The search for the next Charlotte County Administrator continues to be underway, following the close of the application period.

According to the Administrator Recruitment Profile, initial review of submitted applications began June 15.

“Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled, however, timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review,” said the county’s recruitment profile.

County Purchasing Agent and Planner Monica Elder said the search firm is working directly with the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors.

Chairman of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Gary Walker said while he has not been given an exact number, more than 20 applications were submitted for the position and those are currently in review.

“They are walking us through the process,” said Walker referring to the Berkeley Group Search Firm based out of Bridgewater.

He said the search firm would eliminate the applications down to a reasonable amount before bringing potential candidates before the Board of Supervisors and starting the interview process.

Supervisors voted to hire the Berkeley Group for a base price of $20,000.

“It’s not going to be a flat $20,000,” said Walker in May.

According to a synopsis of the response to the request for proposal (RFP), additional pricing could include an optional $1,800 per month for up to eight hours of on-boarding for a maximum of three months.

The information said the on-boarding process would include helping the new county administrator transition into the position.

However, no non-direct expenses such as travel, advertising or printing would be added as long as the county absorbs the cost of advertising and printing.

The search for a new county administrator began shortly after 37-year veteran R.B. Clark announced he would seek retirement June 30.

Clark was previously the county’s first administrator in history.

According to the recruitment profile, the selected candidate would be responsible for directing programs and operations of the local county government.