Clinton County Fiscal Court has lost a second term court member, following the resignation this week of 3rd District Magistrate Willard Johnson.

Johnson, who was elected twice to the office and had served five years and three months as a member of the fiscal court, tenured his letter of resignation at a special meeting Tuesday morning, April 10.

The outgoing magistrate issued the following letter to Judge/Executive Lyle Huff and the Clinton Fiscal Court at the end of Tuesday’s call meeting:

“In all aspects of our lives we find opportunities that only come once in a lifetime. I have been in the finance industry for 20 years and I have finally reached the pinnacle that I have been working for. The board of directors has selected me as the President of Monticello Banking Company. I have been elected twice by the good people of the 3rd District to serve as their Magistrate and it has been an honor to do so. I find it a conflict of interest to serve both entities. It comes with a heavy heart but I must resign my position as Magistrate of the 3rd District. The trust and admiration shown to me by the people of this court will never be forgotten.”

Judge Huff issued a written response accepting Magistrate Johnson’s resignation, saying, “You have served your magisterial position with the Fiscal Court honorably and respectfully. As of April 10, 2012, I hereby accept your resignation on behalf of the Clinton County Fiscal Court.”

Although it was not mandatory, or by statute that Johnson had to resign due to his new job position in the banking industry, he noted he felt it was the best thing to do to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest in serving in both capacities on the court and with the bank.

He also commended his fellow magistrates and noted the hard work they do and what they have to endure in their jobs on a daily basis, saying it was almost a “volunteer” job.

According to Lynsey Womack-Denney, General Counsel to the Office of the Governor, KRS Chapter 63 provides that a vacancy in the office of magistrate is filled by the Governor, who will appoint the new member of the fiscal court.

Also, Attorney Richard J. Ornstein with the Kentucky Association of Counties informed Judge Huff that, “As long as three months intervene between the vacancy and the November election, the Governor’s appointment will serve through the certification of the election and then the newly elected magistrate will serve through the remainder of the term.”

It wasn’t known at press time as to when the governor may appoint someone to fill Johnson’s seat.