City Manager Rody introduced Keith Smith as West Melbourne’s new finance director following the resignation of the prior director. Rody said the city conducted a national search and selected Smith, who had worked locally as part of the auditing team that reviewed the city’s finances.

Smith spoke briefly, thanked council and staff and introduced his wife, Christina, who attended the meeting. He said he previously served as the city’s auditor for six years and that the auditing relationship has been severed so he can serve full time as finance director. Smith said he did not plan immediate changes and intends to build on and preserve existing financial controls and staff strength.

Council members asked about independence and auditing conflicts; Smith said the auditing relationship has been terminated and that the finance director role is his full-time priority. Council welcomed Smith and the mayor and council observed a brief photo opportunity.