By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Geary County Commissioners have hired Tami Robison to be the County's first Finance Officer. She has served most recently as the the Budget and Finance Officer for Riley County.
Commissioners confirmed that Robison will be paid a salary of $110,000 per year and will begin work Monday, March 21st.
One member of the governing body, Trish Giordano has been pushing for the hiring of a Finance Officer dating back to her campaign for a seat on the governing body. "I'm extremely excited. We found a very qualified applicant. Tami's very pleasant. I think she will fit right in with our county. I think she will show her value immediately. "
Commissioner Alex Tyson said hiring Robison is not a slight to the existing employees. "Her financial background and the true business side of the financials will highlight even some of the things that they've able to do over the years.
Commissioner Keith Ascher said, "I'm all in favor of the person," and he added, "I'm not used to the price tag being what it was. You know, it's just another layer but in the long run I like the lady, I think she's going to do fine and hopefully she will prove her worth."
Robison stated, “I am looking forward to working with the employees and elected officials at Geary County. This is a great opportunity which will provide me the challenge of mapping a new position that has the ability to assist in meeting the day-to-day needs of the county while also taking into consideration the best interests of the taxpayers.”
Commissioners voted 3-0 to hire Robison for the job. Robison began her accounting career at a public accounting firm in western Kansas, has 12 years of experience in auditing and taxes, three years in a supervisory accounting position in the private sector and five and a half years in her most recent position in Riley County where she performed duties similar to those she will fulfill for Geary County.
Previously Robison served as Treasurer, and currently serves as Secretary for the Kansas Government Financial Officers Association (KSGFOA).
In September 2021, Robison was appointed to GFOA’s Committee on Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting for a three-year term. Her auditing background allowed her to take the lead for Riley County and the community partners in responding to COVID-19 through administration of receiving, planning, reviewing, distributing, tracking, reconciling and reporting the Coronavirus Relief Funds.