State Director of Administration Andrew Clinger has been asked to apply for the Reno City Manager's job and says, if the council wants him, he'll take the post.
Mayor Bob Cashell recruited Clinger for the post.
Clinger said Wednesday he told Cashell he won't be available until after the 2011 Legislature adjourns.
The end of the 120-day session is just 35 days away.
Clinger has been director of administration and budget director for more than five years since he was appointed by then-Gov. Kenny Guinn.
He has guided the state budget through its toughest period in history winning the respect of all three governors he served - Guinn, Jim Gibbons and Brian Sandoval, who made retaining him one of his first appointments.
He also has developed significant respect among lawmakers for his honesty and ability.
Sandoval in a statement says the city of Reno will be lucky to have Clinger on staff, and praised him for his "steady hand" during what is arguably the most difficult budget process in Nevada history.
Clinger said he hasn't specifically discussed salary with Cashell but that "it would be a significant increase."
At least one former city manager was paid about double the $129,000 Clinger receives from the state.
The Reno City Council would have to make the final decision on who to hire for the manager's post.
• The Associated Press contributed to this report.