Aldermen, city officials and residents held a small gathering Monday at Union City Hall to say goodbye to long-time city clerk, Cheryl Chaney, who is retiring after 32 years in public service.
Chaney began working with the City of Union as Deputy City Clerk in 1988, working with former City Clerk Tom Weaver. After city elections in 1989, Weaver retired, and Chaney was appointed to his position.
Since then, Chaney has served in City Hall helping the mayor and aldermen, assisting residents and working to keep Union’s government services running smoothly.
Mayor Wayne Welch, who has worked with Chaney for decades, said she had been a pillar of the town for a long time. In his time as Mayor, he said he and Chaney have seen the city accomplish great things and, at times, have had to make very difficult decisions. He said her retirement was almost like a divorce.
“It’s kind of like a divorce, but it’s a good one,” he said. “We’ve been together 32 years.”
Alderman Billy McCune said he and Chaney had known each other since childhood, when integration brought them together as classmates.
“Through integration, me and Cheryl were classmates,” he said. “Cheryl was so nice to us. She’d let you know what’s on her mind, but she was always a friend.”
Chaney, who has been working to train her replacement, Tammy Ferguson, to take over City Clerk duties, said her time serving the city and its residents has been very rewarding.
“I will say I’ve enjoyed it. Everybody has been very gracious to me, all the employees, and I appreciate every one of you,” she said.
Although she may not be at City Hall, Chaney said she planned to keep her same phone number and would be available to help the city if she was needed.
