When the assessor's office closed its doors on Wednesday afternoon it was a somber day for the staff after a celebration of Bill Bennett's retirement after 36 years of service to Hamilton County as county commissioner and then as Hamilton County assessor of property.
Some of them cried. All of them extended their best wishes to him. At
5:30 a.m., a flag that had been presented to him at a congratulatory cookout was raised over his office building.
On Wednesday afternoon when the office closed it was taken down and presented to him with the very meaningful reminder that it was flown over his office all day his last day in that office. Personal items were packed and carried away and the office cleared to make way for the newly elected assessor.
Thirty six years of his life invested in public service. Never a scandal, never an impropriety or even a question of his character. Thank you, Bill Bennett, for your dedication to serve and for fully honoring the commitment you made to serve those who entrusted you with their vote. An outstanding public servant closed the doors his final time and walked away taking memories of accomplishments, improvements and contributions he had made and plans to spend long postponed time with Marge, his family and his grandchildren.
Enjoy your retirement, Bill, every day of it. You have earned it.
Bobby Wood