Schuylkill County’s new chief assessor started May 24.

Commissioners voted to hire Kent Hatter earlier this month. His salary is $51,420.

Commissioners George Halcovage Jr. and Barron “Boots” Hetherington voted yes. Commissioner Gary Hess voted no. Hess said he voted no because he is against the restructuring of the office and mentioned the litigation involving Halcovage, who has been sued in federal court by four women, all Schuylkill County employees, who have accused him of sexual harassment. Their names are not identified in the lawsuit, but they are identified as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 4.

The restructuring of the office involved the tax claim and tax assessment offices.

Angela Toomey had been the chief assessor in the assessment office and tax claim director and is now the tax claim director. Denise McGinley-Gerchak was the assistant director tax assessment/claim office. She is now the deputy chief assessor. The pay of both women decreased.

Schuylkill County Controller Sharyn Yackenchick didn’t vote for Hatter during the salary board vote.

“Although I was not involved in any way with the decision to hire Mr. Hatter, but know he will be a great asset and would not otherwise be obligated to abstain from voting on the salary for the position, Mr. Hatter is my campaign manager and I feel it would be inappropriate,” she said.

Yackenchick said Hatter didn’t tell her he applied for the position, something Hatter confirmed.

County Administrator Gary Bender said Hatter, who was one of two qualified candidates for the job, was chosen because has extensive real estate knowledge.

“He will give 110%,” Bender said.