City Clerk Iris Rudman Smith surprised fellow elected officialsTuesday when she announced her intentions to resign after 19 yearsin office.

Rudman Smith said she wanted to spend more time with her family,travel with her husband and visit children and grandchildren. Shesaid she could not do those things and continue to provide thefull-time service that the people of Brookhaven deserve.

Citing a need for a city-wide special election due to Mayor BillGodbold’s resignation, Rudman Smith said that would allow her toresign as city clerk. Her resignation will be effective April 12,although she asked to be allowed to continue to work in the cityclerk’s office until after the special election.

Aldermen are expected to schedule a special election date attheir next meeting on April 6. A special meeting on April 13 wascalled to address a personnel policy issue and to formally declarethe city clerk position vacant.

Rudman Smith said it has been a great honor to serve as cityclerk during her five terms in office and to be a part of the greatstrides made by the community in those years.

“During my five terms, I have tried to serve you, as when Iasked for your vote in 1985, with honesty, efficiency and withintegrity. I think I have done that,” Rudman Smith said in a letterread during last night’s meeting.

Also in her letter, Rudman Smith said she is leaving the city ina strong financial position and ready to face the challenges of thefuture. City Auditor Verbalee Watts is expected to be at the nextboard meeting to present the most recent year’s audit report.

“It’s been a long, wonderful journey, and I’ve enjoyed everyminute of it,” Rudman Smith said after reading her letter.

Ward Six Alderman John E. “Buddy” Allen said the board was proudof the work that Rudman Smith has done and that she will be missed.Ward Two Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Terry Bates said it has been aprivilege to work with Rudman Smith and that she was like a teacherwhenever he needed guidance.

“We all have enjoyed it,” added Ward Four Alderman BobMassengill. “It has always been done with honesty andintegrity.”

Rudman Smith received a standing ovation from alderman and theboardroom audience.

Several of the city clerk’s fellow officials complimented herwhile giving their department reports later in the meeting.

“You always have been a friend in the courthouse,” said SidKincade, cemetery superintendent.

City Engineer Carl Ray Furr alluded to Rudman Smith’s reputationacross the state.

“I know how much she’s admired and respected by her colleagues,”Furr said.