FLORENCE — Interviews have begun in trying to fill the vacant Lauderdale County license commissioner position, officials said.

“It’s my understanding that the interviewing began today,” Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock said.

According to Jennifer Ardis, spokeswoman for Gov. Robert Bentley, about 20 applications were received for the vacant position.

“Some of those candidates will be interviewed and the governor will make a decision,” Ardis said.

She said the decision will be “pretty soon.”

Haddock served as the county’s license commissioner for 20 years. He gave up the position Oct. 31 after being elected mayor.

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

Until the appointment is made, former License Commissioner Peggy Killen, who has supernumerary status, has assumed the role.

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