Officials lean toward finance, IT separation

Costa Mesa’s finance and information technology duties may be split up in the coming months.

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, assistant city CEO Rick Francis — filling in on the council dais for CEO Tom Hatch, who was on vacation — made the announcement that changes may be underway.

In a follow-up email Wednesday, he said the IT and finance functions both “need focused and expert leadership in their individual respects.”

The announcement comes after Bobby Young, finance and IT director since August 2011, announced last month that he is leaving for a job in the private sector. The 13-year city employee’s last day is Aug. 23.

Interviews are planned next week for an interim finance director, Francis said.

“As for leadership in the IT arena,” Francis said, “I will continue to provide executive leadership in this area, as I have been until we can determine an appropriate path for more permanent leader.”

—Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint