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'I made a mistake’ sheriff says; sister will not return to appraiser job

Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, foreground, and Chief Deputy Mike Nolan spoke to the Dayton Daily News editorial board Wednesday Jan. 13, 2010. Plummer has come under fire for his foreclosure sale appraisal practices.

Staff photo by Lisa Powell Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, foreground, and Chief Deputy Mike Nolan spoke to the Dayton Daily News editorial board Wednesday Jan. 13, 2010. Plummer has come under fire for his foreclosure sale appraisal practices.

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By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer Updated 10:05 PM Wednesday, January 13, 2010

DAYTON — Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer will not allow his sister to resume property appraisals for his office even if the Ohio Ethics Commission rules that it is permitted.

“I made a mistake. I apologize to the community,” Plummer said on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Plummer has been under fire since Friday when the Dayton Daily News reported that he employed his sister, Kimberly Solomon of Butler Twp., as an appraiser for foreclosed properties sold at sheriff’s auction. All 11 appraisers employed last year — most earning six figures — have connections with Plummer, his office or his Republican political party. Solomon earned $273,183 in 2008 and 2009 for the work, which is awarded on a no-bid basis.

Plummer said he thought he could continue to employ Solomon as an appraiser after he became sheriff in 2008 because she was hired by former Sheriff David Vore in 2005.

He suspended her Friday and requested an opinion on her employment from the Ohio Ethics Commission, which has not ruled. On Wednesday he said she won’t return to the job.

“She’s done. Because it doesn’t look good,” Plummer said. “Am I happy about it? No. It’s the right thing to do and I’m going to do the right thing.”

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