The City of Sonoma will miss its self-imposed July 31st deadline to appoint a permanent city manager, keeping municipal leadership in flux. The Sonoma Index-Tribune reports officials confirmed the search process is moving into final administrative checks and contract negotiations, but no hiring announcement is ready just yet. The city received 51 applications to replace former City Manager David Guhin, who departed in April, with Interim City Manager Cristine Alilovich currently steering operations. Mayor Ron Wellander expressed patience with the timeline, noting that while the selection process takes time, the council is making steady progress. The incoming executive will oversee a $46 million budget as Sonoma prepares for its first-ever district-based council elections this November.