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In a split vote, Deputy Property Assessor Kathy Syler has been selected by the County Commission to fill the vacancy left by Property Assessor Bruce Spencer’s recent resignation.

Syler and County Commissioner William Anderson, who is the county’s solid waste director, were each selected to vie for the property assessor’s position at the commission’s Sept. 18 meeting. Commissioner Scottie Riddle nominated Syler while Dale Schultz nominated Anderson.

The decision fell in favor of Syler in a 12-3 vote with Commissioners Charles Keller, Monica Baxter Jeffers, Lydia Curtis Johnson, Riddle, Tyler Bauer, Johnny Hand, Carolyn Wiseman, Jarad Shetters, David Eldridge, Grant Benere, Glenn Summers and David Kelley supporting Syler.

Commissioners Schultz, Bruce McMillan and Spike Hosch voted in favor of Anderson.

Syler and Anderson each addressed the commission about why they personally deemed themselves suitable for the position.

Syler explained she has a strong knowledge of the property assessor’s operations due to serving as the deputy assessor.

She highlighted that the office needs to have an “open-door” policy where residents can feel free to come in with an understanding that their concerns will be addressed. She added that she knows how to handle complaints “all the way to the state” if need be to get the proper answer and outcome.

Riddle asked Syler if she plans to run for the office in 2024 when Spencer’s current term expires.

Syler replied that she would intend to fill out Spencer’s term and whoever gets the nod in 2024 will be decided by the people of Franklin County. She added that she wants to temporarily step in and fill the vacancy.

Anderson highlighted his service to the county as solid waste director and his military experience serving in Iraq as leadership qualities that give him the experience to be property assessor.

Before the commission had voted, Anderson said he plans to run for the position in the March 2024 Franklin County primary election.

Anderson said he has had a strong financial track record as the county’s solid waste director and has been instrumental in saving the county money in landfill tipping-fee costs. He added he would continue such economic approaches if he were selected as property assessor.