Long Beach City Council members are planning to appoint a new acting city manager this week.

The council is expected to appoint Rob Agostisi as city manager during a special meeting Wednesday night. Agostisi has served as legal counsel for the city since 2015 and was assistant counsel since 2006.

"My first priority...is to retain a full-time comptroller to help develop and implement a financial plan that addresses not only today's most urgent needs, but provides a blue print for long term fiscal stability," Agostisi said in a statement to News 12.

Long Beach has gone without a permanent city manager for a year. Last January, Jack Schnirman vacated the position when he was elected to become Nassau County's comptroller.

Long Beach Police Commissioner Michael Tangney temporarily filled the position.

MORE: Long Beach still operating without city manager

Former Long Beach school board member Roy Lester is skeptical of the new hire, saying he doesn't believe Agostisi is qualified.

"They keep claiming we can't find someone," Lester says. "Well if you look with your eyes closed, of course you're not going to find someone."

The city has seen its share of recent financial troubles, with residents complaining of high taxes and poor road conditions.

Long Beach considered cutting services last year due to its money troubles.