Paula Thompson
Paula Thompson, who was elected as Hamilton County’s Circuit Court Clerk in 2002, told her staff and judges at the courthouse on Thursday morning that she plans to retire.
Ms. Thompson said she will not be a candidate for re-election next year.
In a statement Thursday, she said, "Today I wish to announce I will not seek reelection to the office of Circuit Court Clerk of Hamilton County and plan to retire at the conclusion of my current term of August 31, 2014. I am announcing this today to allow others, who may wish to run for the office, time to prepare a campaign.
"It has been a great privilege to serve the public, alongside my co-workers, over the past 47 years. I cannot express my appreciation to the voters and taxpayers of Hamilton County for allowing me the opportunity to be their Circuit Court Clerk. I further appreciate the support they have given me during my career of public service working in the Sessions Court Civil Division and Circuit Court offices."
She has been employed with Hamilton County government for 47 years.
Ms. Thompson was a longtime employee of the office when she ran in 2002 after the retirement of Judy Medearis.
Ms. Thompson has been under fire recently by members of the County Commission over the handling of her budget.
She went before the commission in March saying she was facing a budget shortfall and asking for the return of $192,194 in excess fees that were turned over to the county earlier. Commission members told her she needed to cut staff and get employee salaries in line.