GREEN COVE SPRINGS – City officials turned to Nassau County for its next city clerk.

Hilliard’s Deputy City Clerk Erin West was chosen from a field of 289 applicants. West, 34, worked in Hilliard since 2012 and has held her current position since 2016.

City council members approved hiring her 5-0. In a brief 15-minute interview session, council members met and quizzed West on her experience, expected workload, knowledge of the area and her commute. City staff previously interviewed West and recommended the hire.

A charter amendment passed in April that switched the city clerk evaluation from the council members to the purview of the city manager.

“[West] could do the job that’s required,” City Manager Steve Kennedy said.

West replaces Julie Clevinger, who retired last year. Kimberly Thomas has been the interim city clerk.

“It’s kind of surreal,” West said. “I was so shocked when [city Human Resources Director Mary Jane Lundy] called me with the offer.”

West, who starts in early June, has an accounting background. She expects to finish a master’s program from Liberty University by the end of the year. West also has a Certified Municipal Clerk certification.

The role of a city clerk involves overseeing city functions, such as organizing meeting agendas and clerical duties and is often the first city staff a resident may meet. The clerk must have a detailed knowledge of city codes and procedures.

“[The accounting aspect] kind of clicks with me liking to help people when they call with their issues or come to me wanting to do a resolution,” West added.

Hilliard is in western Nassau County with a population of about 3,000 people. Green Cove Springs as 7,500. West said as a deputy city clerk she completed many tasks a head clerk would, related to meetings or payroll.

“I’ve done things in Hilliard to help with my experience and step into that role,” West said.