Buck leaving Walled Lake to fill Wixom clerk post

Walled Lake City Clerk Cathy Buck has come full circle now that she has tendered her resignation and plans to assume Linda Kirby’s post as clerk in Wixom.

Buck worked in Wixom as an administrative assistant in the Finance Department early in her career, so for her, the move is like coming home again.

“I actually started my municipal career in Wixom and still know some familiar faces from 15 years ago,” Buck said. “I’m looking forward to a new opportunity.”

Buck announced her resignation on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The Wixom City Council was scheduled to consider Buck’s appointment as city clerk last night, Tuesday, Sept. 13. If approved, Buck will start in Wixom on Monday, Sept. 26.

Due to Kirby’s retirement, the Wixom City Council unanimously directed the Wage & Salary Committee (WSC), comprised of Council Members Lori Rich, Thomas Rzeznik and Deputy Mayor Richard Ziegler, to conduct a search to replace her.

The position was immediately posted internally and externally on the state of Michigan municipal clerk computer network listserv.

By mid-August the WSC convened and reviewed application credentials submitted by eight candidates, but directed City Manager Mike Dornan to make an offer to Buck based on a starting salary (the same as Kirby’s) in the amount of $4,466 per month in addition to the fringe benefits package provided to employees hired after June 30, 2006.

“We narrowed the candidate list to two and balanced the needs, assets, certifications and costs. After considering those factors we voted to recommend Cathy,” Rich said of the WSC. “She comes from the local area and is highly-certified.”

Rzeznik noted in addition to Buck’s vast experience, the committee also took into consideration Kirby’s input.

“Experience is one thing, but she came highly recommended by Linda,” he said.

“I love what I do,” Buck said. “Linda is very detail-oriented and I consider it an honor to pick up where she left off.”

Buck has served as Walled Lake’s city clerk for the past 11 years. According to city officials, she’s been an exemplary employee whose stellar work ethic helped to keep the city running efficiently.

“She’s a stalwart in the city,” said Walled Lake City Manager L. Dennis Whitt. “We’ve had a great working relationship from the beginning. I’m going to miss her.

“Wixom is pretty lucky because she will hit the ground running,” he said.

The Walled Lake City Council has appointed Whitt interim clerk once Buck departs and authorized him to appoint a deputy clerk to continue operations. A Michigan search for Buck’s replacement will be advertised this week.

Buck is active in the Michigan Municipal Clerks Association and is past-president of the Oakland County Clerks Association. Moreover, she has earned the highest level of certification a municipal clerk can attain, as a Master Municipal Clerk (MMC).

Wixom’s WSC directed Dornan to finalize discussions with Buck given the understanding that in the event she accepts an offer, the committee would make a recommendation of appointment to the City Council. Buck accepted on Aug. 31.

“Cathy will be missed,” said Walled Lake Mayor William Roberts. “She did a wonderful job and has been a tremendous asset to all of us. Walled Lake’s loss is Wixom’s gain.”