It’s back to the drawing board in the search for a new Berrien County Administrator.

The county’s search committee met on Thursday to review ten applications for the post received by its search consultant and found a little more looking is in order. Commissioner Bob Harrison, who is part of the committee, tells us the ten applicants reviewed were out of a total 26 submissions received by the Michigan Leadership Institute. The committee has asked its consultant to dig a little deeper.

“We did not identify a clear preference amongst the committee, and so we’ve asked our consultant to continue to look for candidates for us, and we’ll continue to evaluate both the 26 that had indicated in interest as well as new ones he identifies,” Harrison said.

Harrison says county administrator is tough job to fill, and the committee wanted someone with more county government experience than the applicants presented.

“It’s an important decision for the county board to make, and so we want to make sure that we are very thoughtful and methodical as we go about this.”

Harrison says the selection will have long lasting implications for the county, so it’s important the committee find the right fit, regardless of how long it takes. In the meantime, retired Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic is serving as interim admin, and Harrison says he’s doing a terrific job.

The Michigan Leadership Institute will take another look at the applications it’s received and continue the search for more.