BLUE EARTH — Darren Esser will take over the duties of the Faribault County auditor/treasurer/ coordinator beginning Aug. 1.

Faribault County commissioners on Tuesday appointed him to the post.

Esser will replace John Thompson, who has announced his resignation effective July 31.

Thompson has served the county for 33 years, starting as an accountant in 1986. In 1987, then-Auditor Palmer Eckhardt resigned and Thompson was appointed to fill his term. He was elected to the position the following year.

Esser’s appointment is through Dec. 31, 2022. The next election for the auditor/treasurer/coordinator will be in November 2022.

Esser began working for the county in January 2011 as an accountant. He later was promoted to his current position as chief deputy auditor/accountant.

In conjunction with the appointment, the board granted Esser an unpaid leave of absence from his current position as chief deputy auditor/accountant. This will allow Esser to return to his former job if he does not choose to seek election or is defeated in the next election.

In other business, the board:

o Received an update from Annie Leibel, the Winnebago EDA specialist, on the possible demolition of the former Super Valu store in Winnebago.

o Approved a resolution accepting a boat and water grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for $1,066.