SAFFORD — One of three department head vacancies in the City of Safford has been filled.
On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved City Manager John Cassella’s recommendation to name Beatrice Driver as the new City Clerk.
“We went through a series of interviews, with a number of people, and during that time Ms. Driver filled in as City Clerk and did an excellent job,” Cassella said to the council. “I think she will make a great City Clerk and so I bring her to you as my recommended appointment.”
Driver previously served the city as the administrative assistant in the City Clerk’s Office.
City code was recently changed, allowing the City Manager to hire department heads without City Council approval; however, that change does not go into effect until May 24, necessitating Monday’s vote.
The two remaining vacancies are Police chief and Finance director.
The city will host a public meet-and-greet with the two finalists for the Police chief job — Safford Police Captain Brian Avila and University of Arizona Police Assistant Chief Jason Brei — Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m., in the library’s programming room.
The Finance director position is not likely to be addressed until after the council adopts the final 2023-24 budget. The city is currently contracting with Rob Sweeney, of Interim Public Management, to help the city through the budget process.
