The Garden City Commission's search for a city manager wrapped up more quickly than expected.

Not long after receiving a list of finalists from a city manager selection committee, the City Commission extended a job offer to interim City Manager Matt Allen, and in doing so ended a nationwide search for a successor to Bob Halloran.

The 12-member city manager selection committee had reviewed 10 applicants who met the job requirements before narrowing the list to three for the Commission's consideration.

Rather than bringing in all three for interviews, commissioners conducted one -- with Allen -- that was followed by the offer to the Garden City native who, in serving as assistant city manager before becoming interim city manager, had knowledge of the city and experience here that gave him an edge over other candidates.

The offer is contingent upon background checks and negotiation of salary and benefits, likely to begin during Tuesday's City Commission meeting.

Allen's ascension to the city's top post would resemble that of his former boss. Halloran was assistant city manager when he followed Deane Wiley, the longtime city manager who helped groom Halloran for the lead position.

And while he no doubt learned much from Halloran, Allen will be expected to bring his own management style and problem-solving skills to oversight of a city that faces its fair share of challenges. For example, local economic development efforts continue to evolve and demand even more participation from city government and its leaders.

The City Commission showed it's ready to move forward with a new manager. That said, if anything was missing from the city manager search, it was in not giving the public an opportunity to meet finalists and offer input.

But considering Allen's good track record here, that's not a pressing concern. He has demonstrated the managerial skill needed for the job, as well as a genuine desire to see the community grow and prosper.

Commissioners had an obligation to consider all candidates who were qualified and interested. They did as much, and came to the realization that there was no sense in wasting time and money looking outside for what they wanted and already had.

That made the decision to go with Allen sensible and easy to embrace.