HUNTINGTON – Longtime Huntington Finance Director Deron Runyon is resigning from the post to become chief financial officer with Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area Inc.

Mayor Steve Williams made the announcement near the end of a Huntington City Council meeting Monday night at city hall, saying Runyon had told him he needed to spend more time with his family.

Runyon, who has been at the helm of the city finance department for nearly seven years, will vacate the position effective July 2, meaning Monday was his last city council meeting.

I just want to say its been a pleasure to serve the community, its been a pleasure to serve you all, Runyon told the council. Ive enjoyed every minute actually Ive been here. The good news is Im not going far. Ill continue to do something that serves the community, which Im excited about.

It was a personal decision just because of the time in my life right now. I appreciate everything you all have done for me.

Runyon has prepared two budgets under Williams first term as mayor, and the two also worked together when Williams was a city council member and chair of the finance committee.

Ive worked so very closely with him, Williams said. Hes a man of integrity, certainly highly skilled and, interestingly with someone with an accounting background, a man of good humor. He has a servants heart.

Williams said he will look for someone to fill Runyons spot on an interim basis and will immediately advertise for a full-time replacement.

In other news, the council approved extending its agreements with three separate labor unions representing city employees to Sept. 30 in order to provide time for collective bargaining of new contracts.

Contracts with Fraternal Order of Police Gold Star Lodge No. 65, representing the citys police force, International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 289, representing the city fire department, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local No. 598, Council 77, which represents city employees, were all set to expire June 30.

Moved on to second reading was an ordinance proposed by Councilman Bill Rosenberger to maximize the penalty on landlords who violate city code under the sanitation and common nuisances law.

The city enacted the ordinance in 2013 in an effort to deal with blighted properties in the city. Code enforcement officers have been issuing citations at a high rate since the program began, and the majority of property owners cited have complied.

As the ordinance currently works, explained city attorney and former municipal judge Scott Damron, a citation for a first offense allows a property owner 10 days to show an effort toward fixing the problem. If it is determined such an effort isnt being made, the property owner is fined $100. A second offense draws a $200 fine, and a third offense a $300 fine until reaching a maximum of $500.

The new ordinance would impose the $500 fine right away for property owners who lease their property to tenants.

This isnt just about grass being too high or trash in someones yard, Rosenberger said. This is about rental structures being safe for tenants and providing code enforcement with a little more teeth.

Follow reporter Ben Fields on Twitter @BenFieldsHD.

article source