Longtime Clawson treasurer retires, interim named

CLAWSON — After 36 years of working for the city of Clawson, Treasurer Stacey Hodges retired May 22.

“Our treasured treasurer, Stacey Hodges, has decided that it’s time for her to leave these hallowed halls and go and have a life outside of the city of Clawson City Hall, so as hard as it is to believe that she could actually do that, she has decided to do that,” Mayor Paula Millan said.

During the May 5 City Council meeting, Millan presented Hodges with a proclamation honoring her years of service.

The proclamation states that Hodges began her career with the city as a high school co-op student and transitioned into a full-time account clerk position in the Treasurer’s Office, where she “expanded her knowledge in tax and utility, billing, accounts payable and receiving, and the ins and outs of being a municipal treasurer.”

Hodges was officially named Clawson city treasurer in November of 2005 due to her “dedication and professionalism” and, afterward, became a certified professional treasurer and certified public finance administrator, according to the proclamation.

The proclamation states that Hodges served for six years on the board of the Oakland County Treasurers Association, filling the roles of treasurer, vice president and president. She also served as a member of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association and the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada.

“Stacey would welcome all new employees with doughnuts or bagels and was the first to pass around a card for all to sign to celebrate her co-workers birthdays or achievements,” the proclamation reads. “Her smile, laugh, love of potato chips and eternally positive attitude brightened many a co-worker’s and resident’s day.”

Hodges accepted the framed proclamation from Millan during the meeting.

“I was honored to be able to serve the residents and the business owners of the city of Clawson for 30-plus years,” she said. “I met a lot of great people over those years, and I’m going to miss getting to see them on a daily basis and getting to see my co-workers on a daily basis.”

The City Council also unanimously approved the appointment of Jennifer Tomlinson, who serves as deputy clerk, to the role of interim treasurer and directed the city attorney to negotiate a professional agreement with her for an amount not to exceed $72,000.

City Manager Joseph Rheker estimated the interim post to last from four to six months

“We have to get through this budget session and the tax collection season, and then consider an interim post and/or an internal/external post,” he said.

Millan voiced confidence in Tomlinson’s ability to fulfill the interim treasurer duties.

“She has that beautiful optimism and cheerfulness, as well,” she said “She’ll be good to move over there for the time being.”