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Hebert, Krajniak to retire at year’s end

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Deputy Clerk Julie Krajniak, left, and Clerk/treasurer Karen Hebert are retiring in January. Both say they will miss their jobs, but are excited to be able to pursue other interests.

ALPENA — There are going to be some large personnel changes in the Alpena clerk’s office in early 2018.

Clerk/treasurer Karen Hebert and her Deputy clerk Julie Krajniak have decided to retire in January. The process of filling their positions is already under way.

Hebert was hired in 1998 as the city’s clerk and treasurer and has been critical in the city’s budget process. She said she had considered retiring several years ago, but decided to hold off, but now is the right time to move on and do some of the things she is unable to do often while employed.

“I’ve been working since I was 16 years old and I’m just excited to get some time off,” Hebert said. “It will be nice to have the flexibility to go downstate to see my family. I have some projects I also want to do at home and maybe just slow down, travel and enjoy some of what we have.”

Hebert said deciding to retire was not an easy decision because there are many aspects of her job she loves. She said on the top of the list of things she will miss will be the daily interactions she has with coworkers and members of the public.

“I will miss the people,” Hebert said. “I have built up so many relationships over the years and we have become close and strong bonds have been built.”

Krajniak has been working for the city for 37 years and she said she loves her job. She said it is time to turn the page however and move on to other things.

“It is time to open a new door and do some different things,” Krajniak said. “I’ll stay busy with my grandchildren, traveling and doing volunteer work. I’ll miss everyone, because we are like one big family. This job and all of the people have been a big part of my life, but I’m ready to move on to my next chapter.”

The city is currently advertising for Hebert’s position and interviews will be done by members of staff and council. Hebert said if everything goes well the new clerk will be hired in October or November so he/she can be trained during the election and the balance of the year. She said she intends to step down in January.

Krajniak’s position will likely be hired from within the office, Hebert said. She said the other employees are already leaning some of Krajniak’s duties and Hebert said she will appoint the new deputy before she retires.

“We have done a good job of making sure employees are cross-trained, so they can step up when personnel changes are made, there is a smooth transition,” Hebert said. “We have talented people and I will make the appointment before I leave.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.

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