MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) — Julie Welch, the Marion Transit administrator, has resigned from her position effective immediately — a move that has taken many by surprise.
In a letter addressed to her staff, Welch expressed her passion for the role and her dedication to enhancing transit services for the community. “I loved working here and did my best to improve transit for everyone. I will truly miss you all,” Welch wrote.
The announcement follows the recent defeat of a proposed 40% fare increase for transit customers and coincides with ongoing legal troubles for the Marion Area Transit system.
The family of Ronald D. Rawlins, a deceased Marion resident, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Marion and bus driver Sheila Evans, alleging negligence in Marion County Common Pleas Court.
Marion County Now reached out to Marion Mayor Bill Collins, who provided the following statement:
“Julie Welch tendered her resignation yesterday, and it was accepted by the city. This was mutually agreed upon by both parties, and there really is no further story.
Tara Nicolosi, who is currently employed at Marion Transit, has been named the interim director,” Collins wrote.