Williamsport council interviews two finalists for treasurer; appointment expected Thursday

The Williamsport City Council interviewed two finalists to fill a vacancy for city treasurer and tax collector, and said it plans to consider an appointment at its next meeting Thursday.

Both candidates told the council they are city residents who would take time to learn municipal systems, prioritize customer service and protect confidential taxpayer information. The panel said it received six applications in response to the posting; three applicants did not respond to follow-up checks, one withdrew for residency reasons, leaving two verified residents for interviews.

Apriline, the first candidate, said she has lived in Williamsport since 2010, that her child attended Williamsport Public Schools and that running for public office helped her learn city operations. “I’m really good at learning super complicated things pretty quickly,” she said, adding that she expects much of the treasurer’s work will involve explaining tax rules to frustrated taxpayers and ensuring timely payments.

Council members questioned her about supervising office staff and handling disputes. Apriline described a "people-first" management style, saying she would listen to upset taxpayers and apologize and correct office errors when they occur. She acknowledged the role requires enforcing council decisions even if she personally disagrees, saying, “It’s not my decision … it’s my job to enforce them.”

The second finalist, Adam Walteroff, told the council he moved to Williamsport at age 14, served two terms on the Williamsport Area School District board and has experience with budgeting and accounts reconciliation. He described work with legacy and modern financial systems and said he has relied on external public-accounting contacts for audits. “I feel fairly confident at this point stepping into the treasurer and tax collector role,” he said.

Walteroff outlined a management approach that emphasizes retaining experienced clerks and learning from staff who know the office’s routines. He also said he intends to run for election to the office after an appointment, calling it “silly and unprofessional” to accept a short-term appointment and then step away. He proposed small-business outreach and educational sessions to improve compliance with mercantile and business-privilege requirements.

Both candidates said they could begin soon if appointed: Apriline estimated she could start the following week because of a flexible self-employed schedule; Walteroff said he would aim to start the Monday after appointment to begin shadowing staff and attending trainings.

The council reiterated that, assuming no new questions, it plans to make an appointment at its Thursday meeting. The agenda also included a public announcement that the next council meeting is Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at Train Transit (3rd Floor). The meeting closed after a brief executive-session notice and an adjournment vote.