County Clerk Kay Hardin announces retirement

County Clerk Kay Hardin abruptly announced her retirement at the Jan. 9 Commissioners Court meeting, just eight days after she was sworn in for a third term in office. Mrs. Hardin did not provide any details about her decision when she broke the news to the commissioners during the public comment period at the start of the meeting. She has served Young County since Jan. 1, 2015. State law allows the Commissioners Court to appoint a temporary County Clerk to fill the position until a special election can be held, County Judge Win Graham said. The special election most likely will be held during the November 2024 general election, although the commissioners planned to discuss their options in a special meeting, he said.