Get to Know Elle Taylor, Woodstock’s City Clerk

Get to Know

Elle Taylor
Woodstock’s City Clerk

What is your background?
I have been with the city of Woodstock for eight months. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Georgia State University. My career (before I had children) was in retail buying/planning. I began my career in city government as the deputy clerk at the city of Mountain Park. I served for four years, then I became the planning and zoning coordinator for the city of Alpharetta for nine years. I was promoted to administrative coordinator for recreation and parks before this position became available in Woodstock.

What is your main responsibility?
I am the records manager and overseer of official city records and public documents. I certify and record legal documents, oversee accurate recordings and minutes for City Council meetings, and prepare and distribute agendas. I also am the city’s discovery officer, and I manage the open records requests/policy.
I assist the city attorney in legal filings. I am responsible for maintaining and overseeing the codification process of the land development code and general code of ordinances, as well as maintaining the city fee schedule and council policy manual. While serving on the safety, technology action and pension committees, I also work with citizens on inquiries and concerns.

Describe a “typical” day on the job.
What I love about this job is there is no typical day. I come in every morning with a list on my desk that probably will change within the first 15 minutes! My goal is to make this office as efficient and transparent to the citizens and staff as possible — whether it is researching legal files, managing the many daily open records requests, or preparing agendas and minutes. My current focus is the implementation of our new agenda management software.

Where did you grow up?
I moved from the Carolinas to Marietta when I was 14. This is where I call home.

What do you like most about your job?
I love that we have a great staff who really cares about the good of the city. Our city manager leads a weekly staff meeting, encouraging our discussion about priorities each week. Our council is approachable, diligent and enthusiastic. Our mayor loves to share his vision for the city. I am blessed to be a part of this team.

Describe a memorable work experience.
A memorable work experience was being one of the balloon handlers of Spiderman in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I was an assistant buyer for Macy’s, and it was a magical “Miracle on 34th Street” experience. I still have the T-shirt!

What are you looking forward to this year?
I am very excited about the Phase II City Center project. The addition of the boutique hotel and parking deck will be great additions to Woodstock’s already thriving downtown.
Personally, I am entering another phase with my husband, as an empty nester. I see wedding planning and traveling in our future.

What are your goals?
Professionally, I want to continue to contribute to this great city. I will strive to be known as a leader who can be counted on to ensure transparency, organization and efficiency. I am thankful for my mentors, who gave me the experience to get to this position, and hope to make them proud.

How do you like to spend free time?
I love to spend time with my three adult children and husband. You might find me watching the Atlanta Braves, at a dance competition for Rhythm Dance Center or walking our boxer at the park.