MARQUETTE — Marquette Township will be going back to the drawing board in its search for a township manager.

Dennis Liimatta, who served as the Marquette Township supervisor until 2015, declined the township’s offer of employment on Tuesday, Township Supervisor Lyn Durant said in an email.

“He cited personal reasons and was sorry he could not accept at this time. His notification was in an email as I asked him to let us know in writing if the contract was acceptable,” Durant said.

She said all members of the Marquette Township Board have been notified.

“The board is aware. I have asked Manager (Randy) Girard to begin the search again,” she said.

The board will consider the search during its meeting on Tuesday, she said.

Liimatta, who was interviewed by the board on Jan. 3, was the last of four candidates interviewed by the board. He is currently the township superintendent of Grand Blanc Township in lower Michigan.

The board amended its final offer to Liimatta on Feb. 7.

Marquette Township Manager Randy Girard is set to retire in June. His existing contract expired Dec. 31, but the board voted to extend the agreement for six months to aid in the transition to a new manager. Girard has held the position for over 17 years.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.