Oneida County board confirms Heather Marheine as finance director, effective July 20

The Oneida County Board of Supervisors voted June 16 to confirm Heather Marheine as the county’s next finance director and county auditor, with the appointment effective July 20, 2026. The board approved a step-based pay progression and placed Marheine at Year 17 on the county’s paid-time-off schedule, giving her 288 hours at hire.

The appointment had been recommended unanimously by an interview committee assembled by the executive committee. Supervisor Billy Fried presented the resolution, saying the committee had conducted recruitment and interviews and recommended the candidate. Human Resources Director Jennie Lueneburg told the board Marheine has 17 years of county finance experience, including two years serving as finance director in Lincoln County. Marheine addressed the board and thanked members for the opportunity.

The board’s resolution sets precise compensation steps: hire at Grade Level S, Step 5; after six months and a satisfactory evaluation, move to Step 6; after an additional six months and another satisfactory evaluation, move to Step 7. The resolution also states Marheine’s appointment constitutes a budget amendment to cover projected costs as outlined in the fiscal impact statement attached to the resolution.

The roll-call vote recorded 19 ayes, one absence (Supervisor Hamburg), and one vacant seat (District 1). The appointment finalizes the interview panel’s recommendation and places the county’s finance leadership on a defined schedule while the board transitions following the incumbent’s retirement.

Next steps: Marheine’s hire becomes effective July 20, 2026, and county payroll and human-resources staff will implement the approved compensation and PTO placement.