Mary Melby named York County Clerk

YORK COUNTY – York County Deputy County Clerk Mary Melby has been officially appointed as the York County Clerk. 

​The York County Commissioners appointed Melby Tuesday morning, after conducting public interviews of candidates.
The vacancy was created by the retirement of York County Clerk Kelly Turner.
As per state law and county protocol, the commissioners make the appointment when a vacancy occurs for a county elected official position, after conducting public interviews.
Five people submitted applications and resumes for the position: Melby, Angelica Noziska, Keshia Epp, Kevin Hand and Amanda Taggart.
Tuesday morning, before the interviews were conducted, Epp and Hand withdrew their applications.
Melby, Noziska and Taggart participated in the interview process.
Melby, who lives in York, has worked with the county clerk’s office for six years – nearly three of those years being the deputy clerk. During the interview process, she said her understanding of the interworking of the office was her greatest strength.
She also referred to her past of spending many years running her own business before she went to work for the count clerk’s office.
The commissioners asked about her problem-solving skills, as they did the others. She explained how issues come up when working with the public, daily, as the clerk’s office has a number of roles for the county – accounts payable, human resources, payroll, election, registrar of deeds, marriage licenses, working with the commissioners, public notices, minutes and agendas, and much more.
“You just have to roll with the punches,” Melby said, “as problems arise everyday – sometimes big, sometimes small. And sometimes I have to reach out to others for answers.”
York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier asked if she were to be appointed, would there “be a push to hire someone to fill the vacant seat in the clerk’s office.” Melby said yes, because the General Election is quickly approaching and there will be substantial work associated with conducting the election.
Commissioner Daniel Grotz asked all the candidates how they go about working with the many different personalities within the county government system. “You have to stay professional,” Melby said. “You have to focus on the issue and not personal issues and you have to communicate.”
Obermier asked if working on the annual budget seems overwhelming, with Melby saying no. It should be noted she later spent hours with the county board members going through each and every fund of the budget, explaining past expenditures and funding requests from the many department heads and elected officials, as she was already working in that capacity.
Commissioner LeRoy Ott asked what she felt would be the most challenging part of the new role. “Well, determining resolutions versus motions, and elections. And my patience, I need to learn to be patient.”
She also talked about always working for the public during her adult life. “I’ve run across a lot of personalities. But I love working with people.”
“What is your number one skill?” asked Commissioner Andy Bowman.
“My knowledge of the job,” Melby responded.
Taggart lives in Gresham and has an associate’s degree in accounting. She worked five years as a revenue auditor for Horseshoe Casino; later as a manager for the Taco Bell chain; and currently as a parts manager for the Columbus Motor Company.
Noziska lives in York, moving here a year ago after her husband transferred to York from Omaha for his profession. She said she worked for Metro Stars Gymnastics in Omaha for a number of years and then later as a photographer. She is currently employed by Cornerstone Bank as an account specialist.
Following the interviews, the commissioners went into executive session to discuss the appointment. Following the executive session, they unanimously voted to appoint Melby.
Obermier congratulated Melby, as well as thanking Taggart and Noziska for their time and interest in working with county government.
Melby worked with the commissioners through their very long meeting Tuesday, which included a budget workshop. She will be sworn in Wednesday morning, Aug. 7. She will fulfill the current term which is at the 2 ½-year point of the 4-year term. Then in 2026, she will have the option to seek election if she wants to run to retain the position.