After his nearly three decades of service, Champaign city manager Steve Carter may be succeeded by assistant city manager Dorothy David.

If the city council approves a contract at its meeting Tuesday night, David will take office March 30, the day after Carter retires.

David has worked with the city since 1994 as neighborhood services manager and spent the past five years in her current position under Carter.

She was the only internal candidate, and officials announced Dec. 5, two days after she applied, that they would be suspending the search process and beginning contract negotiation. They had planned to begin receiving external applications the following week.

“Over the years, I have received so much more from this community,” David said in her application letter. “Champaign is my home, and I have found a true vocation where I can use my talents in public service.”

Her base salary, according to the proposed contract, would be $173,000 a year.