Faribault County’s county attorney, Kathryn Karjala, pictured at her desk at left, has resigned her position effective July 2.

Faribault County will begin looking for a new County Attorney following the resignation of Kathryn Karjala at the April 6 County Board meeting.

Karjala had submitted a letter to the commissioners stating her intentions to resign effective July 2.

In the letter she stated her decision was based on personal reasons and also because she intended to move out of the county.

When interviewed later she further explained her reasons for resigning.

“I am going to marry Jeff Burbank who is a detective at the city of Faribault Police Department. He is currently assigned to the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force,” Karjala explained. “I love this job and working with the people of Faribault County. Leaving was a really difficult decision but some things, and people, are more important than the job.”

She also took time to thank the three women she works with in her office as well as various agencies, business owners and individuals she has worked with while serving as the County Attorney.

Karjala began her duties as the Faribault County Attorney on Jan. 15, 2018, when she replaced former county attorney Troy Timmerman, who had become the judge for the Faribault County District Court.

Karjala also spoke with the commissioners about the procedure for filling the position.

“Since I will be departing prior to the end of my current term, which expires Jan. 1, 2023, the County Board has the authority under Minnesota State Statute to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy for the balance of the current term of the departing county attorney,” Karjala explained. “The next election to fill the office of Faribault County Attorney will be Nov. 8, 2022, with a term of four years commencing on the first Monday of the following year, which is Jan. 2, 2023.”

The commissioners voted to accept Karjala’s resignation and thanked her for her service and for giving them the early notice of her intentions.

Next, the board directed Central Services director Lexie Scholten to begin advertising for the position immediately.

The stated goal of the board is to have someone in place three to four weeks before Karjala leaves so Karjala can assist with the transition.