The search for Washington’s next city administrator is still ongoing after panel interviews were held last week.

Mayor Jaron Rosien gave a statement at Tuesday’s city council meeting that a closed session on the agenda would not be held because the personnel hiring committee does not have a candidate to propose for hire. Rosien tells KCII that the committee reached this conclusion after two of the five final candidates that were to be interviewed last week withdrew, citing personal and family reasons. The committee met Wednesday with the plan to give a recommendation to council with a framework for a second round of applications. Rosien thanks the public for their patience as they continue to work to make this decision with the care it requires. The city is seeking to fill the position that was held for nine years by Brent Hinson, who was hired this August as Mason City’s Deputy City Administrator/Finance Director.