After three months as interim town administrator, Tiverton Police Chief Patrick Jones is expected to take over the town’s top management position permanently early next month.

Jones, who served as chief of police for seven years, had been filling the administrator role since Chris Cotta retired in December.

Jones was one of the two applicants for Cotta’s position forwarded by the personnel board to the town council. While the second applicant withdrew his application, council vice president David Paull said Jones is by far the most qualified candidate for the job.

“The chief has proven to be a solid and steadfast leader,” Paull said. “The chief cares deeply about this community and strives to do what is right day in and day out.”

While Jones’ contract was up for a vote before the council Monday, it was pushed back at Jones' request to the next town council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 7. Once officially hired, Jones is expected to step downas police chief; Paull said Deputy Chief James Costa is believed to be interested in the position.

Before being named police chief, Jones served as a member of the Tiverton Police Department since his hiring in 1989.