Treasurer announces retirement

There is a time for almost anyone when they decide to hang up their hat. For Sweetwater County Treasurer Robb Slaughter, that day will be July 1.

Slaughter announced his decision to resign and retire Tuesday morning during the Sweetwater County commissioners meeting.

Hints of what his announcement would entail were dropped during previous agenda discussion regarding the county's investment parameters. Chairman Randy Wendling said he heard Slaughter had some "bad news" to share as Slaughter walked to the podium.

"It's all a matter of perspective," Slaughter replied.

Following the discussion, Slaughter read from a prepared statement, becoming emotions and fighting back tears as he spoke.

He admits he isn't usually an emotional person, but once he started reading his resignation, he couldn't help himself.

"I took a deep breath and thought I was fine and immediately I wasn't," Slaughter later said.

The Sweetwater County commissioners opted to approve Slaughter's resignation during a June 8 meeting. Because Slaughter is a Democrat, the Sweetwater County Democratic Party will be tasked to provide three viable candidates for the commissioners to select from once the position is vacant. As of press time, that process has not been finalized. Meghan Jensen, chairperson of the county party, said the process will be finalized once the party's executive committee meets, but she intends to make the process as open and transparent as possible. Slaughter said none of the treasurer's office employees have expressed interest in taking over his position, saying his decision has left them feeling anxious about the future. Slaughter has also offered to male himself available to provide guidance for his replacement.

Slaughter, a Sweetwater County native, has been the county treasurer since being appointed to the position in 1993. Originally, he was hired to be the office's chief deputy in 1988, leaving a seasonal job as Rolling Green Country Club's golf pro. At the time, Slaughter said he was attracted to the idea of a nine-to-five schedule that would provide insurance for his growing family. He also wanted job security, something the golf pro job did not provide. Being in a position to help the county and its residents also attracted him to the role.

For Slaughter, being Sweetwater County Treasurer means doing a little bit of everything. While office is primarily concerned with the collection of sales and property taxes, motor vehicle fees and the investment of the county's finances, he's also involved with other functions not often seen by residents.

Slaughter said he has recently been involved in ensuring the county receives back taxes owed by companies filing for bankruptcy.

Slaughter is currently working through two such bankruptcies, which he cites as a reason he didn't retire sooner.

Beyond that and ensuring new rules created by recently-passed state statutes are implemented, Slaughter said the job also focuses on management of the office itself.

"Administration of the office is a big factor," he said.

Slaughter admits there are aspects of the job he will miss. He said despite some challenges over the years, he's always looked forward to coming to work. He has also enjoyed talking with residents and the other employees at the county courthouse.

"I will miss coming to work everyday, there's no doubt about that," he said. "I will miss that daily interaction at the courthouse."

While he plans to spend more time with family and traveling, he also plans to spend more time on the golf course. Slaughter said he was once a very competitive golfer, representing Wyoming in team competitions. While he continues to play at least once a week, he said he wants to enjoy the lifelong love he has always had with the sport.

"(Golf) has introduced me to more people and different avenues of my life than anything else," Slaughter said.