DEMOPOLIS &8212; Paula Byrd was approved by the city council to take the seat of city clerk during last night&8217;s meeting. The decision comes from a recommendation by the mayor and the personnel board. The board approved the hiring of Byrd with four yeas an abstaining vote made by Councilman Melvin Yelverton.

Mayor Cecil Williamson and Mayor Pro-tem and personnel board member Thomas Moore interviewed Byrd yesterday afternoon for the position. During the interview she said she was exited about the opportunity to work in Demopolis and felt secure in her knowledge of finance, management and people skills.

Byrd, a relative of the Byrd family of Marengo County, has worked as the city accountant for the City of Tuscaloosa. She has a CPA and CMA license.

During the interview, Byrd said in dealing with the public she thinks it is important to listen to what the people have to say. She also said she feels there should be a well-defined list of job duties for positions within her supervision so that responsibilities are clear.

During the afternoon interview session, Williamson and Moore also interviewed LaKeshia Dixon, who has recently moved back to Demopolis, for the position.

On April 19, the council expanded the search for a new clerk to include applicants from outside the municipal limits.

Councilman Thomas Moore told the council during the April 19 meeting, that the &8220;Personnel Committee has an imminently qualified person&8221; who lives outside the city limits. Moore went on to explain that the Alabama League of Municipalities said the city could legally change the qualifications for the position and hire the unnamed person since city statute does not require the city clerk to come from within the municipality.

During that meeting the council voted to re-advertise the position and accept applications.