RESIGNATIONS APPROVED — Hancock County commissioners approved a handful of employee and appointee resignations during Thursday’s meeting. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — Much of Thursday’s Hancock County Commission meeting focused on personnel changes, including the resignations of three employees and one member of the county’s Park Board.

Two members of the County Clerk’s staff have left for other opportunities, with commissioners accepting the resignations of Elizabeth Johnson, effective Feb. 26, and Kayla Welshhan, effective March 20.

“I wish Libby and Kayla well,” County Clerk Karan Valenti said. “We’ll miss them.”

Commissioners also approved payment to Johnson, for accrued vacation and personal days, equating to 56 hours.

Mike Lucas, the commission’s legal counsel recommended holding off on approving Welshhan’s accrued vacation and personal days for the time being.

“There was an error in the total number of hours,” Lucas said, noting it was not discovered until after Thursday’s agenda had been posted.

The agenda indicated Welshhan was to be paid for 56 hours; however, officials noted it would be more.

Under Lucas’ advice, commissioners tabled the matter so it could be revisited at a future meeting with the correct information.

Another personnel resignation was felt in the County Prosecutor’s Office, with commissioners approving the resignation of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael Kuhn, and agreeing to begin the process of advertising to fill the position.

Kuhn has served as a full-time assistant prosecutor in the county since August.

A fourth resignation came from the Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board, with member Melissa Wallace stepping down, effective March 5.

All decisions were made unanimously.

Commissioners also agreed to advertise for a seat on the Tomlinson Public Service District Board, and approve a slate of appointees to assist with the May 12 primary election, including through the early voting period and on election day itself.

“We have 112 people,” Commissioner Eron Chek said. “That’s fantastic.”