Commissioner Raymond Schmidt, who has served District Five since Jan. 1, 1999, submitted his letter of resignation to the commission during the meeting.
Schmidt's resignation from the commission is effective Nov. 2.
In his letter to the county commission, Schmidt cited health reasons and a need to slow down as reasons for not being able to complete his term, which was to last through Nov. 30, 2010. His letter cited that he first was told by his doctor six years ago, and at every six-month checkup since then that he should cut back on his activities.
"I am now going to take his advice and cut back on some of my activities," said Schmidt in his letter. He went on to state in his letter that he was 100 percent healthy as of his last checkup, but he felt now was the right time to scale back. He wanted the rest of the commission to know he enjoyed working with them on the commission.
"I have very much enjoyed the years I have served the people of the Fifth District, as well as Williams County...We, as a group, have seen exceptional things accomplished these past years, and I am proud to have been a part of it all," said Schmidt in his letter.
The commissioners expressed their thanks for Schmidt and his time serving with them.
Commissioner David Montgomery made a motion "with deep regrets and honors" to accept Schmidt's resignation, effective Nov. 2. It was accepted by a unanimous vote.
"We thank you for giving us the benefit of your experience," said Commission Chair Dan Kalil.
County employees in attendance at Tuesday's meeting gave Schmidt a round of applause and thanked him for his service. Schmidt thanked everyone for their support and friendship over the years.
"I've been in public service since 1980 and this is probably one of the best experiences I've ever had in public service," said Schmidt.
To fill the vacancy created by Schmidt's stepping down, a new member deemed suitable will be appointed. The process for filling a vacancy on a board of county commissioners is detailed in North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 44-02-05.
The process for filling a vacancy is for the remaining commissioners to sit down with a district judge chosen by the commissioners to immediately appoint a suitable replacement from the district where the vacancy occurs.
If a suitable person can't be found or a majority of commissioners can't agree on a replacement, the county treasurer, or if the the county doesn't have an elected treasurer, another elected county official will be brought in to act as a member of the commission.
The appointed person is to hold the office until the next general election that occurs at least 60 days after the vacancy and the successor is found.
The commission will advertise the vacancy to try to find someone interested to come forward for consideration. They will sit down with one of the district judges and make their decision in November when Schmidt's resignation takes effect.
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