Glasgow's City Clerk Awarded Rural Water Clerk of the Year

Glasgow City Clerk Stacey Amundson was awarded the 2018/2019 Rural Water Clerk of the Year at the Montana Rural Water conference, which took place Feb. 20 through 22 in Great Falls. Amundson was nominated from fellow clerks in the state for her assistance in helping, being willing and able to answer questions and for continuing to further her knowledge. "I was surprised to find out that I won the award. I didn't find out until my name was called, but I figured something was up, as when I arrived to the conference everyone was like 'you showed up! I didn't think you would make it'," recalled Amundson. "I was also surprised and embarrassed when they called my name as I don't like being the center of attention."

Amundson has been the city clerk for almost 10 years and has been employed by the city for 13 years, moving up from utility clerk and deputy clerk. Her current job duties include overseeing the city's budget and making sure spending is within appropriated amounts. She also ensures financial aspects of the city is within compliance with Montana code and rules are followed, especially legal rules. "I truly enjoy what I do," stated Amundson.

Being in the position for almost 10 years (she will celebrate her 10th anniversary in October) is quite an accomplishment in and of itself as the position has a high turnover rate throughout the state. According to Amundson, 14 new clerks have been hired in the state since July 2018. "The position can be hard to learn. Thankfully the state of Montana is very easy to work with and they will help you out, but they will not do the work for you," stated Amundson. Due to her experience in the role, she is certainly the go-to for other city clerks when they have questions or need another set of eyes to look at something. She has a "her door is always open" approach to her fellow city clerks who rely on her wisdom and expertise to get them through. "If I don't know the answer to a question, I will direct them to who would," stated Amundson.

She credits her background in accounting as being helpful in the position, but also admits that government accounting really flips everything upside down. "It's all about trial and error and experience. Everything is truly fixable. The nice thing is that I am audited yearly, so if something is wrong, I can fix it," stated Amundson.

In addition to having the distinguished Rural Water Clerk of the Year Award, she is also a certified Montana Municipal Finance Officer, a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and serves as their representative at the Montana Municipal Clerk, Treasurer & Finance Officer Association conventions. She is also active with the Association's Education Committee and serves as vice-president of third class cities.