Carlson retiring from county health services

After 30 years as the Crow Wing County Community Health Services administrator, Carol Carlson handed in her resignation.

Carlson's last day will be Jan. 21.

Carlson said in a telephone interview Tuesday that she met the retirement requirements so she decided to retire. She also said she wanted to retire so she could spend more time with her family.

Carlson started with the county health department July 5, 1972.

The Crow Wing County Board heard about Carlson's retirement Tuesday. County Administrator Peter Herlofsky Jr. recommended that the board look at options for the position before hiring someone. He suggested one option would be to have one director oversee the public health and social services departments.

The county board agreed and formed a committee to look at options and to hire an interim person to fill the position until a decision is made.

Judy Rian, county public health nurse supervisor, also retired. Her last day was Dec. 31, 2002. She started with the county Sept. 6, 1977. Rian also met the retirement requirements.

County Deputy Auditor Doug Johanson said in order for employees to meet the retirement requirements they must be 55 or older or have been part of the Public Employees Retirement Association pension plan for at least 30 years.

Another employee who has been with the county for nearly 30 years is County Deputy Auditor/Tax Director Sandra Magnan. She began with the county March 16, 1973, and her last day is Feb. 28.

The county board authorized the auditor to begin the process of looking for a person to fill Magnan's position.