36 years in City Hall

WASHINGTON - Illa Earnest is retiring as city clerk after 36 years.

Earnest was born and raised in Washington. Her family has been in the area since 1869.

'My roots run pretty deep,” she said.

After attending Coe College for political science, Earnest returned to Washington as the utility billing clerk in 1984. In 1987 the deputy city clerk position became available and she held that position until becoming the city clerk in 2008.

Earnest said the job was never boring. Each day brought new and unique tasks. Whether it was preparing the city council packet or answering a citizen question she's never heard, Earnest said. Her favorite part was meeting people and interacting with the community.

Through the years, Earnest said there has been amazing city employees, mayors and council members.

'Council and the mayors have been really good at supporting the big projects,” she said.

Some of the big projects in Earnest's time have been the downtown city street landscaping, the new water tower and treatment facility and the Wellness Park.

Earnest said the years have flown by. It is amazing looking back, Earnest said.

Earnest's last day is Dec. 31. She plans on keeping busy with projects at home and finding a new normal.

'When you've worked for 50 years your inclination is to get up and go to work,” she said.

She will continue to be involved in the community through her church and city boards.

During the Dec. 15 meeting, council members thanked Earnest for her time with the city and the help she has provided.

Earnest said the new city clerk, Sally Hart, has absorbed everything and was the perfect choice for the job.

'She's going to be a great clerk,” Earnest said.

Earnest said she has noticed younger people coming to town, and she is looking forward to seeing how the community changes and evolves.