By Mary Alice Murphy

The deadline for applications for the Grant County manager position was Tuesday, June 24, at the close of business.

Twelve applicants threw their names into the hat for consideration.

The list of applicants includes two who are already involved in Grant County government—Michael Carillo, Detention Center administrator, and Anthony Gutierrez, county planning director. The others include Mandy Bloomfield, Gabriel Boyle, Jack Crider, Brianna Fitzgerald, Adam Polley, Marcelino Prieto, Amy Tront, Delilah Walsh, Charlene Webb and Don White.

Including county commissioners, who will make the final decision, a team is advising in the process. Interim County Manager and County Attorney Abigail Robinson, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments Executive Director Priscilla Lucero, and Mike Burns, sheriff's deputy and union representative.

"The county is pleased to have received so many responses," Robinson said. "We are excited to move forward and fill the position."

Commissioners plan to complete the review of applications by the end of next week, with interviews to follow and a final decision expected by July 22.

The new manager will replace Jon Paul Saari, who resigned at the end of April. He served in the position for more than 8 years.