County Clerk Denny told Curry County officials at a Jan. 8 special meeting that she plans to retire effective Aug. 31 and asked the board to approve an updated chief deputy county clerk job description and to begin recruitment so a replacement can be on staff before her departure.

Denny said the position was not budgeted in the current cycle and that advertising and hiring likely would require a supplemental budget. She told commissioners she planned to advertise the vacancy widely — including using government-jobs platforms the county has used in the past — and that she hoped to attract candidates with election administration experience. Denny said she had already received one application for an open position in her office but acknowledged that many clerks are retiring and that competition for experienced election administrators is strong.

Commissioners asked about the clerk’s remaining term and whether the chief deputy position would persist after an eventual appointment to the clerk’s post. Denny said the need for a chief deputy would be decided by the budget committee and the future officeholder; she confirmed the office’s immediate need for staffing to manage elections and other duties. Commissioners also requested a statement of financial implications; staff said any supplemental budget amount would depend on timing and hiring outcomes and that some personnel funds may already exist in lines for unfilled posts.

After brief discussion, a motion to approve the job description and to begin recruitment was moved and seconded and passed on affirmative responses. The clerk will proceed with advertising and return with budget details as recruitment progresses.

Commissioners and the clerk emphasized that the ideal candidate should demonstrate high integrity and avoid partisan appearances given the role’s election responsibilities.