The Federal Way City Council decided unanimously Tuesday to discontinue its search for a new city manager. The council voted to terminate a contract with Prothman, a consultant.

As of late November, the city had spent roughly $9,000 on the search for a new city manager, human resources director Mary McDougal said. The city has only paid Prothman for the services it has completed. It will not cost the city any money to terminate the contract, she said.

Efforts to permanently replace former city manager Neal Beets began shortly after his departure in May. The city council first solicited applications for the open position, but later hired Prothman to identify top candidates. The council was looking to hire a new city manager no later than February.

The passing of Proposition 1 replaces the city manager position with an elected mayor position.