Recorder- treasurer resigns

GARFIELD -- Recorder-treasurer Keeli Ketcher resigned a week after being the subject of an executive session of the City Council.

Ketcher, who was elected in November 2016, submitted her resignation in writing on Nov. 3, 2017. In her resignation letter, Ketcher said she was "very grateful for the experience and that she was able to serve the City of Garfield."

The meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, was held in executive session. Mayor Gary Blackburn said the purpose of the meeting was to "discipline an employee."

The position of recorder-treasurer is an elected position. Ketcher was elected by the council last year to fill a vacancy created by the absence of Teresa Vining who was put in the position by the council in February 2015 after the resignation of long-time recorder-treasurer Merlene Snoderly. Vining was absent for several months due to health issues and Ketcher was hired to fill the vacancy until the election.

The 2017 budget included a raise for the city recorder-treasurer who also is the water clerk. The elected recorder-treasurer was paid $14,108 from the general expenses and $9,350 from the Water Department for a total salary of $23,458, according to the 2017 budget. The budget includes $20,000 for an office clerk to assist the recorder-treasurer and the mayor. Vining was hired as the office clerk.