WILMINGTON — Clinton County Treasurer Jason F. Walt has announced he will resign his position on May 1.
In Thursday’s official resignation letter, Walt said the reason for resigning is simple.
“I no longer have the proper amount of time to devote to the office. My CPA practice has grown to a point where that needs to be my sole work focus moving forward,” wrote Walt.
He stated in the letter that it’s been an honor to serve Clinton County and its residents for the past seven-plus years, “and I can’t begin to express the gratitude I have toward the voters who elected me to three terms.”
In brief, county treasurers serve as the county banker, county investment manager, tax collector and safekeeper of all taxes. Among the boards they serve on is a county’s Budget Commission.
According to Clinton County Board of Elections Director Shane Breckel, the Central Committee of the Clinton County Republican Party will have the authority to appoint a replacement between five and 45 days after the vacancy in office occurs May 1.
That appointment will be for the current term to which Walt was elected in the 2016 General Election, whereas a new term to which he was elected in the 2020 General Election will begin later this year on Sept. 6, 2021.
The Central Committee of the Clinton County GOP Party will again have the authority to appoint a replacement to this new term, between five and 45 days after the vacancy occurs.
However, because the vacancy of this new term will occur more than 40 days before the next general election in an even-numbered year, the elected office of county treasurer will need to appear on the 2022 General Election ballot in Clinton County where a successor will be picked for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Walt said in his letter, “Knowing that my staff will be able to help the next treasurer get acclimated to the office gives me peace of mind making this difficult decision.”
He described his tenure as county treasurer “an amazing experience,” adding he enjoyed working with the people he interacted with on the job at the courthouse.
“With the help of my devoted and professional staff I have made many improvements to the office during my tenure that I am very proud of,” he said in the letter.
Walt has been a certified public accountant (CPA) with the Wilmington firm of Wagenseller, Foley, Hollingsworth & Co. for over 30 years. He grew up in Wilmington, and holds a degree in accounting from Wilmington College.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
