SAUGUS – The Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the job description for the next town manager, however, Selectman Debra Panetta had some concerns.The need for a new town manager arose from the board’s 4-1 vote on Oct. 29 to terminate former Town Manager Scott Crabtree. Panetta cast the lone vote in favor of Crabtree.”I would like our town manager to have a master’s degree, I think it’s really important,” she said, citing that an advanced degree was listed as “preferred” rather than required in the five-page job description.After conducting her own research, Panetta said she found that more than 60 percent of the town managers and town administrators in other communities hold advanced degrees.However, the board decided to retain the paragraph that stated that a master’s degree is “preferred.”Panetta also called attention to the requirement of “3 to 5 years of managerial experience.””I would like to see this manager have at least five years of experience,” said Panetta.The board acted on her suggestion and changed the wording to “at least 5 years of experience.”Selectman Stephen Castinetti said that given the right candidate, experience could outweigh an advanced degree.”Sometimes the practicality of operations is more important than the book,” he said.However, he said the academic requirement would again take precedence if the applicant lacked the necessary experience.”If someone comes in with three years experience, they better have more than a bachelor’s degree,” he said.Chairman Ellen Faiella said that limiting the search to just those candidates with master’s degrees could eliminate others who may not have the advanced degree but have the experience.”I would not want to exclude someone if they were working toward their master’s,” said Faiella.She also said the Town Manager Search Committee will conduct the majority of the search and will send only the best candidates before the board. The deadline to apply for the committee is Nov. 28.”The cream of the crop is going right to the top,” said Faiella.Selectman Paul Allan suggested that the new town manager be required to produce a business plan detailing long-range projections for the town.His recommendation was also incorporated into the job description.”This is all very defined,” said Faiella. “It’s very well spelled out in the charter what the responsibilities are.”She said the deadline for town manager applications is Dec. 19.