Brown County Commissioners appointed Christine Pentecost to fill the vacancy of the office of Brown County Tax Assessor Collector at a specially called meeting of the court on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Pentecost previously served as the chief deputy under Cheryl Nelson, who recently passed away from a sudden illness, causing the vacancy of the office.  County Judge Ray West stated that he had met with Pentecost who agreed to accept the position as Tax Assessor Collector if appointed.

West explained, “When an elected office is vacated, it is up to the commissioner’s court to appoint the successor.  That successor in this instance will not conclude the term of office.  There will be the need to run in a special election in 2014 to conclude the tax assessor collector in the general election, so it would be necessary to run again in the 2016 election to get the office back on the required schedule with the General Election,” according to West.

Pentecost’s appointment was unanimously approved by the court.

Speaking of Pentecost’s appointment, West commented that it was a sad occasion.

“It is a very somber and sad reason for it but Christine will do us a good job notwithstanding,” said West.

After two bonds were presented to the court on Pentecost’s behalf, she was sworn into office by West.

According to County Clerk Sharon Ferguson, the two bonds are required for the office of County Tax Assessor Collector, one for the State Comptroller’s Office and one to for Brown County.

Pentecost accepted the appointment graciously and was thankful for the position.

“I’m very thankful for the commissioners and the county’s support and confidence in me,” said Pentecost.  “It’s a sad day.  Cheryl and I were very close and I plan to do the best job I can.  She always had an open door policy, I plan to continue that and the coffee pot will always be on.”

Pictured above Pentecost is sworn in by Judge West.  Below are commissioners as they unanimously approved her appointment.