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Arlington Names New Deputy Town Manager And Finance Director

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 16:59 GMT by Patch
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Arlington Town Names New Deputy Town Manager and Finance Director

In a move that signals Arlington’s commitment to strong fiscal stewardship, the town’s Board of Selectmen approved the appointment of Sarah J. Thompson as Deputy Town Manager and Finance Director during its May 10, 2024 meeting. The decision, announced on the town’s website and in a patch.com news release, follows a three‑month search conducted by a selection committee comprised of local officials, business leaders and finance professionals.

The announcement, posted on the Arlington Town website and distributed to residents via email and social media, highlighted Thompson’s impressive résumé: a decade of experience in municipal finance and management, most recently serving as the Director of Finance for the neighboring town of Lexington, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “Sarah brings a blend of hands‑on financial expertise and a proven ability to lead complex teams,” said Town Manager Mark A. Rivera in a statement. “Her appointment positions Arlington for sustained fiscal health and continued investment in the services our residents rely on.”

The Role in Context

The new Deputy Town Manager and Finance Director will sit on the Finance Committee, report directly to the Town Manager, and will be responsible for preparing the annual budget, monitoring expenditures, and overseeing the town’s investment portfolio. In addition, Thompson will lead the town’s internal audit functions and ensure compliance with state and federal financial reporting requirements.

“The deputy’s role is pivotal,” explained Selectman Angela M. Lopez. “We need a leader who can manage day‑to‑day operations while also supporting long‑term strategic planning. Thompson’s track record in balancing budgets and implementing cost‑saving initiatives will be invaluable.”

The appointment comes at a time when many New England municipalities are grappling with rising infrastructure costs, fluctuating revenues, and the imperative to maintain high‑quality public services. Arlington, with a population of approximately 20,000, has faced similar challenges, particularly with aging streetlights and the need for updated public safety equipment. The town’s budget for 2024–2025, which is slated for final approval by the Board of Selectmen later this month, includes a $2.3 million investment in road maintenance and a $1.5 million increase in emergency services funding.

Background on the Appointment Process

The selection process was detailed in a separate press release, which the patch.com article linked to. A search committee was formed in March 2024, drawing from a pool of 12 applicants who had experience in municipal finance, budgeting, and public administration. Candidates were evaluated on criteria such as financial acumen, leadership style, community engagement, and commitment to Arlington’s values.

Interviews were conducted at the town hall in person, followed by a vetting process that included background checks and reference interviews. Thompson’s former supervisors in Lexington praised her “ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for both staff and the community.” She also highlighted her experience in negotiating with contractors and her proactive approach to risk management.

Community Response

A small group of residents gathered at the Arlington Public Library on Thursday evening to discuss the appointment. Many expressed enthusiasm, citing Thompson’s reputation as a “transparent and collaborative leader.” “I’ve seen her work with the school board on budget reallocations,” said local high school teacher Emily K. Reyes. “She always ensures that the voice of the community is part of the decision‑making process.”

On social media, several local business owners posted supportive comments, noting the importance of sound fiscal leadership for economic development. The patch.com article linked to a thread on the town’s Facebook page where residents could leave comments, and several community members asked about how the new Deputy would address the town’s growing need for green initiatives and sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead

In her inaugural speech, Thompson outlined a three‑year plan that includes the following priorities:

1. Financial Transparency – Launch an online portal where residents can view budget data, spending reports, and audit findings in real time.
2. Revenue Optimization – Review current revenue streams, such as real‑estate taxes and service fees, to identify potential increases that would not overburden taxpayers.
3. Capital Improvement Planning – Oversee the development of a 10‑year capital plan that balances necessary infrastructure upgrades with fiscal responsibility.
4. Staff Development – Implement training programs for finance staff to keep pace with evolving best practices in public sector finance.

She also emphasized the need to work closely with the town’s sustainability committee to explore funding options for renewable energy projects, a topic that was highlighted in the town’s 2023–2024 budget as a growing concern among residents.

Final Thoughts

The appointment of Sarah J. Thompson as Deputy Town Manager and Finance Director marks a significant step for Arlington, a town that has historically prided itself on its community‑focused governance. By entrusting the town’s finances to a seasoned professional, Arlington positions itself to meet the dual challenges of fiscal responsibility and responsive public service. As the town’s budget and capital projects move forward, residents can look forward to greater transparency, sound financial planning, and a continued emphasis on quality services.

For more details on the appointment, readers can visit the Arlington Town website’s official press release (link embedded in the patch.com article) or review the minutes of the Board of Selectmen meeting held on May 10, 2024.