Search for replacement City Clerk continues

With last night’s City Commission meeting being short by one member, Historic City News reporters watched as remaining commissioners decided to delay action for two weeks to replace retiring City Clerk Karen Rogers, CMC.

Rogers will retire effective July 20th. For the past four years of her eleven years of service to the City of St. Augustine, Rogers has held her commission-appointed position.

City Manager John Regan told the commission that, internally, four city employees have applied to succeed Rogers; however, the position has not been advertised externally — at this point.

Rogers’ position comes with vast responsibilities since she is the official custodian of records for this 13,663-resident city.

City Clerk assistants Carly Mason and Darlene Kirkland, Regan’s executive assistant Alison Ratkovic and Spanish Quarter employee Joseph Dezendorf have responded to internal advertising for the position.

None of the internal candidates interviewed by Regan are Certified Municipal Clerks; a designation earned by Rogers by successful completion of 100 hours of approved academy training through The John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government.

Florida has a total of 343 Certified Municipal Clerks, according to The Florida Association of City Clerks — of which Rogers is a member.