PORT TOWNSEND — The seven-month search for a new Jefferson County administrator has led the county commissioners to Philip Morley, Maple Valley’s assistant city manager.

After a 20-minute closed executive session Monday afternoon, the commissioners unanimously directed interim administrator Dennis Richards to negotiate a contract with Morley.

Additional specific biographical information on Morley was unavailable.

“It’s not a done deal,” said County Commissioner John Austin, D-Port Ludlow.

But Austin said he was impressed with Morley’s knowledge of Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula, and his experience related to county issues such as the state Growth Management Act.

Morley has been working under an interim city manager, Christy Todd, in Maple Valley since the his original boss, Anthony Hemstad, suddenly resigned in July, according to the Covington Reporter newspaper.

Should Morley accept what Jefferson County offers him, he could start before year’s end, county officials said.