Galt City Manager Lorenzo Hines will be wearing many hats for now, as Galt’s top finance official no longer works for the city. The Galt Herald was informed last week that chief financial officer Claire Tyson had left her post. The city’s website was recently modified, advising of the vacancy.
“The CFO vacancy is very important and we will prioritize this recruitment,” Hines told the Galt Herald in an email Tuesday morning.
Hines said he would serve as interim chief financial officer until a replacement is found, a position Hines is familiar with.
Hines came to the city with a wealth of budgeting and finance experience, having worked in state, local and county government for nearly 30 years.
Hines previously served as the California Secretary of State’s Management Services Division Chief and Chief Financial Officer of Seattle/King County-Public Health in Seattle, Washington. He also served as chief financial officer for the towns of Edmonds, Washington and Lynnwood, Washington. .
Joining the Galt team in October 2018, Tyson would have celebrated his third anniversary with Galt City this fall.
Prior to joining Galt, Tyson’s career included positions in the public and private spheres, having served as both deputy chief financial officer and chief budget officer for the city of Stockton, as well as chief financial officer for San Joaquin Delta College. In the private sector, Tyson has worked for a local CPA firm and Diamond of California.
Tyson’s unexpected exit comes at a time when the finance department was already losing three of its 11 positions. In the last Town Bulletin, the town announced that it was looking for a Budget/Revenue Manager, Assistant Senior Accountant and Assistant Accountant I/II.
The city is currently recruiting for positions on various job sites, including sites such as Governmentjobs.com, Indeed.com, Careers.com, as well as its own website.
Hines said the city has the discretion to fill vacancies as it finds qualified applicants.
“We are looking for people who will help the city move in the positive direction we have established,” Hines said in the email.
Mayor Shawn Farmer said he supports Hines’ decisions and hopes for a positive future for the city.
“I and the Council have supported our City Manager, Mr Hines, and his authority to do what is necessary to put ‘our house in order,'” Farmer said. “Council and I are committed to continuing to make tough decisions and taking bold steps to ensure our city’s financial stability and resolve the issues that have plagued previous councils and administrations.
Tyson’s hiring follows the unexpected departure of his predecessor. Emily Boyd had only been with the city for two years before stepping down.
Prior to Boyd, the city enjoyed continuity in the finance department. Inez Kiriu led the department for 28 years.
In addition to the lack of a chief financial officer, the city is also recruiting a new information technology manager, a position that has been open for several months.
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