Grey County clerk retiring after 32-year career

Long-time Grey County Clerk Heather Morrison has presided over her final county council meeting.

Morrison sat in the clerk’s chair beside Deputy Warden Paul McQueen for the last time at county council’s meeting on May 27.

“I want to express my gratitude to this council and past councils for their leadership over the years,” said Morrison. “It takes a tremendous amount of courage to put your name forward to serve in municipal government.”

Morrison has been a member of county staff for the past 32 years.

“I’m honoured to call you friends and colleagues. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Grey County team for the past 32 years,” she said.

Current Deputy Clerk/Legislative Co-ordinator Tara Warder will become the county’s new clerk.

Grey Highlands Mayor and Grey County Deputy Warden Paul McQueen thanked Morrison for her services and dedication.

“I’m sure you will have some happy moments at your cottage,” said McQueen. “We’re going to miss you. You have a lot of knowledge.”

Grey Highlands Deputy Mayor Aakash Desai thanked Morrison for keeping him out of trouble at county council meetings. Desai often exchanged good-natured barbs with Southgate Deputy Mayor Brian Milne.

“Working with Heather over this past term has been an honour and privilege,” said Desai. “The fact that she was able to keep Coun. Milne and myself out of trouble for the most part is a testament to her abilities as the clerk. Heather will be missed at the county.”

The Blue Mountains Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon said he appreciated Morrison’s hard work.

“Heather worked tirelessly as the county clerk. When I was appointed to deputy mayor and county council, Heather was the first person to meet with myself. She was so welcoming and did my training personally. This a huge role to fill and I know Tara will do a great job as the new county clerk. I do wish Heather all the best in her retirement,” said Bordignon.

The Blue Mountains Mayor Alar Soever said Morrison offered his best wishes for the future.

“Although Heather and I disagreed on aspects of minute keeping, she was always the consummate professional, and was always ready to provide me with any information I requested. With her knowledge of procedure, she was a great support to the Warden, when it came to running the meetings.  She will be missed.  I wish her all the best in her retirement,” said Soever.