When Linda Smith answered a want ad for a utility billing clerk for the Village of Oxford in 1978, she had no idea it would turn out to be a 27?-year stint.
For Smith, a resident of Clarkston, the many years of working for the village have been great, but tomorrow will mark the beginning of her retirement.
‘I turned 60 and I was thinking it was time to move on and do something different,? she said.
After finishing high school in Ferndale, Smith began a small job working for a loan company.
She didn’t decide to go back to school until 1979, one year after she married her husband Wayne.
Smith attended Oakland Community College and received her associate’s degree in business administration, followed by a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Oakland University in 1992.
After working as the utility billing clerk for 10 years, she was hired as the deputy treasurer in 1988.
In September of 1990, Smith was delighted when she was officially appointed as the treasurer for the Village of Oxford.
And with that title came a lot of responsibilities.
Being the treasurer, Smith is in charge of collecting all of the taxes from residents, working on reports before taxes even come out, accounts payable and a portion of accounts receivable.
‘We take on a lot of different duties in the office,? she said. ‘I’m responsible for collecting all the money, all the deposits fall on my shoulders, but other people help me out.?
In the many years Smith has been with the village, she said the most amazing change she’s seen is how technology has made her job easier.
Up until 2000, Smith had to do all of her tax work by hand. The new computer system helped her immensely.
‘It was like stepping out of the Stone Age,? she joked.
Learning the computer system came easy to Smith because she said she knew it was going to make her job easier.
Being a certified treasurer and being able to network with other treasurers in the county was also something Smith enjoyed.
‘That’s always helpful to be able to call them if you’re needing some questions answered,? she said.
Although Smith is looking forward to her retirement, she said she’s especially going to miss her co-workers and the people of the community.
‘I’ve got a lot of good memories over the years,? she said.
Christine Burns, the current clerk and assistant village manager, will be taking on the treasurer position once Smith has retired.
Smith’s advice to those wanting to be a part of their local government ‘learn to love deadlines.
‘It keeps you on top of things,? she said.
Smith said she is looking forward to enjoying a ‘quieter lifestyle? while she is retired and will like not having to get up early for work.
When she’s not spending time with her two sons and one grandson, she and her husband will be in the process of building a farm house in Kentucky where they will travel to as often as possible.
‘I really like it down there,? she said. ‘It’s really pretty, and hilly and sunny.?
Looking back on her 27?-year career with the village, Smith said she can’t stress enough how much she’s loved her job.
‘It’s just been really nice getting to know the people in the community,? she said. ‘I’ve met a lot of nice people.?
Tomorrow, the public is welcome to join Oxford Village Council Members and staff for a retirement party for Smith which will be held in the Community Room of the village offices from 3 to 6 p.m.
To attend, please RSVP at (248) 628-2543.
Good luck and thanks for all your years of faithful service, Linda.
Tomorrow, the public is welcome to join the Village of Oxford Council Members and staff for a retirement party for Smith which will be held in the community room of the village offices from 3-6 p.m. to celebrate her career. To attend, please R.S.V.P. at (248) 628-2543.
Good luck and thank you for all your faithful years of service, Linda.