Hammond takes pride in county on her retirement

Meredith Hammond probably didn’t realize what she was letting herself for when she took the job as Marengo County Administrator almost 14 years ago.

When she retired Friday, April 30, she took time to think back and can admit it took several years to feel comfortable in her job.

“It’s just so much. Every day is different. You never know what’s going to happen, what’s going to walk through that door,” she said. “That’s what made it interesting.”

Knowing how much there is to the job, Hammond has been training her successor, Shannon Parten, since last July. As County Administrator she will “wear a lot of hats,” said Hammond.

In addition to her main duties maintaining the county’s finances, Hammond kept the records for the Region C Drug Task Force and oversaw the county-owned buildings, including the courthouse, library, annex and old armory.

Hammond had worked for the county engineering department before becoming Marengo’s chief fiscal officer. She is retiring after 25 years of service to the people of Marengo County, but she is taking on new bookkeeping duties for Hammond Equipment, the business she took over with her husband Terry in January.

She decided to leave the county road department because, she thought, “I would be a good fit.”

“I have enjoyed it, I really have,” she said, although the major challenges come from some of the people with whom she had to interact. They would come to her office upset and emotional about the problems they were having.

“It makes a difference when you talk to them and you’re nice to them,” she said.  “It changes in a heartbeat.”

She takes great pride in the progress in the county, especially with finances, since she became administrator. “We’re in great financial shape,” she said, “and I’m proud of that.”

Hammond complimented the County Commissioners, past and present, who have taken the job of overseeing Marengo’s welfare diligently.

Hammond said the main difference in the business of the county since she became administrator is “more — more laws, more funds out there.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it “took us for a loop,” but the county has weathered the economic storm very well. Marengo has managed to come out ahead, especially by taking advantage of grants from ADECA and the USDA. “We rely heavily on our association of county administrators,” which gives great support.

“My only regret of the things that haven’t been done yet is paving the parking lot across from the courthouse,” Hammond said. “I’m hoping that gets done with the new monies that we’re going to be getting soon. I want to see a nice, new parking lot on that corner because it’s needed.”

While Hammond has been preparing for her retirement for many months, “It didn’t hit me until I was moving my pictures out of the cabinet,” she said. “I haven’t cried today, but the day isn’t over yet.”

“I’ve enjoyed my job and I’ve enjoyed everybody I’ve worked with,” she said. “It’s a busy office.”