EPHRATA – Ephrata City Hall will be a little emptier today after Leslie Trachsler, the beloved city clerk and finance director of Ephrata, completed her last day Friday. This concluded a 28-year career dedicated to the community and its governance. 

In an emotional farewell gathering held at the Ephrata Recreation Center, city officials, employees and community members came together to honor Trachsler’s extensive contributions to the city.  

Trachsler expressed her appreciation for the support she received during her tenure.  

“After coming to work at the same place for 28-plus years, it might be a hard habit to break,” she said. “I think I will miss all the wonderful employees that work for the city. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented, compassionate, smart, and passionate people.” 

Trachsler, who began her career with the city as a billing clerk in 1996, steadily climbed the ranks to take on various roles, including city clerk, office manager, finance director, and secretary for the Civil Service Commission. Her departure has been met with a mix of celebration and nostalgia from her colleagues, who praised her unwavering dedication and expertise. 

“She was the greatest at her job,” said Bill Sangster, former public works director, reflecting on Trachsler’s achievements over the years. “She was a legend. It’s gonna take a lot of years before somebody will do what she did.”  

Sangster acknowledged her critical role in ensuring the city thrived during financially challenging times by avoiding layoffs and effectively managing resources.  

Mayor Bruce Reim described Trachsler as the “go-to person,” not just within city hall but also among clerks and auditors in surrounding jurisdictions.  

“Throughout the many decades of Leslie’s dedicated service to the people of Ephrata, the one mainstay is that she provided consistent accountability,” Reim said. “All this with an open willingness to share while wearing several ‘hats.’” 

City employees, both past and present, applauded Trachsler’s mentorship and guidance.  

“Leslie has done an outstanding job laying the foundation for Ephrata’s success,” said Kristen McDonnell, the incoming finance director. Kaitlin Kapalo, the newly appointed city clerk, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Trachsler's exceptional expertise that made Ephrata a better place. 

Reflecting on their experiences during challenging times, staff members spoke about Trachsler’s exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the city’s budgetary struggles.  

“She was literally the glue that held everything together,” said Kari Chornuck, who has worked with Trachsler for seven years. “There was a lot happening, and I think if we didn’t have her, it would have been a lot different.” 

Chornuck said Trashsler was her go to person for finances, work advice and personal advice. Chornuck said she had a fountain of knowledge that is irreplaceable.  

“She's like Mother Teresa,” Chornuck said. “She literally is like the perfect person. She was knowledgeable about the entire city of Ephrata. I mean anybody and everybody from every department comes to her and asks her whatever their question is. So good luck is what I have to say to them. I'm really happy that she's doing this. She can now enjoy life and grandgirls and grandsons and naps.”  

Trachsler's leadership extended beyond just financial matters. Kurt Atkinson, the former Chief of Police, said she was the cornerstone of the municipal operations for the city. 

“If there were more Leslie Trachslers in the world, the world would truly be a better place,” Atkinson said.  

Atkinson said when he first started, the microwave in the police station went out. He was trying to be a good boss and bought his crew a new microwave, but unbeknownst to him, the city was on an end-of-the-year spending freeze. Atkinson’s bought a new $30 microwave.  

“You thought I'd gone out and you would have thought I spent a million dollars on that $30 microwave,” Atkinson said. “Fast forward three years, I have a different goal with the city and we're spending a lot of money on a pump truck for the city. The beautiful thing about this lady in that role was that $30 microwave and that $600,000 truck, they got treated the same way.” 

Trachsler also addressed the adjustments the city would face following her departure, as her dual roles have been split between two new hires to ensure continuity.  

“It was evident that one person could not do what Leslie did,” Reim said. 

Leslie will continue to reside in Ephrata, with plans to stay involved in her church, visit family, and potentially explore volunteer opportunities. 

At the conclusion of her farewell speech, Trachsler expressed gratitude for her time with the city, reflecting on the lessons learned and relationships built.  

“It has been my true honor to serve this community, and I will forever cherish the moments, the memories, the friendships, and the work that we accomplished together,” she said. “Thank you for your kindness, support, and encouragement.” 

The celebration concluded with heartfelt commendations for her unwavering dedication and the rapport she built with her colleagues.  

“You are one in a million, a role model to many of us in public service,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “We are a much better place in our community because of you.” 

    Ray Towry hugs Leslie Trachsler after speeches during Trachsler’s retirement party.
  

    Leslie Trachsler, the former city clerk and finance director of Ephrata was gifted a new watch by several of her former co-workers at the city during her retirement party Friday.
  

    Dozens of people gathered in the Ephrata Recreation Center to celebrate Leslie Trachsler for her nearly three decades of work for the city. Trachsler’s last day working for the city was Friday, with several people claiming City Hall is going to be far emptier today without her there.