Morgan County’s Assessor, Gwen Rich, bids fond farewell to a 37-year career
Oct 19, 2023 01:20PM ● By Braden Nelsen
MORGAN - Even though Gwen Rich said it wasn’t a career she dreamed of as a child, being Morgan County’s Assessor since 1995 has been a great one that she wouldn’t trade. “The public has been just great,” she said, reflecting on her career now that she’s retiring, “It’s been a great career, but it’s time.”
Rich started working in the Assessor’s office in 1986, and when the former assessor stepped down, it was her turn to step up, “you just kind of step up and do it,” and while it may not be the easiest, or most glamorous job, Rich says she’s “proud of the way we’ve handled the valuation of the properties,” and that she’s “proud of the job we’ve done.”
Over a 37-year career, Rich has seen some changes, including being one of the first to implement the Premier Utah Mass Appraisal, or PUMA, a system that is now being implemented across the state, “It’s interesting to see the changes in everything,” she said, explaining just how intricate and involved the work in their office is, and has been over the years.
She’s kept busy in other areas as well. Rich explained that not only has she trained her successor, but, that the County Assessors in both Sevier and Summit county also passed through her offices. “(I’ve) done my very best to pass along my experience,” said Rich, expressing her confidence that the transition will be as seamless as possible upon her retirement.
“As elected officials, we do our best,” said Rich, in a farewell, “we’re not perfect, we make mistakes, but we try to do our best, and I appreciate the people who realize that,” and by and large, the people of Morgan County have realized that. More than once, Rich expressed just how kind, and understanding the people of Morgan have been, and how much she has enjoyed working with them over the years.
What’s next for Rich? The outgoing assessor said she’s looking forward to visiting her daughter in Arizona more often, as well as catching up on some family history, but don’t expect her to be idle. Rich’s husband runs a landscaping business, and she doesn’t think it’ll be too long before she’s out there mowing a lawn or two. Morgan County is grateful for her service and hopes she has as fulfilling a retirement as she has had a career! λ
