The search for a new Berrien County Administrator is entering a new phase.

Speaking to colleagues on Thursday, Berrien County Commissioner Bob Harrison said he’s received a briefing from Chet Janik of the Michigan Leadership Institute, the county’s search consultant, now that the deadline to apply has passed.

“We had over 25 applications submitted for review,” Harrison said. “He’s gone through them and will be sending ten candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and align well with our expectations.”

Harrison said the executive committee handling the search will discuss the applicants next week.

“Right now, we’ve tentatively scheduled a meeting for the 23rd, and then we’ll narrow the candidates down even further.”

After that would come interviews. The names of the applicants will remain confidential until they start agreeing to interviews.

Harrison said a meet and greet with county employees, and possibly the public, could be part of the hiring process once some finalists are identified. He said the process is “moving along, just not quite at the speed of light.”

Commissioners are seeking to replace former Administrator Brian Dissette, who left this year for a new position. Retired Prosecutor Michael Sepic is currently serving as admin on an interim basis.