Shortly after posting its job opening, Alpena County already has 18 applicants for its vacant county administrator role.

Consultant Amy Cell, of the Ypsilanti-based Amy Cell Talent, told the Alpena County Board of Commissioners the county had received applicants both from the Alpena area and from far outside the area.

The job closes March 31 and a pool of vetted applicants should make it to commissioners’ hands by April 15, with public interviews as early as April 19.

The county hopes to have a new administrator in place by early summer, News staff writer Steve Schulwtiz reported recently.

The county began its search for a new administrator after former county administrator Mary Catherine Hannah left to lead Saginaw County.

We’re thrilled to see the county attract so much interest, especially since the county board voted to offer a salary significantly lower than what Cell recommended. Commissioners also voted to accept applicants with lower qualifications, including applicants without a bachelor’s degree if they have several years of relevant experience.

Alpena County is in a challenging place, staring down a nearly $2 million budget shortfall, considering asking voters to OK a new property tax for county public safety operations, and in need of serious facilities overhauls.

A talented administrator can help guide commissioners through those challenges while keeping the good ship county government sailing on a day-to-day basis. Hiring an administrator might be the county board’s most important decision.

We’re glad to see the process going well so far, and we wish commissioners well in their continued efforts to fill that key position.