Bourbon County clerk announces resignation, cites workplace strain and defends elections office

The county clerk addressed the commission with a wide‑ranging statement that combined an election office update, concerns about payroll reconciliation and an announcement of her resignation.

The clerk reported improvements to poll worker training, new poll‑pad procedures and incident reporting introduced during the primary. She said poll workers handled 90 different ballot styles during the primary and that the county introduced incident reports; four incidents were reported and most issues were resolved locally. “These workers performed their duties with dedication and care,” the clerk said, and urged residents to volunteer as poll workers.

She also raised concerns about repeated payroll reconciliation problems and KPERS variances she said must be addressed to avoid long‑term consequences for employees’ retirement records. The clerk said her office had worked to correct previously cited financial deficiencies and credited staff for clean audits since 2022, but said a 2025 failure to pass an amended budget created a violation.

In a personal announcement, the clerk said she will resign effective 2026‑08‑31 and that Deputy Clerk Michael Hoyt will serve as acting clerk until the Republican party appoints a replacement. She also criticized what she described as disrespectful behavior from the chair and others and said she was stepping down for personal wellbeing. “I will be stepping down from my position as county clerk effective 08/31,” she said.

Commissioners thanked the clerk for her service and the meeting moved on to subsequent agenda items. No formal personnel action was taken at the meeting related to the resignation; commissioners noted the procedural steps for interim coverage and party appointment.