Commissioners accept resignation of Clerk Rita Long, effective end of January 2025

By Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune Correspondent

The Perkins County Board of Commissioners accepted the resignation of Perkins County Clerk Rita Long during its Monday, Dec. 16 meeting, effective January 31, 2025. Chairman Mark Bottom and Commissioner Steve Tucker were present for the meeting, with Commissioner Sid Colson being absent because of illness.

Rita Long Resigns

In a letter to the commissioners, Clerk Rita Long submitted her letter of resignation effective January 31, 2025, stating she has decided to move into retirement as the reason behind her resignation. The commissioners will start advertising right away to fill the position. In the meantime, they will make an appointment for the Clerk position. If there is an overlap and no one is appointed by February 1, 2025, the deputy, Jo Ross, will take over as acting County Clerk until the appointment is made. The Perkins County clerk’s position will be up for reelection in 2026. 

On Dec. 31, 2024, Long will have completed her 18th year as Clerk and she said she is looking forward to slowing down a bit.

“I am looking forward to a more open schedule that will allow me to do things that I can’t or don’t make the time for with a fulltime job,” she said.  “Such things as reading, traveling and lunch with friends are at the top of my list.”

She would like to thank the residents of Perkins County for trusting her to serve them as County Clerk over the years.

“I have enjoyed serving the residents for the last 18 years and believe I have done so with integrity,” she said. “I always strove to do what was best for the Clerk’s office and the residents of Perkins County while upholding all state statutes and feel strongly that I was successful in this goal.”

Look to future editions for a more in depth article on Long’s tenure as County Clerk. 

Mike Dolezal Resignation

The commissioners also accepted a letter of resignation from Highway Superintendent and Noxious Weed Manger Mike Dolezal who is retiring at the end of the year. However, Steve Leimer has been hired to fill Dolezal’s position. Look to future editions for a more lengthy article on Dolezal and Leimer. Also resigning from the roads department is James Bryant who is retiring, and Dennis Steinwart who is seeking different employment.

Veterans Service Officer Position Open

In related news, the position of Veteran’s Service Officer is now open with the resignation of Stephanie Larson who accepted employment elsewhere. However, according to Bottom, the county is in a contract relationship with Larson to handle some aspects of the office until a replacement can be hired. The open position will not be advertised for, however, until after the new year. One option the county is looking at is the possibility of cooping the duties of the office with the Chase County Veterans Service Office, Bottom said.

Moving of District Court Duties

In a related topic, Clerk of the County Court Kathy Woodmancy was present during the meeting to discuss the possibility of her office taking over the duties of Clerk of the District Court next year. Some discussion took place concerning the potential move, including changes in cost to the county with the move, potential dates the District Court’s duties could be moved to the County Court, along with pros and cons of such a move. No action was taken on the request by the commissioners since more information is needed, and because the item was not on the agenda.

Zoning and Comp Plan Update Needed

The Commissioners discussed the need to review and possibly update the County’s Zoning and Comp Plan. Perkins County Attorney Rick Roberts told the commissioners it was important to have the documents reviewed, even if no changes are needed, to have a current document on hand. More information will be forthcoming at a future meeting.

Updates by County 

Officials

Updates were given during the meeting by County EMT Travis Ogg, Hwy. Supt. Mike Dolezal and Sheriff Jim Brueggeman.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Perkins County Commissioners will be Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.