Castlegar’s top financial manager is moving on to a new job.
Ola Oladele has led the city’s finance department for the last five years and Mayor Maria McFaddin says he will be greatly missed.
“[In our finances] we have gone from good or OK or fine to excellent. We deeply appreciate that,” said McFaddin in her parting words to Oladele at the May 21 city council meeting.
“There is a sense of security when you have a man of such integrity in your position managing the money for our city — knowing the information we are getting is accurate and full.
“Your character of who you are brought a lot to the morale of the city and to your team under you.”
City CAO Chris Barlow said Oladele was probably the person who has done the most for the city even though it is not visible to most people.
He listed a number of procedures or policies introduced by Oladele that have improved the city’s finance systems including: an early, consistent and clean budget process; reports that are transparent so the community knows where money is going; financial reserves policies, investment policies, improved budgeting software, an IT master plan and introducing business-minded management to the airport.
“We have been able to do a number of amazing things at the airport largely due to Ola’s backing and ability to find the money when we need it,” said Barlow.
The job posting for a new director of finance closed on May 24. The city will be interviewing qualified candidates in the coming weeks.
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