City clerk Godsey retiring at end of the month

July 05--SOMERSET -- The city's long-time clerk is retiring after this month.

During the Monday, June 23 meeting of Somerset City Council, Mayor Eddie Girdler announced that City Clerk David Godsey would be stepping down from his duties as of July 31.

Calling it a "bittersweet" moment, Girdler thanked Godsey for his service to the city.

"We're proud of David, we're proud of the service he's done to the community over four mayors," said Girdler.

Godsey took over as city clerk in Dec. 1983, during the administration of Smith Vanhook. He took over for former city clerk Clarence Love, who had worked as clerk for the city since 1955. Love passed away in February.

Godsey said his wife's retirement earlier this year sparked his decision -- one that he'd been mulling since last year.

"I love my job and I like the people and everything, but my wife retired in April," said Godsey. "(Now) we can run around and do things together."

Godsey said he'd like to spend more time with his 10-year-old grandson, and he said he'd like to focus more of his efforts toward being on the Somernites Cruise board and participating in church activities.

Godsey, who is a Pulaski County native, worked in retail before he began his tenure with the city as clerk. Godsey said he's enjoyed the job -- even the tax collecting -- during his more than 30 years as city clerk.

"Even with the taxes and all, you still miss the people you see during tax time," said Godsey.

Godsey's office maintains and preserves resolutions, ordinances, deeds, and other documents, creates and maintains city council minutes, collects city and school taxes, collects insurance premium taxes, collects parking citations, and issues business licenses.

"This is a major position," said Girdler during the June 23 meeting.

The councilors had nothing but good things to say about Godsey.

"I've worked with (Godsey) here a long time, and he's done an excellent job," said Councilor Jerry Wheeldon.

Godsey's position is a non-elected one, and so his replacement must be approved by city council.

Girdler recommended current ABC Administrator Nick Bradley to take Godsey's place.

"I like (Bradley)," said Godsey earlier this week. "He's a good guy."

The council voted unanimously to accept Girdler's recommendation.

Councilor Jim Rutherford was not in attendance.

Heather Tomlinson is a staff writer for the Commonwealth Journal. Reach her at: [email protected]

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