Dawson Barreras sworn in as acting Hillsboro city auditor

Dawson Barreras was sworn in as acting Hillsboro city auditor Monday morning, after Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha appointed him to the position.

Harsha administered the oath of office. Accompanying Barreras at the ceremony in front of the Highland County Courthouse fountain were his wife, Jessica, and their children, Silas and Ava. There were also a number of City of Hillsboro employees on hand to welcome Barreras, including Safety and Service Director Brianne Abbott; Public Works Superintendent Shawn Adkins; Deputy Auditor Annette Black; Tax Commissioner Sherry Davis; Water Office Manager Tasha Gregory; Administrative Assistants Sasha Myers and Amber Snow; and Economic Development Coordinator/Code Enforcement Officer Lauren Walker.

As previously reported, City Auditor Patty Day resigned from the position May 19, effective Friday, June 2.

Harsha selected Barreras as acting city auditor until the Highland County Republican Central Committee’s Hillsboro representatives make an official appointment. According to Highland County Republican Party Executive Chair Paulette Donley, under the Ohio Revised Code, that appointment must take place “not less than five nor more than 45 days after the vacancy.”

During the May 2 primary election, Barreras defeated Day, who had been appointed city auditor in November 2022. Barreras, a lifelong Hillsboro resident, is a graduate of Hillsboro High School.

Earlier this year, Barreras served a short stint as Hillsboro city treasurer, following the resignation of former treasurer Steve Conrad. Harsha appointed Barreras as treasurer March 9, and he served in that role until the Republican central committee appointed Debbie Sansone April 24. During Barreras’ brief tenure, he attended and participated in several city council meetings and other committee meetings.