1 to hire Paul Martin Grill. Jerry Kline voted against the motion. Mayor Mary Olson was not in attendance.

Grill, of Buhler, was offered conditional employment. He accepted the position late Tuesday afternoon.

He was offered employment after the council interviewed candidates following the termination of clerk Alan Meisinger on Aug. 23.

According to city administrator David Mayfield, Grill is self-employed as an accountant and substitute school teacher. He has 22 years experience in the accounting and financial field, 15 years in business operations and management, and 10 years as a chief executive officer.