Staff writer
Planning and Zoning Department Director Tonya Richards gave commissioners her two-week notice at Monday’s meeting.
Richards, who has been the director since June 2008, told commissioners she has taken another job offer in Topeka, and her last day of work would be March 11.
“I just want to thank the county commissioners and all of the people, department heads and just citizens of the public for backing me up all these years that I’ve been here and helping me develop into the professional I’ve become,” Richards said. “Marion County has been a really great place for me to work and live. Life has just changed a little bit and is taking me in a different direction.”
Chairman Randy Dallke thanked Richards for all of the work she had provided for the county over her time as director.
The commissioners voted 3-0 to accept Richards’ notice.
Dallke said after the vote that Richards would be interviewing a few people after the meeting for the position.
“Where Tonya has left the planning, zoning, and environmental health,” Dallke said, “we plan on taking it a step higher. Tonya will give us her report on (interviews), so that’s where we sit right now.”