Council retains retiring financial analyst part time to train successor

Finance Director Vicki Boschert told the council she would like to retain long‑time Financial Analyst Kelly Perano on a temporary, part‑time basis to train her replacement. "I'm Vicki Boschert. I'm the finance director here, and I have a request today to retain a long tenured employee of the City to help train a replacement," she said, and explained the role includes debt disclosure, tax‑abatement compliance and other complex legal and grant responsibilities.

Boschert said Perano, who is retiring June 5 after 27.5 years, would work one to two days per week for up to a year while staff transitions duties. The council was informed the department promoted Christine Grabin to the full‑time analyst role and that Grabin will begin transferring accounts and meeting with bankers and auditors immediately.

City staff said the part‑time retention increases headcount by roughly half a full‑time equivalent and will be covered in a mid‑year budget amendment. "I expect the amount for this year to be about 20,000," Mr. Snowden said during the discussion, noting the figure could be high and that any longer‑term arrangement would be part of the 2027 budget process.

Councilmembers asked about benefits and retirement impacts; staff said part‑time employees do not receive standard benefits but Perano, as a long‑tenured employee, will retain health insurance and her LAGERS retirement eligibility.

Councilmember Koskela moved to approve the part‑time retention; Councilmember Wexler seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.