Cass County Treasurer announces early retirement

Cass County Treasurer Donna Early announced to the Commissioners’ Court her plan for early retirement during its regular session Tuesday, Dec. 8. Citing her weeks-long battle last month with COVID-19 and the severity of her symptoms, Early, an elected official, said she would retire effective Jan. 31, 2021—nearly two years before her term expires.

“Having COVID-19 and being so sick for longer than expected, made me realize that I am ready to retire”, Early said, “Therefore, I am retiring as Cass County Treasurer effective Jan. 31, 2021.”

Early told the court that although she enjoys her position as treasurer, she wants to spend more time with her family, volunteer and travel.

“No one knows what the Lord has in mind for our future”, Early said, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve the Commissioners’ Court, county employees and citizens of Cass County for the past ten years as County Treasurer, as well as, working as a county employee for six years prior to being elected.”

Early’s replacement for the remainder of her term will be decided by the Cass County Commissioners’ Court, but according to Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks, a specific process to fill the position has not yet been determined.

“Obviously, this is a very important position that must be filled as soon as possible but it is equally important that the Court be extremely thorough and prudent in selecting an interim replacement”, Wilbanks wrote.

Early, a Linden native who graduated high school from Linden-Kildare and received her bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University in Texarkana, has two children with her husband, Joe, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Elected in 2011, Early has held the office for 10 years.

“Donna has been an outstanding public servant to Cass County. She has been meticulous in not only the financial aspects of her position but also as HR director. Both of these responsibilities are quite challenging and demanding and she has carried each of them with extreme competency and proficiency”, Wilbanks wrote, “Not only has she been an asset to Cass County but also the State. She has served on many boards and committees and as an officer for the Treasurer’s Association of Texas. Her leadership role has been felt throughout our great State.”