The director of the Saline County Health Department unexpectedly resigned Tuesday afternoon.

Saline County Commission Chairman Randy Duncan tells KSAL News that Bronson Farmer tendered his resignation mid-afternoon, which the commission accepted. The resignation is effective immediately.

Duncan says that the resignation came as a surprise to him. “That being said, I think it’s probably for the best for everyone involved”, he added. Duncan said he couldn’t go into more specific details because it is a personnel issue.

Farmer was hired for the position back in March. The resignation comes on the six month anniversary of his hiring.
 
A structure problem with the roof caused the health department to close back in May of 2012. At the time it was jointly operated by the City of Salina and Saline County. City and county commissioners were unable to come up with a plan both could agree on for a permanent facility. Ultimately, the joint city-county department became a stand alone county agency, effective in January of this year.  Longtime executive director Yvonne Gibbons retired at the end of the year, prompting county commissioners to begin the proces of hiring a new leader. 

Bronson, a previous department employee, was hired for the position. Shortly after his hiring he was accused of sexual harassment by an employee he worked with during his first tenure with the department. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office reopened an investigation into the accusations, and determined no charges would be filed.

KSAL News has reached out to Farmer for comment. Via social media he posted “I resigned the position of Director for the saline county health department today. This was a tough decision but one that I feel was right for my family. I’m grateful that the commission gave me this opportunity but its time for me to look elsewhere. Thank you to those who have supported me over the past six months.”

Duncan says a search for a new director will begin immediatley.