The Hocking County Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting Dec. 23 to accept two resignations and name an interim treasurer, while keeping the treasurer’s office closed pending staffing and security measures.

Presiding official read a resignation letter from Patricia Hartman announcing, “I am terminating my position of treasurer as for Hocking County, Ohio on December 22, 2024. Signed Patricia Hartman.” Commissioners moved to accept that resignation and approved the motion by voice vote.

The meeting also included a second resignation read into the record for an employee who said they will continue working through Jan. 3; the letter was signed "Owen Burlock." Commissioners moved to accept that resignation as well.

Why it matters: The commissioners said the office closure and the vacancy pose an operational risk during tax season, when payments and vendor invoices are processed. “People start to pay their taxes right now,” Unidentified Speaker 6 said, urging the county’s Democratic Party to collaborate on a qualified replacement to avoid delays for taxpayers and vendors.

Appointment and timing: Commissioner motions named Mike Davidson as treasurer-elect. Commissioner 3 moved to add the word “immediately” to the appointment; that amendment passed after a roll-call/voice affirmation. Officials and members of the public repeatedly noted state law timelines for party appointments: as read in the meeting, the statute requires appointment “no less than 5, no more than 45 days,” language cited by Unidentified Speaker 2 during the discussion about ORC 305.02.

Legal and procedural questions: Participants debated whether the Ohio Revised Code creates an absolute duty for the political party to appoint a replacement or whether the party may decline and let the commissioners’ appointment stand. Unidentified Speaker 2 read that the statute uses the word “shall,” but also noted the law contains no explicit enforcement clause, and others said interpretations and practice vary. The meeting referenced ORC 305.02 (as cited in the meeting) for the appointment process and the Sunshine Law in relation to executive-session justification.

Office security and staff safety: Commissioners said they had convened an executive session earlier to consult the prosecuting attorney and the sheriff about securing the treasurer’s office. The presiding official explained the reason “is you can't have just one person in that office” and that checks and balances were needed before the office reopens. A staff member who remained in the treasurer’s office thanked the commissioners for prioritizing safety but said she was concerned about a buildup of mail and work; officials said payroll through Jan. 3 appeared covered and that they would help staff log hours and ensure pay.

Next steps: It was not clear during the meeting whether the appointee had accepted; commissioners said if the named individual (referred to in the meeting as Blaine Davis) declines, they will call another emergency meeting to appoint a replacement. Commissioners said the prosecuting attorney’s office and assistant prosecutors are exploring legal options if the party does not appoint a qualified person in the statutory window.

The meeting adjourned after commissioners approved a motion to close the session. The treasurer’s office remains closed until the board determines appropriate checks, staffing and security procedures.