By Woodrow Polston
Coworkers, friends and family members came together at the Lange building last Friday to celebrate the retirement of Sharon Meyers. During the last board of alderman meeting, it was announced that Meyers would be retiring after 33 years of serving as the city’s financial officer. City Clerk, Brandie Gay, read from the resolution that would be presented to Meyers.
“After being the City of Vandalia’s finance officer for three decades, Sharon Myers has decided to retire,” said Gay. “She has been a staple and a longtime member of the management team. The City of Vandalia would like to show their appreciation for all of the work performed and wish Sharon the best of luck in her retirement,” she added.
City Administrator Darren Berry was first to speak as the party began. He expressed that Meyers was a great employee at City Hall.
“It has been such a pleasure to work with Sharon, I don’t have the words,” said Berry. “She has been so helpful during times of crisis and being understaffed. She will definitely be missed at City Hall. Not only as a valuable employee, but as a true friend,” added Berry.
Audrain County Presiding Commissioner Alan Winders, who is a former Vandalia city administrator, was among those who attended the party. He reflected on the quality of service that Meyers provided during her time with the city.
“I would like to say that over the course of my career, I have had hundreds of employees,” said Winders. “And the thing that I always valued most was honesty, and the presentation of a different perspective. During the entire time that I worked with Sharon, she was always honest. It only took me about three months of working with Sharon to figure out that I didn’t have to worry about financial issues. The money was always where it was supposed to be. If there is one thing that I will always remember Sharon saying to me, perhaps a thousand times, it was “You said.” Because if you ever said something, she wouldn’t forget it,” added Winders.
After being presented with gifts, one of which was a unique wooden clock, Myers was asked to give a speech before cutting the cake. She said that she was thankful for everyone that had come to help her celebrate her retirement.
“I would like to thank everyone,” said Meyers. “I thank the board, the staff, and everyone for having had the confidence in me to do the job. I can say that I was never bored on the job, and always had plenty to do,” she added.
Myers said that she plans to keep busy and perhaps even work a part-time job. Mayor Ralph Kuda stated that Meyers was a great employee and that she would be missed.
“Sharon was a great worker and if you ever needed something, she got it done,” said Kuda.