The Miami County commissioners Dec. 22 said farewell to retiring Commissioner Richard Cultice, thanking him for contributions including offering a different financial perspective.

Cultice retired effective Dec. 27. He served six years on the commission and was unsuccessful in a re-election bid in the March Republican primary election.

A Troy resident, Cultice held financial positions in the private sector including serving as treasurer at Hobart Brothers Co. for 35 years before being elected to Troy City Council and then as Troy city auditor.

“He has been a real asset to the board of county commissioners. Your knowledge and your experience that you brought from the private sector was invaluable to this office,” Commissioner John “Bud” O’Brien said. “To streamline the budgetary process and bring a philosophy and a thought process from the private sector and … implement that in our office was really a great thing.”

O’Brien said Cultice would be greatly missed and leaves very large shoes to fill. Commissioner Jack Evans said Cultice’s background as an auditor was extremely helpful in helping him understand financial statements. ‘Your wit was very much appreciated, as well as your wisdom,” Evans said.

Cultice called his fellow commissioners’ comments kind.

“I have enjoyed it. It has been interesting to say the least; fun most of the time. I can’t say enough about working with you guys and the staff, (which) has been very helpful to me adjusting to county government.”

Every step in his career from the private sector to city and then county government has been an education, Cultice said.

He wished Simmons the best of luck.

“I think he will bring different perspectives, different ideas that will be positive to the county,” Cultice said. He told Simmons staff members were a big help to him. “There is a lot to learn,” he said. “Just be willing to let people help … and know they are available.”

Simmons was scheduled to be sworn in Dec. 27 in the commission chambers.