Bischoff announces retirement

Bob Henline

The Western News

The Lincoln County government will be trying to replace more than 30 years of institutional knowledge and experience this summer. Bill Bischoff, the county’s human resources director and executive assistant to the commissioners, has announced he is retiring from his position, effective July 31.

“He’s done a lot of really good things for this county,” Commissioner Mark Peck said.

Bischoff started working for Lincoln County in 1984. During the course of his 30-year tenure, his responsibilities and functions have grown.

 “It’s very typical, especially in smaller organizations, for people to take on more responsibilities and tasks based on their skills and that has definitely happened here,” Peck said of Bischoff. “We’re going to have to figure out exactly how we want to organize and set things up for the future.”

Bischoff declined to comment about his own accomplishments while in office, as he attributed the successes to the commissioners under whom he worked.

“I don’t talk about accomplishments,” he said. “Because the commissioners accomplish things. I have had the pleasure of working with a number of really good county commissioners.”

One of those commissioners seemed shocked by the news.

“It’s almost too much to talk about,” said former commissioner Rita Windom. “I count him not only as a favored employee for the 12 years I was there, but also a valued friend.”

Windom also spoke about Bischoff’s willingness and ability to adapt to the changing needs of county government during his tenure.

“Personally, I don’t know that I’ve ever worked with someone so willing to do whatever the task required,” she said.

Commissioner Greg Larson praised Bischoff’s work during his time with Lincoln County.

“Bill Bischoff has been a tremendous asset to Lincoln County for over 30 years,” he said. “He informed the Commissioners yesterday that he has made a decision to retire effective July 31, 2015.  His institutional knowledge of County Government in general and Lincoln County specifically will be sorely missed and will be very difficult to replace.  It has been a great pleasure working with Bill for the last 10 months as a County Commissioner.  We developed a strong working relationship and I sincerely appreciated his professionalism.  I wish him the very best in the future for a long and healthy retirement.”

Commissioner Mike Cole also commended Bischoff.

“After 30 years, how do you say thank you enough?” He asked.

“I don’t know that there are enough good things to say about Bill.”

Bischoff also serves on the Libby City Council, a position he’s held since 2006. He said he intends to complete his term, which runs through the end of this year.