Callahan County treasurer resigns; commissioners appoint and swear in Deborah Modell

Callahan County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of County Treasurer Melissa Prior and unanimously appointed Deborah Modell as the county's treasurer during a called meeting on Nov. 6.

The presiding Judge read a resignation letter from Melissa Prior, which stated, "After serious consideration, I've decided to resign my position as county treasurer of Callahan County," and that "my last day of employment will be 2 weeks from today, November 6." The Court moved quickly to act because the letter had been received Oct. 23 and was not on the regular agenda.

Commissioner Windham moved to accept the resignation; Commissioner Clark seconded the motion. The Court approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition.

The commissioners then said they had identified a qualified candidate to fill the vacancy and asked for a motion to appoint her rather than open a broader application process. Commissioner Clark moved to appoint the named candidate; Commissioner Windham seconded, and the Court approved the appointment by voice vote. The appointee, who gave her name in the oath as "Deborah Modell," completed required paperwork, was administered the oath of office and was congratulated by the presiding Judge and commissioners.

The resignation and appointment were handled as formal motions on the called agenda; the Court did not record a roll-call tally other than the unanimous voice approval announced at the meeting. The presiding Judge said staff would finalize paperwork and records reflecting the appointment.

The meeting also included other agenda items unrelated to the treasurer appointment.