Longtime City Clerk Paula Heyde set to retire as city taps Garton as successor
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- After more than four decades of service and commitment to the City of St. Joseph, longtime clerk Paula Heyde has announced plans to call it a career.
The City of St. Joseph announced that Heyde is set to retire effective Jan. 30, 2026, following a decades-long career that began in 1983.
Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton has been tapped by St. Joseph City Council to assume the role beginning Feb. 2, 2026, marking just the third change in city clerk leadership in the last 70 years.
“I’ve enjoyed working with all the different councils and mayors over the years, and some of them, along with coworkers, have become friends I keep in touch with,” Heyde said in a press release Wednesday. “It’s been great working with Kay, and I’m sure she will do an excellent job.”
Heyde added that she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with family and friends in retirement.
The city clerk’s office is responsible for managing official city records and public documents, maintaining the journal of City Council meetings, preparing council agendas, preserving ordinances, resolutions and responding to public records requests.
Heyde, a native of Stanberry, Missouri, began her work with the city clerk’s office through an employment agency in January 1983 before becoming an official staff member the following year. She was appointed city clerk on Oct. 31, 1988, succeeding Walter Welsh, who had served for 34 years starting in 1954.
“Paula is the life and soul of the city. She knows more than anybody when you think about the longevity and the number of councils she’s worked with over the years,” St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale stated in a press release. “She’s taught me a lot, which proves you can teach old dogs. I know Kaycee has learned from her as well, which is why I have confidence that she will do an excellent job in this new role and continue the great service that office is known for.”
A St. Joseph native and Benton High School graduate, Garton began her career with the City of St. Joseph as a police officer in 2018 before transitioning to an administrative assistant role in 2022, supporting the offices of the city manager, City Council, legal, communications and clerk.
“I’m honored and excited to step into the role of City Clerk,” Garton stated. “This position carries a legacy of integrity, professionalism and service that Paula Heyde embodied for more than 40 years. Paula set the standard for excellence, and I’m committed to upholding that tradition while bringing new energy and dedication to support our organization, our elected officials, and our community. It’s a privilege to build on the foundation she created.”
Garton’s salary will be $80,000 effective on the date of her new appointment.
