David LaRosa is resigning from job as Harrison County’s tax collector. Here’s why.
Harrison County Tax Collector David LaRosa has resigned from his elected position, effective April 10.
LaRosa sent the Harrison County Board of Supervisors a two-paragraph letter dated March 30.
The first paragraph of the letter, obtained by the Sun Herald, says: “Due to my recent declining health, my doctors are strongly advising me to consider retirement. Based on these recommendations, I am giving notice that my last work day will be Friday, April 10, 2020.”
The county Board of Supervisors accepted LaRosa’s resignation at a meeting Wednesday afternoon. Once he leaves, the board must declare a vacancy, appoint an interim supervisor and set a special election, the Secretary of State’s Office said.
Candidates can qualify for the job from the time the office is vacated until 5 p.m. Sept. 4, with the election expected to be set for Nov. 3, when the presidential election is scheduled, the Secretary of State’s Office said.
In his letter, LaRosa thanked his supporters, friends and family for supporting him over the past 30-plus years. He has faced numerous health issues in recent years.
During the novel coronavirus pandemic, long lines of customers formed outside his office. County officials said they had gotten those lines under control.
LaRosa also lost his deputy tax collector, Denise Gill, who was recently sentenced to two years under house arrest for falsifying county mileage.
LaRosa was in the first year of a four-year term. He was first elected tax collector in 1999 and had previously served as a Harrison County supervisor.
The Sun Herald will update this story when additional details are available.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 3:06 PM.
