Dianne Hill Named Clerk of the Year By State Organization

Saline City Clerk Dianne Hill has been named “City Clerk of the Year” by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks.

Hill, a lifelong Saline resident who began her career with the city in June of 1971 as a Saline High School co-op student,

will be honored at a banquet Wednesday in Traverse City.

Her nominator, Mayor Gretchen Driskell, will also attend the banquet.

“What an honor it has been to work with (Hill over the years). She’s saved some people’s necks, not only here, but across the county. She’s truly a professional,” said Driskell, who announced Hill’s award at Monday’s cit council meeting.

Hill, promoted to deputy clerk in 1974 and then to city clerk in 1988, said she’d heard she was nominated.

“But I was really shocked when I found out I had won the award. The mayor nominated me and received support from community members, but I really didn’t think I would win,” Hill said.

Hill was the first clerk in the county to implement the optical scan voting equipment. She also assisted other clerks in implementing the process. Hill has been a mentor for other clerks, teaching classes and providing assistance when asked. In 2010 she implemented the “electronic poll book” used in voting precincts. She is also Co-Sexton of Oakwood Cemetery. In that position, she was instrumental in providing ideas for cemetery expansion.

As clerk, Hill has gone the extra mile to make sure seniors are able to vote. She provides on-site voter registration at Brecon Village and Saline Evangelical Home.

As the city’s record keeper, she coordinated the 2010 Census.

Hill has also twice served on a “management team” responsible for day-to-day operations of the city while the city was in between managers.

Former City Council member Glenn Law thanked Hill for all the work she has done for the city.

“The award is well deserved,” Law said.

In June of 2011, the .