New city secretary replaces Dannelley
Hattie Hamilton likes slower pace in small town atmosphere
BY LELAND ACKER

An experienced accountant is joining the team at Alto City Hall.

Hattie Hamilton has been named as the new city secretary, replacing Debbie Dannelley, who resigned in February to spend more time with family.

The council voted in its regular meeting Feb. 11 to change the city administrator position to city secretary, so the position will not be confused with a city manager position.

"Mrs. Hamilton has excellent credentials," said Mayor Pro Tem Annie Walker. "She is strong in accounting. Her home is in Crockett by way of Houston."

Mrs. Hamilton has a B.A. in accounting from Texas Southern University and has worked in the accounting departments for Reliant Industries, Service Corporation International, Carriage Services and Outsourcing Partners International.

"I've worked in many areas of accounting," she said. "Administrative accounting, plant accounting, and I have done cost tracking for Reliant's South Texas nuclear plant."

Mrs. Hamilton said the change from Houston to East Texas has been good.

"Everything is in slow motion," she said. "It feels excellent."

Mrs. Hamilton is being trained by Mrs. Dannelley in municipal accounting, which will be the main responsibility of her job. Mrs. Hamilton is the fourth person to hold the position in four years.