Franklin County Administrator Amy Bernard has submitted her resignation effective July 3 to county commissioners, which they accepted Tuesday in her report.

Bernard, who grew up in Rumford, became the county’s first administrator in May 2022. At the time, she had over 14 years of municipal management. Her starting pay was $77,000 increasing to over $110,000 over a four-year period following a pay study and additional duties she took on.

The county had been served by a clerk for over 20 years.

Bernard oversees budgets of more than $18 million involving county government, unorganized territory, and the county’s multimillion-dollar tax-increment agreement.

There have been some ups and downs between Bernard and some commissioners.

In a statement to the Sun Journal, Bernard said her resignation was not an easy decision.

She had worked with three commissioners until Jan. 1, 2025, when the board increased to five.

“Serving the residents of Franklin County has been a meaningful honor,” Bernard wrote. “I remain proud of the work accomplished during my tenure and deeply appreciative of the dedication, professionalism, and resilience demonstrated by county staff.”

Bernard went on to note that “The working relationship between myself and members of the board has placed staff in an untenable position. Rather than being shielded from conflict, employees have too often found themselves caught in the middle of matters that should have been addressed at the leadership level. I believe strongly that staff should never become casualties of unresolved governance challenges,” she continued.

“For more than a year and a half, I have not felt supported by the board in a way that would allow me to carry out the responsibilities of my position effectively,” she wrote. “Despite my continued efforts to remain professional, solution-focused, and committed to the work, the circumstances have made it increasingly difficult to serve in this role with the level of effectiveness and integrity the position requires.”

Bernard added that her resignation should not diminish the respect and appreciation she has for the employees of Franklin County or for the residents they serve.

“I am grateful to those who have worked alongside me, supported the mission of county government, and remained committed to public service through challenging circumstances,” she said.

Bernard noted that she is committed to assisting with a smooth and orderly transition, and she wished Franklin County’s employees and residents continued progress and stability in the future.

Bernard has overseen the county’s long-term planning, upgrading county government operations, and improved financial management. She has also been successful in writing for grants to help offset the burden on taxpayers.

She was instrumental in the building of a $4.4 million emergency operations center that opened in April 2025.