After 42 years of service to Selma and Dallas County, Frances Hughes has honorably stepped down as the county’s tax assessor and passed her duties on to Weida Sheehan, current chief clerk for the tax assessor office.

Due to health issues, Hughes said she could no longer serve as the county’s tax assessor.

“She made the right decision,” said Probate Judge Kim Ballard. “But I hate to see her go, and I sure am going to miss her.”

The commission voted a unanimous yes on Hughes’s request to have Sheehan replace her, which will go in to effect Jan. 1.

“It has been a real pleasure to serve the people of this county and I appreciate everything [they’ve done for me],” Hughes said, addressing the commission. “I think it would be much to the advantage of the county as a whole for Sheehan to be named [tax assessor].”

Ballard said although Hughes has provided the county with quality service and will be greatly missed, he is confident in Sheehan’s ability to take over as tax assessor.

“Ms. Sheehan, she’s been here since 1980 when she first started working with the county,” Ballard said. “It pleased me very much that the commission voted unanimously to honor Ms. Hughes request that Weida follow her. It’ll be a seamless transition.”

Other commission members expressed their gratitude toward Hughes during the meeting, thanking her for her many years of service.

“I’ve never heard one bad comment about her and how she’s worked,” said commission member Roy Moore. “She’s definitely served with integrity, and I know Weida will do a great job too.”

Commission member Curtis Williams agreed with Moore and said, “She’s been loyal to this county, she’s been faithful, she’s been kind and she’s been considerate. She always has a big smile on her face and I just thank God for her.”

Sheehan will serve as tax assessor for the remainder of Hughes’ term, which is two years.

“She made the right decision even though I didn’t want to see her leave,” Ballard said. “I hope she enjoys her retirement, she really deserves it.”