Monroe begins search on for new finance director

MONROE — The City Council may approve more than a budget at its Dec. 15 meeting.

Finance director Carol Grey has decided to retire, and the council could review a contract to hire a replacement that same night.

“We’re looking at several different individuals right now,” city administrator Tim Quenzer said. “We hope to have someone in place prior to Carol leaving.”

Grey, whose last day is Dec. 31, has been in the hot seat this year. The budget season has been rough, with the city only recently covering a general fund deficit that hit $290,000.

Grey also would have been reporting to a new mayor next year, as Donnetta Walser leaves office and Robert Zimmerman takes over.

Those issues didn’t trigger her decision to retire, Grey said.

“I just feel it’s time to pass the baton,” she said.

Grey has headed the city’s finance department since 1991. Every year, her work has earned a Professional Finance Officer Award from the nonpartisan Washington Finance Officers Association.

Prior to her time with the city, she worked in banking for 23 years, she said.

Walser was quick to praise Grey’s work.

“It’s going to be a huge loss,” Walser said.

An interim finance director may fill Grey’s position for two or three months, before a permanent replacement is hired, Quenzer said.

The city will save some money with Grey’s retirement. She would have been paid $108,456 in 2010, while entry-level pay for the position is $84,984, Grey said. The council may pay more than the entry-rate depending upon the candidate.

Grey’s successor needs to be found quickly, since the finance director has several responsibilities at the beginning of the new year, Quenzer said.

“There are a lot of issues that come up, a lot of annual bills that are due,” Quenzer said. “It’s important that we have someone in place.”

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.