Randolph County Assessor Phylllis Yokum announces retirement
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ELKINS -- Longtime Randolph County assessor Phyllis Yokum announced her retirement during this week's Randolph County Commission meeting.
Yokum, who started working in the assessor's office in the early 1980s, was a clerk and mapper before taking over as the county's assessor in 2005. She addressed Commissioners David Kelsing, Cris Siler and Chris See during the reports portion of the meeting.
"Gentlemen, when I walked into this building and into the assessor's office on July 8, 1982, I had no idea that it would be the start of a 43-year career," Yokum said.
"When I was hired there were three employees in the office at that time. There weren't any computers and everything was done by hand, including typing the land and personal property books, and the tax tickets," she said.
"I wish to respectfully inform you, the Randolph County Commission, that I will be retiring at the end of my term."
Yokum told the commissioners that she will always cherish her years serving as the county's assessor, but knew the time was right for her to step down from her post.
"I can't even begin to tell you what this position has meant to me," she said. "But it's time, time for me to retire. I had a dear assessor friend tell me once that when it's time, you'll know, and I know."
Yokum said she has many plans for after her retirement, which will officially begin at the end of the year. Her last day as assessor will be Dec. 31.
"I'm so excited about the next chapter in my life," Yokum said. "I want to spend more time with my family, my daughter and my precious grandchildren. I have developed a huge love of travel and there's a lot of places I still need to see."
Yokum said that being an assessor is a rewarding and difficult job that is continuously monitored.
"Being an assessor is a hard job and I see more changes coming," she said. "Many people don't know that an assessor and the office staff are monitored by the Property Training and Valuation Commission on a yearly basis to make sure we are doing our job… If an assessor isn't in compliance, he or she could be removed."
Yokum said that because the staff in the assessor's office means so much to her, she discussed her retirement with them before making her decision.
"When I was discussing my retirement with them, two of my employees expressed interest in running for the office, Lance Marcum and Seth Pratt," she said. "These two gentlemen are experienced assessor's office employees and either of them would be an excellent choice."
Both Marcum, a Republican, and Pratt, a Democrat, have filed at the Randolph County Courthouse to run for the office in the May 14 Primary Election.
All three commissioners expressed how they hated to see Yokum retire, and thanked her for her years of service.
"You will be missed," Kesling said. "I know it's a hard decision for you, but there is nothing like being able to spend time with your children and grandchildren, so we understand. We thank you for everything that you have done for this county and we appreciate all the hard work."