The Hennessey Board of Trustees appointed longtime town employee Shelley Burch as the new town clerk during its regular meeting on Thursday, June 13th. Burch fills the position left vacant by Kelley Vaverka’s resignation and will serve the remainder of the unexpired term. Vaverka, the former Clerk, was recently elected as the Treasurer, leaving the Clerk position vacant.
Burch brings a wealth of experience to the role, currently serving as the Town Hall office manager, court clerk, and code enforcement officer. She has worked for the Town of Hennessey for the past 12 years and served as treasurer from 2021 until May of this year.
In other business, the board voted to officially compensate Deputy Town Clerk Kati Walters, who has served in the role for several years without pay. Trustee members praised Walters for her dedication, noting that she often stepped in to assist during meetings and perform essential duties, including signing checks and attending special sessions, frequently during her personal time or work hours at another job.
Trustee Bert Gritz said, “I feel like we need to establish a rate of pay and compensate her.” Walters spoke briefly, sharing that she had attended a recent budget hearing from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. without compensation, both from the town and her regular employer.
The board unanimously approved a motion to pay Walters $20 per hour, retroactive to May 1, 2025. Trustees Harold Shaw and David Jones were absent. Photo by AAH Jack Quirk
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