After working for four county managers and 12 county commissioners, Polk County Clerk of Court Anne Britton has retired.
Britton, who worked her last day on Friday, Dec. 10 was honored during the county’s annual Christmas party held at Tryon Estates.
“You have eased my way,” commissioner Cindy Walker told Britton at the clerk’s last board of commissioners meeting Monday, Dec. 6. “I’m a better woman for knowing you.”
Walker said she was sworn into office just eight days after her mother passed away, and Britton was there to comfort her and gather materials she needed to run the meetings as she took over immediately as chair.
“Anne Britton, a true minister’s wife,” Walker said.
Commissioners all agreed Britton was an exceptional clerk to the board.
“You set the standard of clerk,” said commissioner Ted Owens. “I never called when you weren’t willing to help. You treated me just as equal as the others. You served all five commissioners.”
Commissioner chair Ray Gasperson said at the Christmas party that Britton has been a remarkable clerk to the board. He said she handled all the clerk duties, but also took care of so many other details.
“She has really set the standard,” said Gasperson. “Thank you for being all that and so much more.”
Britton began working for the county as an administrative assistant in the county manager’s office in 2002. She was promoted to clerk to the board in 2004 and was also named the assistant county manager and human resource officer.
“It’s been a great opportunity to work with great Polk County employees and commissioners,” Britton said. “I’m proud of the accomplishments each of the boards have made. I’m going to miss all the employees who have grown to be my close friends.”
“As ya’ll know, Anne Britton is heading to the house today,” said Polk County Manager Whitson. “We will miss you very much.”
Whitson says in his opinion, Britton was the best clerk to the board in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties.
“Her knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed,” said Whitson.
Britton worked for county managers Ken Windley, Karim Shihata, Michael Talbert and the current manager, Ryan Whitson. She also worked for several county commissioners from both the Democratic and the Republican parties, as well as two independent commissioners.
Last Friday, the county presented Britton a framed and signed photograph taken recently with almost every commissioner Britton worked with over the years, as well as former county attorney Tom Hix.
Commissioners she worked for included the late Bill Mc-
Kaig, Jesse Foy, Jack Lingafelter, Kim Talbot, Harry Denton, Tommy Melton, Warren Watson, Ted Owens, Tom Pack, Gasperson, Renée McDermott and Walker.
Britton said she and her husband, Hayden Britton, a Presbyterian minister who is still working part-time at the Tryon Presbyterian Church, plan to travel. Britton said first she plans to take a break.
Britton is originally from Knoxville, Tenn., and lived in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before coming to Polk County. She said she knew this area when she was younger. She used to come to Tryon with her high school Pony Club and rode horses and stayed at the Oak Hall Hotel.
Commissioners promoted former administrative assistant Beth Fehrmann last week to clerk to the board. Fehrmann was sworn in as clerk this week and took over the duties on Monday.