By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
Cicero Town Clerk Tracy Cosilmon has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 municipal clerks by local government software platform General Code. The announcement of the 2020 Municipal Clerks Honor Roll coincided with the 51st annual Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9, 2020).
Cosilmon was nominated by Camillus Town Clerk Martha Dickson-McMahon.
“Tracy is a well-respected member of the Onondaga County Town Clerks Association and the New York State Town Clerks Association. As such, as I’m sure is the case with those of you who work closely with her regularly, the fact that she’d be deserving of recognition for her professionalism and skill comes as no surprise and I’m sure your town is very proud to have someone of her caliber as an official,” Dickson-McMahon wrote in an email to the Cicero Town Board.
“I was just so honored. I’m very happy to have been nominated,” Cosilmon told the Star-Review.
Cosilmon has resided in Cicero for over 37 years and has spent nearly 20 years as town clerk. She credited the Cicero Town Board, her colleagues, and her constituents for her success.
“When you all work together, you can build a better community and make a difference,” she said.
What makes Cicero stand out from other towns, Cosilmon said, is her office’s dedication to customer service.
“Our office has always made sure that we went above and beyond for people,” she said.
Over the years, Cicero has implemented new technologies such as the online dog license renewal system, audio file capabilities for the town board minutes, and improved accessibility to Town Hall under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I’m proud of the fact that we definitely have come a long way here,” Cosilmon said. “We’ve definitely taken it up but I think we’ve still kept the one-on-one capabilities for the people that don’t have computers or smart phones. That makes me really happy to be able to help somebody that doesn’t have [that access].”
As a mother, grandmother and a member of a large, close-knit Italian family, Cosilmon said she extends the care and respect she has for her family to her constituents.
“It’s 100% being there for people. I think I carry that family value system and the respect for the people here,” she said.
Cosilmon said she strives to make sure every resident leaves her office with a smile.
“Every time something really awesome happens I go, ‘Wow, this is why I’m here’ … when someone comes in and says, ‘Wow, you made my day,’” she said.
Beyond the everyday duties of compiling town board minutes and issuing marriage licenses, dog licenses and parking permits, Cosilmon also helps veterans obtain Return the FAVOR (Find and Assist Vets of Record) discount cards, coordinates rabies shot clinics for Cicero pets and recently helped form the Friday Mile walking club with the town’s parks and recreation department.
The Friday Mile, which kicked off May 29, takes place at 6:45 a.m. each Friday at Gateway Park in Bridgeport. While many parks programs and facilities are shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, passive recreation is allowed within Cicero’s parks. Residents are reminded to practice social distancing.
