Search for county administrator begins

Manatee County on Tuesday officially began its search for a new county administrator.

County staff said a request for proposals went out to find the company that will help conduct a nationwide search for the future administrator.

Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker is set to retire at the end of the year.

Although Commissioner Carole Whitmore motioned for the board to reconsider its decision and instead negotiate with Hunzeker for a yearlong extension of his contract, the motion failed.

“I’m of the opinion we need to go forward,” Commissioner Stephen Jonsson said.

A search committee is expected to be selected in early April, paving the way for hiring a new administrator by November.