Jackson County recorder Arlene Shaw to retire Dec. 31; supervisors begin replacement process

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors accepted a resignation letter from Jackson County Recorder Arlene Shaw on Oct. 21 and directed staff to begin the legal notice and replacement process. Shaw told the board her last day will be Dec. 31, 2025.

Shaw read a signed letter during the meeting saying she would retire after 30 years of service. “It has been an honor to serve the people of Jackson County,” the letter said. Board members moved to accept the letter with regret and appreciation.

Auditor Lisa Smith (auditor's office) told the board that the county must publish official notice in the county newspapers and decide whether to appoint a replacement or call a special election. She said the board can begin the notification and recruitment processes immediately and that, even if the board appoints a successor, county voters may petition for a special election under state law.

Supervisors discussed timing and next steps and asked staff to place a formal item on the next meeting agenda to set the process and timeline. The board’s action at the Oct. 21 meeting was acceptance of the resignation and authorization to proceed with required public notice and planning.

Motion on the record: the board accepted and placed on file the resignation letter of Jackson County Recorder Arlene Shaw, effective Dec. 31, 2025. The motion passed with the board’s assent.

The board did not set a hire date or name a successor at the Oct. 21 meeting; staff and the board will return with options and required notices for the board to act on at a future meeting.