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County auditor to resign next year
By Mark Johnson
Embattled Clay County Auditor Vic Hurlbert announced last week that he would be resigning from office shortly after Jan. 1.
Hurlbert cited three factors in his decision to resign, including the potential cost of litigation tied to an investigation involving him and former Clay County Clerk Pam Mason, which could have resulted in his removal from office.
The focus of the probe, which was requested by the Clay County Commission, was on allegations of mismanagement and financial misconduct.
While Hurlbert believes he would have ultimately been exonerated, he said he was unwilling to devote the resources that would have been needed to clear his name.
“It was not worth it to fight it,” he said. “It could have cost me $100,000 or more.”
Hurlbert said the move would also save county taxpayers the cost of the potential litigation.
Special prosecutor Tim Dollar, who was conducting the investigation, recently brought the proceedings to a close with Mason already out of office and Hurlbert resigning.
Hurlbert said the second factor in his decision was the timing.
“By doing it in ’09, there won’t be a need for a special election for my replacement, which should save Clay County taxpayers thousands of dollars,” he said. “The governor will appoint my replacement.”
Hurlbert said he also decided to wait until January so that he would be able to close out the books.
Eastern Commissioner Craig Porter believes the coming change will make a difference in the day-to-day workings at the courthouse.
“It will be a positive thing for morale,” he said.
Porter would also like to see someone with experience appointed to the office.
“We need someone who is well-versed in government accounting and who can help the outside auditors,” he said.
Presiding Commissioner Ed Quick agreed.
“We need someone who does their job properly and can get along with people,” he said.
Quick is also looking for the new auditor to address recommendations made by past outside auditors.
As for Hurlbert, he said he’s already had offers from two private firms.
Senior writer Mark Johnson can be reached at 781-4941 or mjohnson@npgco.com.
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Hurlbert cited three factors in his decision to resign, including the potential cost of litigation tied to an investigation involving him and former Clay County Clerk Pam Mason, which could have resulted in his removal from office.
The focus of the probe, which was requested by the Clay County Commission, was on allegations of mismanagement and financial misconduct.
While Hurlbert believes he would have ultimately been exonerated, he said he was unwilling to devote the resources that would have been needed to clear his name.
“It was not worth it to fight it,” he said. “It could have cost me $100,000 or more.”
Hurlbert said the move would also save county taxpayers the cost of the potential litigation.
Special prosecutor Tim Dollar, who was conducting the investigation, recently brought the proceedings to a close with Mason already out of office and Hurlbert resigning.
Hurlbert said the second factor in his decision was the timing.
“By doing it in ’09, there won’t be a need for a special election for my replacement, which should save Clay County taxpayers thousands of dollars,” he said. “The governor will appoint my replacement.”
Hurlbert said he also decided to wait until January so that he would be able to close out the books.
Eastern Commissioner Craig Porter believes the coming change will make a difference in the day-to-day workings at the courthouse.
“It will be a positive thing for morale,” he said.
Porter would also like to see someone with experience appointed to the office.
“We need someone who is well-versed in government accounting and who can help the outside auditors,” he said.
Presiding Commissioner Ed Quick agreed.
“We need someone who does their job properly and can get along with people,” he said.
Quick is also looking for the new auditor to address recommendations made by past outside auditors.
As for Hurlbert, he said he’s already had offers from two private firms.
Senior writer Mark Johnson can be reached at 781-4941 or mjohnson@npgco.com.