FLORENCE — Mickey Haddock’s last day as Lauderdale County license commissioner will be Oct. 31, whether or not someone has been appointed to fill his position.

Haddock has been the county’s license commissioner for 20 years, but he is leaving the office with four years remaining on his current term.

He will be sworn in as Florence’s mayor Nov. 6.

With four years left in the term, by law Gov. Robert Bentley will be responsible for naming a replacement to complete the six-year term.

Haddock said he has notified the governor’s office of his intentions to leave by Oct. 31.

If the governor does not act before Haddock leaves office, former License Commissioner Peggy Killen, who has supernumerary status, will have to assume the role until a replacement is named.

Killen left office in 1992. Haddock was elected to fill her position.

Jennifer Ardis, a spokeswoman for Bentley, said there isn’t a set date on filling the position.

“We know it is important to get that position filled, and the governor will do it in a timely manner,” Ardis said.

She said in reviewing the applications, Bentley will consider self-nominated and community-nominated applicants.

Ardis said 14 applications have been received.

Haddock said he spoke with the governor’s appointment secretary earlier this week and was told the governor could wait until after the Nov. 6 general election before making the appointment.

“I was told, if that did happen, the appointment would be shortly after the election,” Haddock said. “I was told they had some really good, qualified applicants, which is encouraging.”

He said the license commissioner’s office will continue to run smoothly.

“We have a very experienced staff and they can handle anything that comes up,” Haddock said. “We will continue to operate as usual until a replacement is appointed.”

In Lauderdale County, the position carries a starting annual salary of $76,185.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.