William Shaffer

Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge William Shaffer is retiring in January and the election to fill the vacancy will be held in 2023, according to state officials.

Shaffer submitted his letter of retirement to the governor's office after the Nov. 2 election. His retirement is effective Jan. 2, according to Gov. Tom Wolf's office.

Shaffer attended Wednesday's county commissioners meeting to read a proclamation for Linda Harrison, who worked as a court reporter at the county courthouse for 49 years.

She began working in Shaffer's courtroom in 2000.

Shaffer said he became an administrative judge in county court in 2018 after many years on the county bench.

He commended the current three-person board of commissioners for their dedication to Butler County taxpayers.

“The people of Butler County need to know how effective and committed a board of commissioners you are,” Shaffer said.

But the commissioners were more interested in congratulating Shaffer on his impending retirement.

Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said the board spent considerable time conferring with Shaffer during the coronavirus pandemic regarding how and whether the courts should continue their cases.

She said those collaborative efforts were extremely effective and cordial.

“I don't think that happens in every county building in the manner in which it did here,” Osche said.

She suggested that Shaffer is an efficient judge who does not use a lot of words in his job or when meeting with other officials.

“Sometimes Judge Shaffer doesn't have to speak or he only uses a few words to get his point across,” she said.

Osche and her fellow commissioners wished Shaffer congratulations as he retires.

“It has been a really distinct pleasure to work with you,” Osche said.

Shaffer said he will serve as a senior judge after his retirement, meaning he will work part time hearing cases at the courthouse.

Wil White, county solicitor, said it is common in Pennsylvania for retiring county judges to work about 50% of their full-time hours as senior judges after retirement.

During the interim between his retirement and the election of a new judge, Wolf can appoint someone to serve in the office until the first Monday of January 2024. Senate confirmation of the appointment is required, according to Wolf's office and the Department of State.

Common Pleas Court judges are elected to 10-year terms.