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Muscatine set to swear in new finance director

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 1:05 GMT by KWQC
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Muscatine Sets Swear-In for New Finance Director

On Wednesday, October 21, 2025, the Muscatine City Council officially appointed a new finance director, Linda A. Smith, who will begin her duties in the coming week. The unanimous vote—12‑0 in a 14‑member council—signaled a smooth transition after the retirement of longtime finance director John T. Thompson, who served the city for 18 years. Smith’s appointment follows a carefully conducted search process that involved a nationwide search committee and interviews with over a dozen candidates.

The Selection Process

The city’s selection process began in late 2024, with the council forming a search committee that included council members, a former mayor, and two members of the community‑based finance advisory board. The committee published a “Job Description and Qualifications” document online, which required candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, CPA certification, and a minimum of 10 years of public‑sector financial management experience. Applicants were asked to submit a detailed resume, a cover letter outlining their vision for Muscatine’s financial future, and references.

Following an initial screening, the committee narrowed the field to six finalists, each of whom presented a comprehensive financial strategy at a public forum in early summer. The final interviews were held on August 15, 2025, and featured a rigorous examination of each candidate’s experience managing municipal budgets, debt portfolios, and capital improvement projects. Smith, a former CFO for the Muscatine County Health Department and a former director of finance for the Muscatine Community College, emerged as the strongest candidate due to her record of fiscal discipline, transparent reporting practices, and commitment to workforce development.

Smith’s Background and Vision

Linda A. Smith holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Iowa and a CPA license in Iowa. She has spent the past decade working in various public‑sector finance roles across the state, most recently serving as chief financial officer for the Muscatine County Health Department, where she oversaw a $120 million budget and led the department to a 5 percent surplus in 2024. Prior to that, Smith served as director of finance for Muscatine Community College, managing a $40 million operating budget and coordinating a $200 million capital improvement program that included new academic buildings and upgraded technology infrastructure.

In her inaugural statement to the city council, Smith emphasized her commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long‑term sustainability. “Muscatine is a city of strong values and forward‑thinking leaders,” she said. “I am honored to serve as finance director and to help guide the city toward a resilient financial future, ensuring that we can invest in essential services, infrastructure, and community development while maintaining the trust of our residents.”

Smith highlighted three priority areas:

1. Debt Management and Capital Projects
   Smith will work with the capital planning committee to prioritize infrastructure investments—particularly in water, sewer, and road maintenance—while ensuring the city’s debt portfolio remains manageable. She plans to renegotiate existing bonds and explore alternative financing mechanisms such as public‑private partnerships for projects that can generate economic development.

2. Financial Transparency and Reporting
   The new director will implement quarterly financial dashboards that will be posted on the city’s website, providing residents with real‑time data on budget performance, expenditures, and debt status. Smith aims to make financial information more accessible and user‑friendly, thereby fostering greater civic engagement.

3. Workforce Development
   Smith recognizes that the city’s financial staff is a critical asset. She intends to collaborate with the city’s Human Resources Department to recruit, train, and retain top talent, with a particular focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Smith has pledged to introduce mentorship programs and continuing‑education opportunities for staff, ensuring that Muscatine’s finance department remains adaptable to changing economic and regulatory landscapes.

Transition and Key Projects

Smith will officially assume office on Monday, November 3, 2025. During the transition period, she will be working closely with John Thompson to review current budgets, ongoing projects, and outstanding financial commitments. Thompson, who will retire on December 31, 2025, has praised Smith’s appointment. “I have every confidence that Linda will continue the high standards we’ve set,” Thompson said in an interview with the Muscatine Journal. “Her experience, professionalism, and dedication will serve the city well.”

Among the most pressing projects Smith will confront are:

• Water Main Replacement Program
  The city has an extensive pipeline network, and several sections are nearing the end of their useful life. Smith will oversee a $25 million replacement program, working with the regional Water Authority to secure funding and coordinate construction schedules.

• Road Rehabilitation Initiative
  Muscatine’s downtown corridor is slated for a $15 million road rehabilitation effort, aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Smith will collaborate with the Muscatine Transportation Department and the State Department of Transportation to ensure project timelines and budget constraints are met.

• Economic Development Fund
  The city’s Economic Development Fund, which provides incentives for small‑business growth, requires updated financial oversight to sustain its impact. Smith will conduct an audit of the fund’s performance metrics and propose adjustments to maximize return on investment.

Community Response

Local residents and business owners have largely welcomed Smith’s appointment. Maria Lopez, president of the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce, remarked, “Having someone with Linda’s expertise and commitment to fiscal prudence in the finance director’s seat will only strengthen our city’s position as an attractive place to live and do business.”

Similarly, the Muscatine Community College alumni association expressed excitement about the connection to Smith’s previous role and highlighted her dedication to educational funding. “Linda’s background with the college gives us confidence that the city’s educational initiatives will be financially sound and strategically aligned with community needs,” the association stated.

Official Documentation

The city council released a formal vote transcript and agenda minutes on the Muscatine City Clerk’s website, accessible through a link embedded in the council’s news bulletin. The minutes detail the vote count, the statements of the council members, and a brief discussion on the financial implications of the appointment. Additionally, the city’s procurement website posted a request‑for‑proposal (RFP) for a comprehensive financial management system that Smith will oversee, aiming to upgrade the city’s accounting software and integrate it with the county’s shared services portal.

In conclusion, Linda A. Smith’s appointment as Muscatine’s new finance director marks a pivotal moment for the city’s financial stewardship. With a strong emphasis on transparency, debt management, and workforce development, Smith is poised to lead the city toward a stable and prosperous future, building on the legacy of her predecessor while charting new directions for Muscatine’s growth and sustainability.