Experienced deputy clerks will manage the Warren County Tax Collector’s office for at least two weeks starting May 1 until supervisors appoint an interim tax collector.

Pat Simrall, in the elective post since 1993, met with the county governing board Monday to formally submit her resignation, effective at the end of the month.

“We don’t want to (accept it),” said District 4 Supervisor Bill Lauderdale, who joined other members of the board in thanking and congratulating Simrall, 62.

Jeanette Boyd and Marie Agent, who have more than 25 years of combined experience in the office will be interim managers, supervisors decided. They will take applications until May 12 for an appointee to serve until a special election already called for Nov. 3 is held.

Simrall is retiring after 39 years in county government and has not had an opponent for her last three four-year terms. The office is in the Warren County Courthouse and receives payments of property taxes and fees on real estate and vehicles for the county, and, by contract, for the City of Vicksburg.

Two seats on the county election commission will also be on the Nov. 3 ballot, while a race to succeed Circuit Court Judge Frank Vollor might also take place. Gov. Haley Barbour is expected to appoint a successor to the local bench before Vollor retires May 31 and may set an election for the judgeship that includes Warren, Issaquena and Sharkey counties.

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com