CITY CLERK / TREASURER PENNY KOVACEVICH ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
OFFICE RESTRUCTURING PLANNED

As Penny Kovacevich finishes up her 31^st tax collection period as city treasurer and gets ready to oversee her 34^th election as city clerk she also prepares to wrap up 34-plus years with the City of Midland. Kovacevich has announced plans to retire on November 21.

Kovacevich joined the City of Midland in 1969 and spent seven years as a clerk/typist in Midland’s city clerk’s office and engineering department. In 1976 Kovacevich became an account clerk in the department of public works and was named city treasurer in 1987.

Kovacevich became the City of Midland’s first city clerk / treasurer in 1993 when the city clerk’s function was merged with the treasurer’s office.

While in office Kovacevich earned a Certified Municipal Finance Administrator certification from the Michigan Municipal Treasurer’s Association and her Certified Municipal Clerk’s certification from the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. She served on the Michigan Municipal Treasurer’s Association Board of Directors from 1989 through 1996 when she served as president of the organization. She managed the transition from a manual tax collection operation in the treasurer’s office to a computerized tax collection operation, supervised and implemented redistricting of all wards and precincts after the 2000 census and oversaw the transition to a State-wide voter registration system.

“Throughout her career Penny has demonstrated a high level of commitment that is an example for public officials everywhere,” said Fiscal Services Director Bob Fisher who oversees the clerk / treasurer’s office. “Penny’s achievements are proof that intelligence, dedication and old-fashioned hard work can result in success and advancement within an organization. She is known and respected for her expertise and professionalism in contacts with citizens, the City Council, fellow staff members and other public officials. Her energy, cooperative spirit, and passion for excellence will be greatly missed by the City of Midland.”

In preparation for Kovacevich’s retirement, City Manager Karl Tomion is planning to restructure the city clerk / treasurer function.

As part of the restructuring, the city clerk and treasurer functions will be separated. Assistant City Treasurer Sandy Marshall will take over as city treasurer and will direct the city’s treasury function which will remain part of the fiscal services department.

The city clerk’s position will be combined with the community relations function and become part of the city manager’s office. City of Midland Community Relations Coordinator Selina Tisdale has been named to the new city clerk / community relations position. The city plans to hire an assistant to help with the communications function.

“We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to combine Penny’s background in the clerk’s office and her expertise as a treasurer,” said Tomion. “Unfortunately, it’s not a combination you find very often. In looking at ways to use our current staff in a more efficient manner, this restructuring was very natural and one that I believe will be a great benefit to the city,” said Tomion noting that the restructuring takes place without an increase in current staffing levels.

Marshall joined the City of Midland in 1984 as an account clerk for the parks and recreation department. She was named recreation assistant in 1988 and assistant city treasurer in 1991.

Tisdale joined the City of Midland as community relations coordinator in 1991.