By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff Writer
Atlas Twp. — Over the past 23 years, Atlas Township Treasurer Sara Bachmann has seen the township through road improvements, building renovations, and the implementation of computerized bookkeeping.
Bachmann and her late husband Gordon had planned to retire next year, but after his death in February 2003, she decided to give her resignation at a recent meeting of the Atlas Township Board.
“I’m just retiring a year earlier than expected,” she said.
Bachmann, 63, first began working for the township as deputy treasurer in 1980. She learned about the job through fellow Goodrich band parent Jane Richards, former Atlas Township treasurer. When Richards resigned in 1983, Bachmann took over as treasurer.
“When I started all the bookkeeping was done by hand,” she said. “Everything’s on computer now—it’s so much easier.”
Although Bachmann doesn’t have formal plans for retired life, she is looking forward to visiting her son in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and walking the sidewalks of the neighborhood she’s planning on moving to, she said.
She expects her new role of deputy treasurer, which she will assume Oct. 1, will keep her around the township hall for a while.
“We’re collecting taxes eight months out of the year,” she said.
In the past two decades, she’s found working with area residents a rewarding venture. Bachmann recalls the late resident who annually raced in to be first to pay his taxes. She enjoyed promoting a neighborly atmosphere in the township.
“People always reacted favorably to her,” said her sister, Marcia Rockafellow and former Atlas Council member. “It’s obvious that she liked them.”
“I liked working with the people,” Bachmann said. “I hope I can leave with people knowing that I did try to help out if they have a problem. I’d just try to stay in contact with people that came in, answer their questions, and take care of them.”
Atlas Township Deputy Treasurer Ann Marie Slagle will take the office of deputy treasurer Oct. 1, after board approval on Sept. 15.
Slagle is looking forward to tapping into Bachmann’s years of experience during the transition.
“I told her to have another phone line at home for me,” she said.
For tickets to Bachmann’s retirement party, scheduled to be held Oct. 1 at Atlas Valley Country Club, call (810) 636-2548.