Two days after the official results for the 2023 Highland County Primary Election showed that appointed incumbent Hillsboro Auditor Patty Day lost by a to first-time candidate Dawson Barreras, a news release from county Republican party chair Paulette Donley said Friday that Day had announced that she will resign before her term is completed.

The news release said the Highland County Republican Central Committee received a notice of resignation from Day effective June 2, 2023.

“Pursuant to ORC Section 733.31 D2, not less than five nor more than 45 days after the vacancy, the county central committee, acting through its members who reside in the city, shall meet for the purpose of making an appointment to fill the vacancy,” the news release said.

Day was appointed as executive secretary of the Highland County Society for Children and Adults in February of last year, then was appointed to the city auditor position in late November last year. She replaced Alex Butler, who resigned after winning an election as county auditor.

Day was defeated by Barreras, who briefly served as an appointed city treasurer earlier this year, by a final tally of 365 to 229.

Day recently accepted a position in her field as a family nurse practitioner. “When the election went the way it did, I told the Republican party and administration that I would be looking for a position,” said Day.

The software used in the city’s auditor’s office is being upgraded, and a training course is required for the position. “I wasn’t going to go to that when I wasn’t elected at the expense of the taxpayers,” said Day. “There’s really no purpose in me continuing in the role.”

Day served on the Hillsboro City Council for three and a half years before being appointed as the city auditor in November of last year.

“I think, given the current administration and the way things have been with my husband running against the current administration, I think it will just make it better for everyone,” said Day. “I thoroughly believe it was God’s will, and I am happy with the results to be honest with you.”

The county central committee, acting through its members who reside in Hillsboro, are required to meet between five and 45 days after the vacancy to make an appointment to fill the position.

Reach John Hackley at 937-402-2571.