Calvert switches it up

Pam Paulson was the Hanna town treasurer for 13 years before recently retiring. Paulson worked with Ann Calvert, who was town clerk for three of those years. When Paulson decided to leave, Calvert knew she wanted to try for the position of treasurer.

She had some experience already since the town does some cross training between the two positions. Also, when Calvert first got hired, Paulson broke her ankle and had to be on leave for a period of time which required Calvert to learn aspects of the treasurer's job.

"Pam has always been great about cross training me," Calvert said. "I could actually back her up. She gave me a foundation to this job that has really helped me now."

The most important reason she wanted to apply for the job is she likes math.

"I can't help myself, but I love working with numbers," Calvert said.

Doing payrolls and keeping accounts are not new to hers since she has been the High Country Joint Powers Board bookkeeper for seven years. Before she came to the town hall for the town clerks position, she worked at the RNB State Bank Hanna branch.

"I actually enjoy doing the payroll part of this job since I started training under Pam," Calvert said. "Plus, I felt it was time for a change. Every so often you have to switch it up."

Calvert enjoyed the town clerk job not only for what she was taught, but also because it has given her confidence in understanding how municipalities function.

"I almost didn't apply for the job, but I was encouraged by Tony Poulos (the prior mayor of Hanna) and I was surprised when I got it," Calvert said. "It was the best thing ever. I love it here."

Calvert grew up in Hanna but left for Arizona once she graduated. Although she is happy to have ventured out of Carbon County, Calvert was glad she returned.

"Things work out for a reason," Calvert said. "I am so excited to be treasurer."

Paulson, who is still helping at town hall for another week or so, is glad Calvert took the job.

"I think Ann will be a fantastic replacement if we can ever get all the training in," Paulson said, laughing. "There always seems to be something that happens that has us having to do other things. But that is just the way things happen. That is why I have stayed a little longer than I planned. I couldn't just leave her."

"Thank God you didn't," Calvert said.

Paulson said once Calvert gets more into the job, she has no doubt Calvert will excel in all aspects of being treasurer.

"It is hard," Paulson said. "There is just so much and there are deadlines that have to be followed."

Calvert agreed.

"It is hard and I can't imagine when Pam is gone," Calvert said. "Maybe I can keep her longer than she thinks."

After saying that, Calvert looked up at Paulson and asked, "So Pam what do you want for Christmas?"

"When November comes, I am out of here," Paulson said.

"Come on Pam, what would you like for Christmas?" Calvert said again laughing.

It is obvious the two have a good relationship.

Paulson said the treasurer job has days that, no matter what she has tried to accomplish, nothing goes right.

"Look at today," Calvert said. "All the computers went down and we had to load all the data that got lost."

Calvert said although the day had been difficult, she was not deterred from enjoying the job.

"I am really excited. I really am," Calvert said.

"I am excited for Ann to do what I did in going to the financial director retreat and the WAMCAT (Wyoming Association of Municipal Clerks and Clerks) convention, CCCOG (Carbon County Council of Governments) meetings and Special Purpose Tax meetings where she will be meeting people that can help when questions arise," Paulson said. "I had a whole network of people that helped me. I know Ann will do the same thing."

Calvert said she hopes that she will be as strong as Paulson was at the job.

"You will be," Paulson said. "You just have to dig deep and find that confidence that no matter what comes your way, you will get through it."

Calvert nodded her head.

"You are right, I will," Calvert concluded.