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Shirley Bullard (left) will return as interim human resources director for Burnet County. She has been working free of charge with former HR director Sara Ann Luther (right) to assist in a seamless transition. Contributed/James Oakley
A former Burnet County staff member will step back into her role in the human resources department following the abrupt departure of the previous director.
Shirley Bullard agreed to accept an interim spot two days after the Sara Ann Luther announced her resignation on Oct. 23.
“While we are sad to see Mrs. Luther leave, we are also pleased to announce the hiring of Shirley Bullard as the Interim Human Resources Director,” Burnet County Judge James Oakley told The Highlander in a statement.
Bullard served as the Burnet County human resources director for 10 years prior to Sara Ann Luther being hired.
“Mrs. Bullard retired just over five years ago to help her ailing husband who has since passed away,” Oakley continued. “She will be able to hit the ground running and that is huge plus for Burnet County.”
An opinion issued Oct. 23 by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton indicated Luther is ineligible to continue as the director, a position she held more than five years. Earlier this year, Burnet County Attorney Eddie Arredondo forwarded a “request letter” to the state AG's office, regarding Luther and possible violation of state law that prohibits nepotism. Luther’s husband is Pct. 1 Commissioner Jim Luther Jr.
The letter arrived June 2. Arredondo received the opinion on Oct. 23.
AG Ken Paxton affirmed, "A court would likely conclude that a county judge who is delegated the commissioner’s court implied authority to employ persons may not appoint the spouse of a county commissioner to a paid county position,” Paxton stated.
Sara Ann Luther, in an interview with The Highlander, stated she accepted the AG’s opinion.
“If you go back and read the law (the AG’s opinion) conforms to the law,” Luther said. “Unfortunately, that part of the law was not known by anyone here at the county.
“We all know you cannot work for someone you’re related to,” she added. “I knew I could not work for the commissioners court as a group because I could not report to someone to whom I’m related to.”
“That’s the way the people here at the county also read it. The position does not report to the commissioners court. It reported to the county judge.”
However, the AG’s opinion offered clarity as officials dug deeper into the law.
“If you read more deeply … you can’t work under anyone who works on the same board or court with someone you may be related to,” Luther added.
However, Luther did question the timing of the decision.
“Apparently, it became an issue sometime in June,” she said. “A county employee had a concern, took it to Mr. (Wiley ‘Sonny’ McAfee, district attorney), and Mr. McAfee took it to the county attorney (Eddie Arredondo).”
Despite the outcome, she harbors no ill will.
“It is disappointing. It hurts because I loved every minute working here, and I know I’ve done a good job, and the job has been good for me,” Luther said. “I wouldn’t trade the 5 ½ years that I’ve had here. I’ve gotten so much out of it. I know that I have helped people,” she added. “I was looking for a career change when I applied for this, and I was blessed to get it.”
Luther is eligible for retirement and expects to take steps to start that process. In the meantime, she is volunteering to assist her former staff and the interim in a smooth transition.
“The Lord has taken care of me so far, and I'm confident he's going to open the right door for me,” she said.
Oakley added: “She did a phenomenal job. She has a bright future. She is a very thorough and professional person.”