Ward resignation becomes official at month’s end

Polk County Commissioner Jason Ward is waiting until the end of the month before his resignation from the board.

Ward, who is almost officially moved to Jacksonville, Fla., said during the latest commission meeting by phone that he was turning in his resignation that would be effective July 31.

He announced the plan at the tail end of the Commission's July 11 regular meeting during comments at the end of the night. Commissioners again offered praise for his work on the board.

Ward said the decision was a matter of logistics and one meant to help the Commission as they prepare to decide who will take Ward's place.

"I didn't want to start the clock on the process immediately for the Commission, and by waiting until the end of the month they get until the end of September to figure something out," he said.

The remaining five commissioners on the board - including chair Marshelle Thaxton - will have 60 days to determine who the next commissioner will be once Ward's resignation becomes official at the end of the month.

Thaxton said during the meeting there was already interest from four different people wanting the spot, and that if anyone else who lives in District 1 is interested in the seat, they will have an opportunity to apply.

He said more information can be gotten from County Manager Matt Denton on the process for those who want to apply for the job.

Once the applications are in, Commissioners can vote as many times as needed to get a clear 4-1 majority to replace Ward on the commission. If they can't come to a majority decision within 60 days, the position will then be decided by the Grand Jury, who will receive applications for the job from the Polk County Board of Elections.

Prior to changes to the selection process following Commissioner Scotty Tillery's inclusion on the board, Pro- bate Judge Linda Smith had previously been given the responsibility of choosing a replacement.

Ward moved to Jacksonville to take on a new job in appraisals, announcing the move officially last month and maintaining his role on the Commission via conference call.

Ward, who was in his second term as Polk County Commissioner in District 1, announced last month that he was taking a new job in Florida with appraisal firm Florida Valuation, which he started earlier this month. He passed along his business and was bought out of Appraisal Associates by junior partner Patrick Dillon.