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Several retirements by key Dare County staffers came to the forefront at the Board of Commissioners meeting held Oct. 7, 2024.

First, on the printed agenda released before the meeting, two items in the consent agenda drew attention: “Authorization to Present Service Weapon to Retiring Sheriff” and “Authorization to Present Service Weapon to Retiring Deputy Sheriff.”

Sheriff J.D. “Doug” Doughtie and Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Deringer are both retiring Dec. 1, 2024.

Doughtie, a Republican, was first elected as Dare County’s top law enforcer in 2010, defeating in the party primary Ryan White and, in the general election, two-term sheriff Rodney Midgett, a Democrat.

During his terms, Doughtie has concentrated on access, balance and commitment. “I’m committed to keeping Dare County a place where people want to raise families, where they feel safe and where they want to return to visit year after year,” wrote Doughtie.

Doughtie has two years left on his current term in office. The Dare County Republican Party will nominate a replacement.

And, toward the end of the meeting, county manager Robert L. Outten announced that deputy county manager and finance director David Clawson is retiring in June 2025. The position is now posted on the county’s website.

Clawson came to Dare County in February 1991, some 33 years ago. He became deputy county manager in July 2017. A notable achievement was working with the Dare County Schools staff and board to devise the school system’s funding formula that eliminated constant bickering over funding Dare’s schools. He has made statewide presentations on the formula.

For each of his 33 years, the Finance Department has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

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