Houston City Council bids farewell to departing city clerk

The Houston City Council accepted and approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Statement and Audit at Thursday’s regular city council meeting.

In a well-attended meeting, Steve Altman of Altman, Roger & Co presented the final copy of the audit after approval was delayed last month. Altman was also on hand to answer clarifying questions from the council.

The city often engages in auditing of its annual financial statements and this year provided for a Federal Single Audit due to the fact that Houston received more than $750,000 through COVID Relief Funds.

Of special note to the proceedings was the farewell to the long-serving Houston City Clerk, Sonya Pevan. The outpouring of support was evident as many came out to express their gratitude and thanks for Pevan’s service to the city.

“You (Pevan) has always been respectful, loving, and caring to us. You’ve made us progress further than if hadn’t been her,” one attendant of the meeting said during public comments to a tearful Pevan.

It was a sentiment echoed by the City Council as well:

“There are no words to express how much we will miss you,” Councilmember Sandra Porter via call in to the meeting.

Pevan departs the city of Houston to become Deputy Clerk for the Mat-Su Borough

“The last 14 years with the city has been an honor. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens and the different council members and mayors that I’ve worked under. I will miss them tremendously,” Pevan said of leaving her post.

She also encouraged the citizens to become involved in their community and work with the new city clerk.

At the meeting, Rebecca Rein was confirmed as the new Houston City Clerk. She previously worked as the Chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Committee and has helped oversee elections in the city.

“I’m excited to serve the citizens in a new capacity,” Rein said excitedly after being sworn in at the meeting.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Katie Stavick at katie.stavick@frontiersman.com