Taxpayers could face a £100,000 bill to recruit a new city chief executive.

Brighton and Hove City Council is searching for a replacement for Glynn Jones, who has been at the helm since its inception in 1997.

Mr Jones, who is paid more than £90,000 a year, wants to retire in October.

Performance and resources director Paul Hart has told councillors to budget for between £75,000 and £100,000 on the recruitment exercise.

He said: "The appointment of a chief executive officer is the biggest recruitment activity any council will undertake. Unfortunately it is not an inexpensive process.

"As well as the cost of appointing an executive search-and-selection programme, the council will have considerable advertising costs as well as other expenses associated with the appointment."

A specialist company will be appointed by the council to help attract a suitable candidate.

Four top organisations have already been approached and have submitted tenders ranging from between £27,000 and £40,000.

They are KPMG, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, AT Kearney and Succession Planning Associates.

It is likely the post will be advertised in the Sunday Times,The Guardian and the Local Government Chronicle.

The chosen company will deal with all inquiries and provide a short list.

The final selection will be made after an interview with a panel of councillors.

Candidates will also have to undertake psychometric testing, role-play exercises, presentations and meet people in Brighton and Hove such as community and business leaders.

The company will carry out a review of the salary and benefits package being offered to the new chief executive.

Mr Hart said: "The competition for talented senior managers in the current tight labour market is fierce. Local government has to compete, not only with other public agencies, but also with the private sector.

"Clearly it is imperative that the salary level for the chief executive is competitive if the authority wishes to attract the right calibre candidates."