After nine years of volunteer service to the city of Orinda, Rob Garner has tendered his resignation as City Treasurer citing new business responsibilities that will impact his time as the reason. After acknowledging and thanking Garner for his service, the City Council moved quickly to a discussion of how to fill the vacancy and reviewed a survey of how the Treasurer's responsibilities are managed in other East Bay communities.
In Moraga, a volunteer that is appointed by the Audit and Finance Committee holds the position. In contrast, Lafayette's Director of Finance, a staff position, serves as Treasurer. Of the cities and towns surveyed, two have volunteer Treasurers (Moraga and Orinda), six have the role managed by staff as part of the Finance Director's responsibilities (like Lafayette), and six other municipalities have Treasurers who are elected and receive modest compensation.
While Council Member Steve Glazer cited the city's prior success in recruiting well-qualified volunteers to support the city's management, Mayor Severson asked staff to explore incorporating the Treasurer's role into a staff position. Currently, Orinda is also recruiting an Administrative/Financial Services Director to fill the vacancy left following the departure of Beverli Marshall, who resigned in August. Staff will return to Council at a future meeting with a job description and recruitment options.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA