ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Rock Island's finance director, Linda Barnes, retired from her position Friday, Oct. 27 after more than 20 years of work with the finance department.
Barnes started working with local governments in 1988 with Scott County. She started with Rock Island in 2001 as a fiscal technician, later promoted to junior accountant, accountant, and accounting supervisor. She was appointed interim finance director in 2020, then named finance director in 2021.
"Linda has successfully guided the City through financial challenges and times of surplus," City Manager Todd Thompson said in a press release. "Under her leadership, the City has consistently passed balanced budgets and kept property taxes steady. We are grateful for her many years of loyal service and she will be greatly missed."
An interim finance director will be appointed while the city searches for a permanent replacement.
Barnes is a longtime resident of Rock Island and a community participant. She's the treasurer for the Rock Island County NAACP and is a member of the Quad Cities Illinois Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
"I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve the community of Rock Island where I have resided for over three decades," Barnes said in a press release. "Although I am retiring from local government, I am looking forward to a new journey that will allow me to continue to serve my community."
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