WINCHESTER — For the second time in three months, Clark County is without a treasurer.

The Winchester Sun reported that Ken Hawkins resigned Tuesday, effective immediately, citing poor technology and understaffing in the finance department as the main reasons for his departure. He was hired into the role on Sept. 12, shortly after former Treasurer Tina Lynn submitted her resignation citing similar concerns.

Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham says he is trying to find a way to provide help to the treasurer, but most responsibilities are dictated by law. He says the position is the "most important" one in county government since the person basically serves as the chief financial officer.

"The treasurer's office — a lot of people don't understand this — the office is statutorily created by the state of Kentucky. You can't do much to change it," he said. "I've looked at many things, and I will do many different things to try to assist the treasurer's office as best I can."

The Fiscal Court plans to hold a special meeting on the issue and could name someone to serve in the interim.

Branham said he was trying to fill an empty position with two people to give the finance department help. He said if the treasurer needs updated technology, they should take the initiative to try to make that change.

"It's up to the treasurer to come up with what they want to change. They're the ones working in that office," he said. "They know what is specific to complete the job."

Both Hawkins and Lynn also cited a poor working relationship with Branham in their letters.

Branham said he tried to help them with their duties.

"I am in a position of 'killing the messenger,'" Branham said in September when Lynn resigned. "I have to bring the message and therefore the tension is created."