City Council plans to appoint city manager as treasurer after candidate search fails

In a pivotal Clearlake City Council meeting held on November 3, 2022, council members grappled with the future of the city treasurer position, which is set to become vacant on November 9 due to a lack of qualified candidates. The discussion centered around whether to appoint the city manager as the interim treasurer or to pursue a special election to fill the role.

City Clerk Melissa Swanson informed the council that both the regular and write-in nomination periods had closed without any candidates stepping forward. This prompted a debate about the necessity and relevance of the treasurer's role in the current financial structure of the city, especially given that many of the responsibilities traditionally associated with the treasurer are already being handled by the finance director.

Council members expressed a range of opinions. Some, like Council Member Jason Cox, emphasized the importance of the treasurer's oversight role, while others, including Mayor Slooton and Council Member Kramer, argued that the position has become redundant. They pointed out that the city manager and finance director effectively manage the financial duties, making the elected treasurer position seem obsolete.

The council also discussed the possibility of placing a measure on the ballot in 2024 to eliminate the elected treasurer position altogether. This idea was met with support, as several members noted that the community might not fully understand the implications of having an elected treasurer without the necessary qualifications.

As the meeting progressed, a consensus emerged favoring the appointment of the city manager as the interim treasurer while preparing to revisit the position's future in the next election cycle. The council directed staff to proceed with this plan, reflecting a shift towards a more streamlined approach to city finances.

In conclusion, the Clearlake City Council's discussions highlighted a significant moment in local governance, as they navigated the complexities of an evolving financial landscape and considered the best path forward for the city's fiscal oversight. The decision to appoint the city manager as treasurer, coupled with plans for a future ballot measure, signals a proactive approach to ensuring effective financial management in Clearlake.