Latrobe looks for new finance director, promotes veteran mechanic
Holly Peton attended her last Latrobe Council meeting Monday in the roles of city secretary and director of finance and administration.
Peton, who joined the office staff in December 2017, ends her work for the city on Tuesday as she moves on to other employment.
“I’m moving on to another opportunity,” she said but declined to discuss her new position.
The city recently placed an advertisement seeking a successor for Peton, with Tuesday listed as the last day to submit applications. The position includes management of clerical staff, processing of the biweekly payroll and preparation and administration of the city budget.
The move is a “good opportunity” for Peton, Mayor Rosie Wolford said. “We wish her the best. It’s just one of those things that popped up. Nothing ever stays the same.”
Peton submitted her letter of resignation on May 28. City manager Michael Gray and council’s personnel committee will interview the candidates for replacing her.
Until a replacement is hired, “we’re looking at ways to get us through this period of time,” Wolford said. “We’ll be fine.”
Before joining the city staff, Peton worked as an accountant for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg and business manager at Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Connellsville. She succeeded Barbara Buck, who retired after serving the city for two decades.
In another personnel matter, council promoted longtime public works employee Clair Fink from mechanic and crew leader to the new position of working foreman of the department.
Fink, who is recovering from an injury, will take on the new role when he returns to work. The new job title comes with a pay raise of $1.25 per hour and added responsibilities.
“He’ll still be able to do the work that needs done, but this also gives him more of an administrative function as well,” said Gray. “It’s well-deserved. He works hard and he’s experienced.”
Gray said he’ll continue in the dual role of public works director through the end of the year, when Fink could apply to move into that position.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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