Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Administrator Susan Long submitted a letter of resignation to the Osage County Commission Tuesday, Dec. 29. Personal health struggles and the increased need to care for family members led to the decision. Commissioners were aware Long was considering such a move but were unanimous in their regret.

"I really hate to see you have to do this," said Osage County Second District Commissioner Larry Kliethermes. "I really appreciate you doing what you're doing."

"You've been excellent, and you know what you're doing," added Osage County Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin.

Long is not, however, leaving the battlefield. She plans to continue working full-time through January, at which time her resignation will take effect. She will then remain with the OCHD as a part-time employee, lending her experience and knowledge, especially of the war with COVID-19.

OCHD Nurse Kim Sallin has been in talks with the commission to convert from part-time to full-time employment. The process was on track to make her the OCHD Deputy Administrator. The goal now will convert to making her Long's full-fledged successor come Feb. 1.

Commissioners discussed two possible immediate actions. One was to immediately enact the conversion from part-time to full-time.

"I'd appreciate that," said Sallin.

The other was to offer her the administrator's position now, effective with Long's resignation. She said she wanted that, but needed to discuss all the details with her husband.

Osage County First District Commissioner John Glavin asked about the necessity of advertising the position to cover all legal bases. Griffin, though, had been informed by Osage County Attorney Amanda Grellner that advertising was not necessary. Promoting from within eliminates such a requirement. Glavin, however, still disagreed with Grellner's legal opinion.

Commissioners approved Sallin's conversion from part-time to full-time employment, with Glavin dissenting.

"I think we have to advertise it," he concluded.