Rock County Public Health Officer Marie-Noel Sandoval will retire early next year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
County Administrator Josh Smith was notified of Sandovalâs plan Nov. 11. Her last day will be Jan. 4, but she will remain on the countyâs payroll until her vacation hours are exhausted Feb. 15, according to Sandovalâs letter to Smith.
Sandoval is the countyâs top health official who has authority to issue health orders, an authority that has been questioned by politicians and the public this year across the country.
Sandoval said she had planned to retire âat a certain ageâ since the beginning of her career. She said she had intended to retire in spring 2020 but stayed on to help lead her team through the pandemic.