By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pembroke City Clerk Betty Hill retires
Pembroke Clerk Retires
From left: Councilman Johnnie Miller Sr., Councilwoman Diane Moore, Mayor Judy Cook, Betty Hill, Councilman Ernie Hamilton, Councilwoman Tiffany Walraven and Councilwoman Karen Lynn at a ceremony honoring Hill Monday night. Hill retired after 22 years as city clerk. - photo by Photo provided.

Pembroke City Council recognized Betty Hill, who retired after 22 years as city clerk, during its meeting Monday.

“She knows everything we don’t,” Councilwoman Diane Moore joked. “Betty has always been ethical, hard-working and has done it all behind the scenes.”

Hill thanked the council for “the confidence and faith you’ve had in me over the years,” and encouraged the council to “continue to be the leaders in the community that we need.”

Mayor Judy Cook and the council presented an antique pearl necklace with an emerald clasp to Hill.

Deputy Clerk Arlene Hobbs, speaking on behalf of city employees, said Hill has “always been there for us,” saying she has been both a mediator and a “shoulder to lean on.”

Bryan County Probate Judge Sam Davis then swore in Sharroll Fanslau, previously Pembroke’s DDA director, as the new city clerk.

“I hope I can do just a portion of what Betty has done for us,” Fanslau said. “She has been such a great mentor and she’ll be missed dearly by all of us.”

The council also approved spending $44,000 on a new police vehicle, including a base cost of $32,000 and $12,000 in equipment such as a communications system, lights and video. Police Chief Randy Alexander said the vehicle will replace one that needs $2,500 in repairs but is only worth $2,000.

Alexander also said his department is using money seized in drug arrests to purchase body armor, which should arrive in four to six weeks. Alexander said the armor is designed to stop bullets fired from rifles, whereas regular vests are only made to protect against bullets fired from handguns.

City Councilman Johnnie Miller Sr. said in light of recent attacks on police officers in Texas and Louisiana that Pembroke must be aware of “outside influences,” especially on the city’s youth.

“We’re praying for you,” he told Alexander. “It’s not an easy job.”

Sign up for our E-Newsletters