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HAMILTON — Butler County Auditor Kay Rogers announced today, Feb. 29, that she will resign Tuesday, March 4.

In a letter to county commissioners, Rogers apologized to Butler County citizens for her actions, and hinted at more to come in the FBI investigation that led to her pleading guilty to two felonies.

"The citizens put their faith in me many times at the ballot box and I understand their disappointment," the letter reads. "More information will surface in the coming months that may better explain the actions concerning this situation.

"I regret that I put my trust in some people that have let me down. But for now, I can only answer for myself. I am sorry for any harm I have caused to anyone."

Rogers pleaded guilty Feb. 4 to charges of bank fraud and tax evasion due to her role in a contract with Dynus Corp. She helped secure a $4 million loan in the county's name without commissioners approval, according to her plea.

Rogers said that she was going to resign March 15, but "I understand the calls for more immediate action."

This follows legal action taken Friday by county Prosecutor Robin Piper to have her forcefully removed from office for dereliction of duty, and an announcement from State Auditor Mary Taylor that the state wouldn't move ahead with the county's annual audit with Rogers in office.

County Commission President Charles Furmon lauded Rogers' decision. "I think it's a good decision on her part for the citizens of Butler County so they can move on and get all this past us," he said.

Commissioners will appoint her temporary replacement next week, possibly at their Thursday, March 6, meeting.

"We don't have anybody in mind right now for the temporary filling," he said. "One of the things I'd be looking for is someone with high integrity and with accounting skills."

Rogers' letter ended with a point of nostalgia.

I believe we've accomplished a lot of good things, including expanded Homestead exemptions, improved appraisal services, and advanced information technology," she said. "It is my hope that those things are remembered from my tenure, and not this unfortunate ending."