GC auditor, treasurer both leaving office on June 30

EPHRATA — Two of Grant County’s longest-serving elected officials, auditor Michele Jaderlund and treasurer Darryl Pheasant, both of Ephrata, will be retiring from their respective posts on June 30 — six months prior to the end of their current four-year terms.

Both positions are up for election later this year with new full terms beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Interim appointments to head those two offices are pending by Grant County commissioners Kevin Burgess, Cindy Carter and Rob Jones. But, because of political aspects, the processes will differ under state law.

Here are the scenarios:

For county treasurer ….

Pheasant, 67, the longest-serving county treasurer in Washington state, is stepping down after 39-1/2 years in office, due in part to health reasons. Initially elected in 1986, Pheasant was among the Democrats holding a majority of courthouse positions at the time.

By 2000, though, Republicans had emerged as Grant County’s dominant political party. By 2010, Pheasant had dropped the partisan Democrat label and was re-elected to four more terms as a non-partisan independent. 

Because of that, there is no requirement by law that a candidate or nominee for interim treasurer have a partisan political affiliation.

Earlier this week, the three commissioners announced they are accepting open applications for appointment. The submission deadline is Thursday, June 25, at 5 p.m.

Complete emailed applications must include a cover letter explaining a candidate’s interest, resume with educational and employment history, a minimum of three professional references and the ability to meet state legal qualifications for the position.

Treasurers are responsible for managing the county’s money, administration of financial transactions, tax collections and investment portfolios.

Pheasant said he expects deputy treasurer Carrie Heston of Ephrata to receive the appointment. Heston, also non-partisan, was the lone candidate to file last month for treasurer and is unopposed in the November general election.

Pheasant said he is “quite confident” that Heston will “do a great job with all the relationships we have between the public, taxing districts and county departments.” 

For county auditor … 

Jaderlund, 65, is a 35-year county employee first elected as auditor in 2014. A Republican now in her third term in office, Jaderlund announced last month that she will retire June 30.    

Three potential successors, all Republicans, emerged during the May filing period: Shannon Falstad of Ephrata and Andrew Koepen and Darci Homesley, both of Moses Lake. The top two in the Aug. 4 primary will advance to the November general election.

Because Jaderlund is a declared partisan, so is the process for selecting an interim successor from the same political party. By law, Grant County’s Republican precinct committee officers can nominate up to three candidates for county commissioners to consider for appointment.   

Falstad applied to fill the pending vacancy and met with the county GOP’s central committee on Monday. It was not immediately specified whether Koepen or Homesley intend to do so. Nor was a voting date by PCOs immediately known for any potential recommendations.

The commissioners have 60 days following Jaderlund’s departure to make an appointment. If they don’t, Gov. Bob Ferguson — a Democrat — has legal authority to name within 30 days an interim auditor who serves until a new one is elected this fall.

In Washington state, county auditors oversee accounting operations, recording of property transactions, vehicle licensing and elections departments.

In her May 11 resignation letter to county commissioners, Jaderlund said her decision to step down came after “thoughtful consideration and reflects my intention to transition into the next chapter in my life.”

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Grant County and to work alongside the dedicated staff and elected officials who support the mission of this county,” she wrote.