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City of Idaho Falls Establishes New Finance Department, Appoints Director

City of Idaho Falls Establishes New Finance Department, Appoints Director

The City of Idaho Falls has officially created a new finance department, a move approved by the City Council last week. Concurrently, Mark Hagedorn has been appointed as the director and treasurer of this newly formed department. This development was announced via a city news release. Previously, finance functions were managed under municipal services, a broad department encompassing various responsibilities from IT to city property management. The establishment of a dedicated finance department aims to streamline financial operations and enhance strategic planning. Mr. Hagedorn, who has been with the City of Idaho Falls since 2012, brings extensive experience to this role, having served as city treasurer and finance manager in the Municipal Services Department since 2022, and as City Controller from 2016 to 2022. His background also includes a period as the city’s lead accountant and a senior auditor for a public accounting firm in Arizona. Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw expressed confidence in Hagedorn's capabili...

Stockton Record

Bonnie Paige returns to Stockton City Hall to serve as interim city clerk

Bonnie Paige returns to Stockton City Hall to serve as interim city clerk

The Stockton City Council unanimously approved former City Clerk Bonnie Paige as interim city clerk, bringing back a longtime city employee to oversee the city clerk’s office.

La Mesa City Council Appoints 20-Year-Old UCLA Student as City Treasurer

La Mesa City Council Appoints 20-Year-Old UCLA Student as City Treasurer

The La Mesa City Council has appointed Emmett Stewart, a 20-year-old UCLA student, as the city's new treasurer. This appointment makes Stewart the youngest officeholder in San Diego County. The decision was made during a September 8 meeting, where a majority of council members voted in favor of Stewart over Bill Exeter, a financial analyst with decades of experience. Stewart and Exeter are also set to compete in November for a full four-year term as treasurer. The council opted to appoint someone to the position following the resignation of former treasurer Matt Strabone in July, choosing this path over an expensive special election. Republican Councilmember Laura Lothian opposed Stewart's appointment, citing his lack of experience and knowledge for the role, particularly regarding the city's $70 million portfolio. Stewart acknowledged he did not know the direct amount of money he would be overseeing and that his only prior portfolio management experience was personal.

Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington Faces Calls for Accountability After Apparent Obscene Gesture During Meeting

Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington Faces Calls for Accountability After Apparent Obscene Gesture During Meeting

Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington is facing calls for accountability after she appeared to make an obscene gesture towards Commissioner Nafisa Fai during a public Board of Commissioners work session on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred during the communication portion of the meeting as Harrington addressed Commissioner Jason Snider. Harrington asked Fai to move, stating, “Commissioner Fai, could you stop getting in the way of my sightline to Commissioner Snider? Thank you.” Following this, Harrington placed her hands on the table, scooted her chair, and appeared to give Fai the middle finger. Commissioner Fai briefly interrupted the meeting to ask if anyone else had witnessed the gesture. Commissioner Pam Treece later issued a statement calling for Harrington to apologize to Fai and Washington County residents, expressing shock and disappointment after reviewing video of the exchange. Treece also stated she would return a campaign contribution from Harrington and remove Harrington's endorseme...

Cincinnati Enquirer

SW Ohio city abruptly withdraws petition for Amazon data center

SW Ohio city abruptly withdraws petition for Amazon data center

Trenton wanted to annex about 600 acres in neighboring Madison and St. Clair townships for the 18-building data center.

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe Withdraws from City Council Race

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe Withdraws from City Council Race

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe has announced his withdrawal from the race for the city's new six-member council. Toebbe is the third candidate to withdraw from the election, following Tyesha Gordon and Tom Hull. His departure leaves only two incumbents, Tim Downing and Tim Acri, remaining in the running for a seat on the council. Toebbe stated that the decision was not easy but felt it was the right one for him and his family. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his hometown as an elected official. Covington is transitioning from its current city manager form of government to a new mayor-council form of government at the end of the year. Under the new structure, the mayor will have more executive power, and the primary duty of council members will be setting the city budget.

Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange Urges Continued County Funding for Montgomery Whitewater Amid Closure

Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange Urges Continued County Funding for Montgomery Whitewater Amid Closure

Montgomery Whitewater, a whitewater rafting park, recently announced its closure for the season. This decision follows significant criticism from some Montgomery County Commissioners regarding the park's finances and business model. Commissioners have expressed reluctance to continue funding the project, citing a lack of audited financial statements and cost overruns. Montgomery County Commissioner Isaiah Sankey described the park as a 'hemorrhage on the county budget.' Despite these concerns, former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange is advocating for the county to continue its financial support. Strange believes the park is a 'great project' for Montgomery and suggests that improved management and marketing could enhance its viability. The Montgomery County Commission is scheduled to vote on the 2027 fiscal year budget, which includes potential funding for Montgomery Whitewater, at their upcoming meeting.

Roswell City Council Considers 56% Millage Rate Increase Amidst Resident Opposition

Roswell City Council Considers 56% Millage Rate Increase Amidst Resident Opposition

The City of Roswell, Georgia, is currently debating a proposed 56% increase in its millage rate, which would elevate the average city property tax bill to approximately $1,700. This marks the first proposed tax increase in Roswell in about a decade. City leaders assert that the substantial increase is essential to cover daily operational services and to fulfill repayment obligations for a bond program that voters approved four years prior. During a recent City Council meeting, numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the proposal, expressing concerns that such a significant hike would disproportionately burden the city's low-income and elderly populations. Roswell Finance Director Adam Novotney provided an example, stating that a homeowner with a property valued at $575,000 (assessed at $230,000) would pay around $1,778 under the new rate. Residents also questioned whether the city had thoroughly explored alternative financial solutions or spending reductions before proposing the tax increase.

Ocala StarBanner

Which charter officers had contracts renewed by the Ocala City Council?

Which charter officers had contracts renewed by the Ocala City Council?

The Ocala City Council renewed the city manager's contract 4 to 1 despite business owners raising code enforcement issues.

Ari Melber Reshapes Progressive Media Through Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Storytelling

Ari Melber Reshapes Progressive Media Through Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Storytelling

Ari Melber, a prominent legal and political journalist, is actively redefining progressive media through strategic partnerships and collaborative storytelling. He leverages alliances with influential figures, organizations, and platforms to amplify underrepresented narratives, deepen audience engagement, and challenge mainstream media paradigms. Melber's approach involves merging legal rigor, grassroots authenticity, and multi-platform reach to create a new paradigm where journalism acts as an engine of change. His collaborations span media outlets, advocacy organizations, and legal advocacy networks, chosen for their credibility and alignment with progressive values. These partnerships aim to supercharge messaging, transcend silos, and create ripple effects across diverse audiences, ensuring that complex issues are contextualized through legal and historical significance and grounded in lived experiences.

The Commercial Appeal

Shelby County moves forward with new healthcare provider for jails

Shelby County moves forward with new healthcare provider for jails

Also at Shelby County Commission on Sept.14, the jail maintenance manager talked about the difficulties in recruiting staff.

Cumberland County Commissioners Order Closure of Crown Theatre and Arena Due to Major Structural Issues

Cumberland County Commissioners Order Closure of Crown Theatre and Arena Due to Major Structural Issues

Cumberland County commissioners have voted to close the Crown Theatre and Crown Arena to the public following an assessment that revealed significant structural and building issues. This decision was made after a closed-session discussion on September 10, with County Manager Clarence Grier tasked with implementing the closure. The assessment indicated that the planned modernization project, initially budgeted at $80 million to $100 million, could face substantial cost increases due to the extent of the problems. The project team presented three options to the commissioners: proceed with a new, higher budget, replace the facilities entirely, or cancel the project. The facilities, built in 1967, require major reconstruction, including the theatre's exterior walls, stage support, and balcony, as well as the arena's concrete slab and roof structure.