Council Thanks William Powell for a Decade of Service to the City

Yorkville's outgoing Treasurer William Powell said the city will be in good financial hands under the eye of newly appointed Deputy Treasurer Rob Frederickson.

Tuesday night's council meeting was Powell's last as treasurer, a post he's held since 2003. Although Powell still has another year in his current term, he resigned his position after council supported a referendum on the April ballot which will determine if the position of treasurer and city clerk should be elected or appointed.

On Tuesday Powell said he worked closely with city staff to manage the city's bills, but said the city no longer needs an elected treasurer. In December Powell told council members it is not necessary for the position to be filled by an elected official. He said city aldermen should appoint someone who is qualified to oversee the city's finances.

As treasurer, Powell's primary responsibility is to maintain the city checkbook and ensure bills are paid. Developing and tracking the city budget are responsibilities of city staff, including City Administrator Bart Olson.

On Tuesday council presented Powell with a pewter piggy bank engraved with his years of service and the comment “thank you for keeping an eye on our pennies.” Mayor Gary Golinski included a new penny in the bank, saying it was bad luck to present an empty piggy bank.

Council also presented Powell with a certificate thanking him for his years of service.

"What, no check?," Powell quipped.

Following the presentation to Powell council supported the appointment of Frederickson as deputy treasurer.