<!–
COLUMBIANA — A former finance director for the city is returning to replace current Finance Director Mike Harold upon his retirement.
During the Oct. 17 city council meeting City Manager Lance Willard said that Kevin Smith has been selected to serve as deputy finance director until Harold’s retirement takes effect early next year.
“We found a candidate with a wealth of knowledge and experience in governmental finance,” Willard said of Smith.
Smith previously served as finance director for the city before taking a job as treasurer/administrative services director for Mill Creek Metroparks in November of 2011.
Harold was hired as his replacement in 2012.
City council passed a resolution during the Oct. 17 meeting approving the appointment by Willard to hire Smith.
Smith will begin serving as Columbiana’s deputy finance director on Nov. 13.
“Kevin is excited to come back and we are looking forward to working with him,” Willard said. “It should be a pretty smooth transition. Kevin had lots of experience. We are going to be working on several things over the next several months.”
Some of those things include bringing him up to date on the changes that have occurred since he left, Willard said.
Smith will also work on the end of year closeout, budget and upcoming audit.
“Having the extra help will also allow us to place more focus on past due accounts for utilities. This is something that needs addressed and we will be making a concerted effort to get accounts brought current,” Willard said.
He added that up to date utility bill payments will help the city manage its finances more effectively.
“These payments contribute to the revenue stream of the city, which in turn supports infrastructure development and public services,” he said.
In other business, the city also passed an emergency resolution authorizing the city manager to purchase property necessary for the city’s EMS services.
Willard explained that the city is looking into purchasing the building next to the fire station on West Friend Street to convert it into an EMS building.
“Doing so will eventually free up some space for the police department,” he said.
Currently, police and EMS operate out of the same building.