On April 30^th Debbie Smith, Community Development Administrative Assistant, fulfilled her last day of work for the City of West Wendover with just over 26 years of service.

Debbie began her career with the City in March of 1998 initially as a receptionist and accounting technician at the administration/utility counter.   In early 2000 after the city had instituted its new Community Development Department, its Director, Chris Melville, then invited Debbie to take a transfer and join his team in standing up the operations and instituting the directive of the city’s newest department.  Debbie spent the next 24 years working with Chris and the department serving the community and assisting in its path to a brighter future.

When asked about Debbie, City Manager Melville commented, “Debbie and I were hired within a week of each other here at the city.  This was at a time when the city was operating out of the old modular office building across from our Post Office.  She was hired on as a receptionist/accounting technician and in early 2000 I asked her to join me in the newly created Community Development Department that I was asked to lead, where we brought together city engineering, planning, building, city code development, flood plain management, community and economic development along with other operations of the city under one department.  I was pleased that she accepted my invitation though she might have had second thoughts once we delved into setting things up,” Melville said with a grin.   He continued, “however, any hesitation she had was only momentary.  I have always appreciated her commitment to our work in the department to provide more opportunity for growth and a better future for the community.   She assisted me greatly through these many years and she stuck with me never missing a beat.  She has been a wonderful asset to me and the city and a solid member of our community.  We all love her and will miss her and do not let her tell you otherwise.”

At her retirement luncheon with coworkers at the Salt Flats Café, Debbie received a nice 26-year service and retirement award plaque from the city and enjoyed one of her favorite meals, “Baja Chicken”.

Thank you Debbie for your unwavering service to the city organization and the community.  We wish you the very best in your retirement and the new adventures you set your heart's desire on.

(pictured is Debbie with her retirement service award)