Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever, one of six finalists for the job of county administrator in Sherburne County, was not offered the job.

The Sherburne County board on Tuesday selected Steve Taylor, assistant county administrator in Carver County, according to the St. Cloud Times.

Finalists were interviewed last Wednesday and Thursday in two separate interviews — one with the county commissioners and a second with the remaining elected officials and other staff.

“I’m disappointed in one way but certainly happy to continue here in Freeborn County, Kluever said.

The administrator said in a previous interview he was pursuing the position for both personal and professional reasons.

Sherburne County has about 88,000 people and has a budget about twice as large as Freeborn County’s with about twice as many employees. Elk River is the seat.

Kluever started in Freeborn County in June of 2007 following the resignation of former administrator Ron Gabrielson. He came to Albert Lea from Laramie County, Wyo., where he was a grants manager.

Other finalists were Monty Headley, Benton County administrator; Duane Hebert, Winona County administrator; Tim Houle, Crow Wing County administrator; and Pat Melvin, McLeod County administrator.

Hebert decided not to interview, according to the St. Cloud Times. About 35 people applied for the position.

The position has been vacant since Aug. 1, when the former administrator retired after 14 years.