BELLINGHAM, WA – Sheriff Bill Elfo officially gave notice of his resignation and retirement to the Whatcom County Council on Wednesday, but he is leaving a little earlier than expected.

Sheriff Elfo intends to leave the position as Whatcom County Sheriff on December 31.

But his successor, Sheriff Elect Donnell Tanksley, is not set to take office until Jan. 8.

Even if the interim period is only eight days long, the Whatcom County Council will need to vote on whether to appoint an interim sheriff or allow Tanksley to take office a week early.

In a phone call, Sheriff Elfo says he wanted to retire before the beginning of the new year due to complications with receiving retirement checks.

He says, if need be, he will stay on until the 8th, but Tanksley has told Elfo that he would be willing to fill the position a little early.

Despite appearances of a less-than-smooth transition, Sheriff Elfo says that he and Tanksley have been working closely and cooperating.

The council is set to decide on the issue Dec. 5 during their meeting at 6 p.m.