City Recorder retires

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Patty Hitt is retiring from her position as Roseburg’s City Recorder following a career of public service with the City and Douglas County.

Hitt will retire at the end of the business day on Thursday, Feb. 29, following a year working for the City.

“The entire management team has really enjoyed working with Patty. Even though she was only here a short time, she has a lot of great experience and was able to contribute quickly,” said City Manager Nikki Messenger. “We are super excited for her adventures in retirement and wish her all the best!”

Hitt joined the City of Roseburg as City Recorder on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, after replacing Assistant City Manager/City Recorder Amy Sowa, who retired Friday, March 31, after five years with the City.

Hitt grew up in the Myrtle Creek area and graduated from South Umpqua High School in Myrtle Creek. From 2012 to 2019, she served as the Douglas County Clerk supervising the Recording, Elections, Archives and Vital Records divisions. She also served as the board clerk for the Board of Property Tax Appeals and maintained the permanent record for all Douglas County Commissioners’ official proceedings.

She served as the Douglas County chief deputy clerk/director of elections from 2007 through 2011 and as the Douglas County board assistant from 2006 to 2007. Prior to that, Hitt worked as the office manager and as a management analyst for the Douglas County Health Department.

A resident of Myrtle Creek, Hitt served as the office manager for Mountain View Memorial Chapel from 2020 through 2022. She volunteers with the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs and serves on the board of For the Love of Paws, a non-profit veterinary hospital in Roseburg.

“She’s done a great job. I’ve enjoyed working with her,” said Mayor Larry Rich. “I wish her the best in her retirement.”

Hitt will be replaced by Amy Nytes, who has been working as the City Recorder for the City of Springfield. Nytes starts her new job with the City of Roseburg on Monday, March 4.

Hitt will soon embark on a grand adventure. She downsized all of her possessions, bought an RV and will soon embark on a bold adventure.

“I have friends and family across the United States. I’d like to visit my friends and family, and I’d like to visit as many national parks as I could – and spend more time in some of my favorite places,” she said.

But she won’t be alone: At least four dogs will be hitting the road with her. Hitt’s fellow travelers include a 9-pound Yorkie named Sami, 17-pound terrier named Coco, 18-pound Pekinese named Hank and a 70-pound golden Labradoodle named Motley.

“And possibly a cat,” added Hitt. “It’s a dog kennel on wheels. Literally. They all like to travel.”

A good friend with his own Black Series off-road travel trailer will be joining the crew as they head out for the Southwest.

“I’m going to follow the sun,” Hitt said.