Stephens County Commissioner O’Dell to retire at year’s end
By Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
Eric O’Dell, Stephens County Commissioner for Precinct 4, has announced his retirement and resignation. According to Stephens County Judge Michael Roach, O’Dell submitted his official letter of resignation to him on Tuesday evening. He said O’Dell’s last day in office will be Dec. 31.
Eric O’Dell
In his letter of resignation, O’Dell said, “I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire from Stephens County as Commissioner, Precinct 4, on December 31, 2024. The privilege of working alongside such dedicated individuals has been the highlight of my almost 43-year career, with three of those years in Throckmorton County. I feel that I am leaving Precinct 4 with updated equipment and better financially sound than when I took office. I have loved my lifetime of commitment serving the citizens of Stephens County.”
Roach said the Commissioners Court will review potential replacements for O’Dell’s seat in an executive session at their meeting on Nov. 25. However, according the state constitution, the appointment of O’Dell’s replacement will be made by Roach as county judge.
“It’s my choice…there’s been candidates that reached out and said, hey, they’re interested. So we’re going to talk to those candidates, visit with the court, and then I’ll make a decision after that, based on their their input. They’re going to have to work with the person.” he said.
Roach added that his goal is to have O’Dell’s successor appointed and ready to start on Jan. 1, 2025.
“My guess is they’ll bring that person on and pay him as a regular county employee and let Eric or Will (Warren) ride around with them, show him the roads, the equipment, where he has a clue, so January 1, whoever that is, he or she can rock and roll,” Roach.
Cutline, top photo: Stephens County Commissioner Eric O’Dell, right, pictured here in a Breckenridge Texan file photo, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of this year. Also pictured are Stephens County Commissioner Will Warren and former Treasurer Sharon Trigg. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
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