Lebanon treasurer outlines why city shifted to an appointed treasurer and explains bank RFP process

Summary

City Treasurer Jessica explained at a Sept. 22 meeting why the treasurer role was changed from elected to appointed, described a sealed request-for-proposal process that drew four bids, said she recused herself when her employer submitted a proposal, and defended the committee recommendation to pursue a bank offering fraud protection and higher checking rates.

Jessica, the city treasurer, told the council on Sept. 22 that prior councils voted to move the treasurer from an elected to an appointed position so the city could hire for financial expertise rather than rely on unopposed elections. She said she applied and was the only candidate and described her business and insurance background as relevant experience.

"When it's an elected position, we have treasurers that run for the position, and most of the time, it's unopposed," Jessica said. "That doesn't mean they're qualified. This change lets us make sure we get someone with some financial background to come in and help us." (Jessica, speaker 2)

Jessica described the request-for-proposal process used to seek a new banking partner. She said about 10 packets were sent (some hand-delivered, some emailed), the city advertised eligibility to banks within 10…

Lebanon treasurer outlines why city shifted to an appointed treasurer and explains bank RFP process

Summary

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