ThisWeek CW 1/10/2013
Amanda Jackson is taking a steady approach to her new job as Canal Winchester’s finance director.
Jackson, a graduate of Bowling Green State University, left a position as an audit manager for the Ohio Auditor of State’s office to accept the job in her adopted hometown. She moved to Canal Winchester couple of years ago after marrying her husband, Kevin, a Canal Winchester High School alumnus.
She will be paid a base salary of $74,000 annually.
“I’m not looking to make any big changes this first year,” she said. “As we’re going through closing out 2012, I’m familiarizing myself with how things are running and looking to see where I might add some assistance.”
Since starting in the new position Dec. 17, Jackson said she has been working closely with department heads, Mayor Michael Ebert and outgoing finance director Nanisa Osborn, whose final day was Dec. 31.
“Already she’s getting up to speed on how we’ve done things around here and she’s bringing with her some up-to-date ideas on how we might do some new things, such as accepting credit cards for water billing,” Ebert said of Jackson.
In her previous role with the state auditor’s office, Jackson said she dealt with a variety of different governmental bodies and budgets, which has given her a breadth of ideas on what works.
“When I was with the auditor of state, I got to see how things were done at a variety of entities and learned that there isn’t one right way and one wrong way to do things. Instead, there are different ways that work in different places and situations,” Jackson said. “Like with credit card payments — that’s a modern convenience that I think we should consider, but it’s important to see how it will work here.”
According to Jackson, Canal Winchester is looking at different revenue sources to be able to cover future city projects, along with considering possible funding cuts and closely monitoring House Bill 601, which could further affect municipal income tax collections.
“I’ll be working closely with the mayor and other directors to identify any places we might lose funding and how we can replace that revenue for future projects,” Jackson said. “Since nothing has been finalized with H.B. 601, we won’t jump in and make changes yet, but it’s something to watch as a concern for the city.”
Regardless of the challenges ahead, Jackson said she’s excited to serve her community.
“I’m very excited to be here. This is a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to working with the citizens of Canal Winchester,” Jackson said. “I think being able to work and live here gives me a good perspective of what’s going on, and it’s nice to work for the city that’s provided so much for me.”