Kyle City Council unanimously chose Kilgore City Manager Scott Sellers to become its next city manager on Nov. 18. Sellers, who has overseen operations at the east Texas city of about 14,000 people for the last three years, was selected from a group of five finalists. Overall, 46 people put their hats in the ring for the city manager position, according to a city of Kyle news release. "It was really difficult," Mayor Todd Webster said of the process. "We had really good candidates. In the end the consensus was that [Sellers] was the person who can take the city to the next level." Kyle City Council interviewed the five finalists on Nov. 15 but took no action after convening in closed session. Webster said the city will begin contract negotiations with Sellers Nov. 19. Over the course of negotiations, his starting date and salary will be hashed out, Webster said. Former Kyle City Manager Lanny Lambert resigned in September to take the city manager position in Converse. Sellers will be the city's third full-time city manager, according to a city news release. Kyle's downtown has seen a period of revitalization over the last few years as several businesses have stimulated economic activity there, and Webster said Sellers has the experience to further improve the district. "He put a great deal of emphasis in Kilgore on quality of life and bringing amenities to the community particularly in their downtown area," he said. "If you've watched us of over the last four months, you can see that's one of things we are focusing on." The mayor added Sellers' energy and enthusiasm were key traits that separated him from the pack. In his cover letter, Sellers wrote that he has already familiarized himself with the city's comprehensive plan and other planning documents. He also wrote that he has driven city streets to learn about the transportation and infrastructure issues affecting the city. "I think he's the right choice for where we're at right now," Webster said.