Minutes after she was approved Thursday as Douglas County's public guardian and temporary public administrator, Claudette Springmeyer hurried off to sign the first official court document in her new capacity.
When she returned to the board meeting, Springmeyer was effusive in her thanks for the new jobs.
"Thank you for very much," she told the board. "I had to leave to sign my first court order. I won't let you down."
While commissioners were enthusiastic about appointing Springmeyer public guardian, they expressed reluctance at losing her services as Douglas County comptroller, a position she has held for 15 years.
She is a 22-year county employee.
"Claudette has been such a key component of Douglas County and our staff," said Commissioner Nancy McDermid. "We know the quality she provides. I am a little concerned about going forward without her. I hate to lose her from this position."
The position became available after Lynn EnEarl tendered her resignation in a letter Aug. 10, to take effect Dec. 1. However, she was re-elected public administrator in the Nov. 2 election and could resume office after a month off.
That's why Springmeyer's appointment as public administrator is effective through Dec. 31.
She was appointed public guardian through Dec. 31, 2014, at an annual salary of $34,392 when she would face election to the job.
EnEarl tendered her resignation as public administrator and public guardian after a series of court cases which publicly criticized her handling of the guardian's position.
During hearings last summer on her guardianships, EnEarl admitted that she hadn't spoken to any of her charges.
Springmeyer promised to be attentive to those in her care.
"They may love me, or hate me, but they're going to know me," Springmeyer said Thursday.
"We appreciate the service to those residents you'll be serving," said Commissioner Mike Olson. "You have a great heart and a great mind."
Springmeyer came highly recommended by District Judge Dave Gamble who said in a letter to the board there were 120 open guardian cases.
Under Douglas County statute, the public administrator serves as the administrator of the estate of a deceased person. The public guardian serves as the guardian of the person, the estate, or the person and the estate of an incompetent person.
"I would strongly recommend someone who has a strong financial background," Gamble said. "I have worked with Claudette in the past in her role as county comptroller, and I have the utmost respect for her financial abilities and her integrity."
County Manager T. Michael Brown echoed Gamble's statements.
"Her financial ability is unparalleled and she has more integrity than anyone I've met in my life," he said. "There are many wonderful things to say about Claudette and we will set aside a time for that."
Springmeyer is to continue as comptroller until the county hires a new financial director to replace her.
Brown said the plan is to reorganize the administrative services department of which Springmeyer is director
After a finance director is hired, the county will eliminate the department. The purchasing department was eliminated in June 2008 and human resources is to report to the county manager.
The new finance director will act as the comptroller.
The comptroller performs a variety of duties including budget and revenue development and monitoring, capital project financing, payroll processing, accounts payable, accounting, debt management and staffing and budget.
