SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Longtime Sylacauga City Clerk Patricia Carden is set to retire after nearly 44 years with the city.
Carden started her journey with the city, working as an accountant in 1977. She was appointed to the position of Assistant City Clerk-Treasurer in January 2001, and has served as City Clerk-Treasurer since December 2001. She holds the distinction of being Sylacauga’s first female City Clerk-Treasurer.
In Sylacauga, the positions of Municipal City Clerk and Municipal Treasurer as set out in the Code of Alabama have been combined, and the City Clerk-Treasurer has the duties and responsibilities of both positions. The City Clerk-Treasurer is custodian of the city seal and all municipal records and responsible for all financial operations including purchasing and bid administration, grant management and reporting, accounts payable and receivable processing, business license administration, locally levied tax administration and collection, coordination of all audits, and coordination/oversight of municipal elections.
Over the years, Carden has provided administrative support to the Mayor and the City Council, prepared agendas for council meetings and work sessions, and attended all meetings of the council and recorded the minutes. She also acted as a liaison with the Alabama League of Municipalities, the National League of Cities, and various State and Federal agencies.
“I’ve loved every minute of working for the city,” said Carden. “I am looking forward to my retirement and going in a different direction. The city of Sylacauga will always be near and dear to me.”
Carden expressed her appreciation for the support she has received over the years.
Carden’s retirement will take effect on Feb. 1.
The City Council has appointed Kim Morris as interim City Clerk-Treasurer.