Finance department restructuring under way

The town’s finance department is going through a reorganization.

When Purchasing Manager Gerry Wilson decided to retire in February after 11 years of service to the town, Finance Director Tom Kelley said it gave him the opportunity to reorganize his department.

Kelley received permission from Town Manager Bruce St. Denis to advertise two job openings; those employees will split some of Wilson’s current duties.

Accountant Rita Mazza, who currently performs payables services, was promoted to purchasing/payroll financial specialist.

Mazza, who made $44,449.60 yearly as an accountant, will receive a pay increase for the new position, which has a salary range from $49,000 to $75,900. Mazza’s exact pay increase had not been determined as of press time.

And the town is currently looking for a new accountant who would do payables and is also responsible for searching for grants for which the island could apply — everything from beach grants to public-safety grants.

The new accountant position has a salary range between $42,328 and $65,561.

Sandi Henley, the town’s budget accountant, has also received a pay increase to take on the risk-management portion of Wilson’s current job.

Henley, whose former job title was budget analyst, is now the town’s budget specialist/risk specialist. Henley’s salary has increased from $56,721.60 to $59,550.40.

“We are basically combining the purchases function with the payable function and creating a new position,” Kelley said. “It’s more cost-effective, and the department will be able to create more timely financial reports.”

Wilson’s position, which currently costs the town $70,740.80 a year, will be eliminated.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected]

NEW DESTINATION
Town Purchasing Manager Gerry Wilson is ready to see new places.

Wilson and his wife, Toni, have purchased a travel trailer and are leaving Feb. 24, to visit Baton Rouge, La., and then head west to explore the rest of the country.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to the next phase of my life,” Wilson said.

The town will hold a farewell luncheon for Wilson at noon Friday, Feb. 18, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center.
— Dora Walters