By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The City of St. Joseph will see just its third change in city clerk leadership in more than 70 years as longtime city clerk Paula Heyde announced her upcoming retirement.
Heyde will retire at the end of January after more than four decades of service. The St. Joseph City Council has appointed Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton to assume the role at the beginning of February.
Heyde, a native of Stanberry, Missouri, began her work with the city clerk’s office in January 1983 and became an official staff member the following year. She was appointed city clerk in October of 1988, succeeding Walter Welsh, who had served since 1954. Her 40-plus-year career has spanned generations of city leaders.
“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 news release from the city. “It’s been great working with Kay, and I’m sure she will do an excellent job.”
Mayor John Josendale praised Heyde’s enduring contributions to the city.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Garton, a St. Joseph native and Benton High School graduate, began her career with the City of St. Joseph as a police officer in 2018. She transitioned to an administrative assistant role in 2022, supporting the offices of the city manager, City Council, legal, communications and clerk. She was appointed deputy clerk in the summer of 2025.
“I’m honored and excited to step into the role of City Clerk,” Garton said. “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.
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