Thursday, January 16, 2025
Wendy Cole, City Secretary of the City of Gatesville, is set to retire at the end of December after upholding a distinguished career marked by dedication and a deep understanding of the city’s general operations.
Cole's career as the city secretary spans over a decade, with around 13 years of service in her position.
She began her journey with the city in Feb. of 1994, when she was hired in the utility department.
“Initially, I was just looking for a job with benefits to help support my growing family and never dreamed that working for the City of Gatesville would be so fulfilling,” she said. “I was assigned many duties over the years and have learned so much in every assignment that I had.”
After working in the utility department for many years, in 2011, the opportunity was presented to Cole to begin working as the city secretary due to the passing of the much-loved former city secretary, Kathy Karasek.
“With the support of the city manager, assistant city manager, and staff, I immediately started to work very hard, committed to continue and fulfill the duties of the city secretary,” she said.
Bob Stevens was the first city manager Cole worked with, and she has worked with a total of six city managers since.
“I have absolutely enjoyed working with all my current and past coworkers, and they have all become like family to me,” she said.
Being the city secretary comes with many responsibilities as well as being the backbone for the city council while attending each meeting. Her main duties include coordination, preparation, and distribution of agendas, organizing council books, and other materials needed for council meetings. She records and prepares the written minutes of each meeting and follows up on necessary action items as well.
She also coordinates information with city staff and the city attorney to prepare ordinances while ensuring accurate filing of city ordinances, resolutions, city council minutes, and certifies or notarizes official city documents. She ensures city agreements, contracts, and other legal documents are signed and recorded.
Cole also serves as a liaison with various businesses, organizations, and the public as needed to provide necessary information.
With the responsibility of completing various tasks, she admitted that there, of course, have been challenges along the way.
“But this job has been so very satisfying when you see improvements and projects get completed that will continue to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Gatesville,” she said. “It has been an absolute honor to work for the City of Gatesville the last 30 years, and I very much appreciate the dedication, leadership, and vision that city council and city staff have for the future of our great town!”
She expressed that she has learned a tremendous amount regarding how a city runs and that she is very proud of the accomplishments that she has been able to be a part of with the council and city staff.
“I have also enjoyed the many friendships that have been formed with co-workers and many city councilmembers over the years,” she said. “I will miss seeing and working with staff every day and being involved in all the efforts with the city council to achieve the accomplishments that will continue to make a positive and lasting impact on this community.”
Since Cole is on the road to retirement this month, she has been training the upcoming city secretary, Holly Owens, since August with the goal of a gradual and seamless transition.
“Holly has been an excellent addition to city staff since her first day as city secretary and has fit right in,” she said. “Her experience and vast knowledge of municipal government, customer service, her selfless ambition, and progressive vision will serve the city and its citizens well.”
She mentioned that she is extremely thankful to have been employed with the city, and that it will be fondly remembered, although she is looking forward to relaxing for a bit and spending more time enjoying her family and three grandchildren.
“I thank God for the blessings I have been given, which is more than I could have ever imagined,” she said.
“I will always treasure the memories that I have gained during this time while witnessing our many productive hardworking employees and city councilmembers,” she said. “They work tirelessly to complete projects to support our growing community with the goal of designing and maintaining sustainable infrastructure and also maintaining Gatesville’s unique characteristics for future generations.”
“There are so many incredible things going on in Gatesville, and I am excited to see what is ahead,” she said. “I am proud of everything we have accomplished as a city, and I am so thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve this fantastic community of Gatesville.”
