Helser Submits Resignation As County Auditor

July 22, 2024 at 2:37 p.m.
Rhonda Helser
Rhonda Helser


Kosciusko County Auditor Rhonda Helser submitted her resignation today to Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chair Mike Ragan.
It’s effective Aug. 31, Helser said in a telephone interview, citing “personal reasons.”
“It’s nothing major. I just decided it’s my time,” she said.
“I was planning to stay but other things came up in my life,” she also said. “I feel like I do want to do something different.”
Ragan announced there will be a Republican caucus at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 in the old courtroom of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.
Eligible members of the caucus are the Republican Precinct committee members who have served continuously from 30 days before the commencement of the caucus.
The auditor shall be elected by secret ballot of the majority of the voting caucus members to fill the office vacancy, according to Ragan. Candidates must reside in Kosciusko County and be a Republican in good standing.
Declarations of candidacy are available at the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, and must be filed with Ragan no later than 72 hours before the commencement of the caucus. Ragan’s telephone number is 574-265-1430. Eligible candidates will be allowed a maximum of three minutes to address the voting caucus.
Helser has been with the county for over 18 years, she said, and over 20 counting her part-time employment with the county. She worked in the treasurer’s office for two prior treasurers - Stephanie Essenwein and Kent Adams. She then worked for a short period in the auditor’s office and then returned to the treasurer’s office.
While serving as county treasurer, Helser, who turns 62 this year, won the election in 2022 to become auditor, taking office in January 2023. She resigned as treasurer effective Dec. 31, 2022, as she could not hold two elected positions at the same time.
“I’ve not regretted any of it,” she said, adding that she appreciates everyone who helped her become auditor and those who have assisted her in the auditor’s office.
“I’ve had big shoes to fill. I think I did a good job while I was here. I’ve had a great staff to help me,” she stated.

Kosciusko County Auditor Rhonda Helser submitted her resignation today to Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chair Mike Ragan.
It’s effective Aug. 31, Helser said in a telephone interview, citing “personal reasons.”
“It’s nothing major. I just decided it’s my time,” she said.
“I was planning to stay but other things came up in my life,” she also said. “I feel like I do want to do something different.”
Ragan announced there will be a Republican caucus at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 in the old courtroom of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.
Eligible members of the caucus are the Republican Precinct committee members who have served continuously from 30 days before the commencement of the caucus.
The auditor shall be elected by secret ballot of the majority of the voting caucus members to fill the office vacancy, according to Ragan. Candidates must reside in Kosciusko County and be a Republican in good standing.
Declarations of candidacy are available at the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, and must be filed with Ragan no later than 72 hours before the commencement of the caucus. Ragan’s telephone number is 574-265-1430. Eligible candidates will be allowed a maximum of three minutes to address the voting caucus.
Helser has been with the county for over 18 years, she said, and over 20 counting her part-time employment with the county. She worked in the treasurer’s office for two prior treasurers - Stephanie Essenwein and Kent Adams. She then worked for a short period in the auditor’s office and then returned to the treasurer’s office.
While serving as county treasurer, Helser, who turns 62 this year, won the election in 2022 to become auditor, taking office in January 2023. She resigned as treasurer effective Dec. 31, 2022, as she could not hold two elected positions at the same time.
“I’ve not regretted any of it,” she said, adding that she appreciates everyone who helped her become auditor and those who have assisted her in the auditor’s office.
“I’ve had big shoes to fill. I think I did a good job while I was here. I’ve had a great staff to help me,” she stated.

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