The search for an Anna Maria building official will go on, possibly to the end of 2018.
Mayor Dan Murphy interviewed five of nine applicants for the position as of July 20. Those interviewed included Thomas Mason from Lakeland, Frederic B. Clum from Naples, John Fahey from Fort Lauderdale, Jeffrey L. Massie from Coconut Creek and Stephen J. Beckman from Naples.
The mayor said they were not the right candidates for the job and he will remain in a “wait-and-see” stage for as long as it takes to find a strong candidate.
Murphy added his search might take until the end of the year.
The city advertised the position and the qualifications sought on the Building Officials Association of Florida website.
David Greenbaum resigned the position July 13, saying he would pursue other interests.
The position is temporarily being filled by Tampa contractor Joe Payne Inc.
Payne employee Luke Curtis is currently working at city hall.
The contractor is paid on an hourly basis, with the rate varying with services — $65.44 per hour for most work and $175 per hour for work requiring additional credentials, according to Anna Maria city clerk and treasurer LeAnne Addy.