Cornwall treasurer to be Kent treasurer

KENT — After a three-month search the Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday to hire Cornwall Treasurer Barbara Herbst to be the treasurer for Kent as well.

Herbst, who said that she has been in the finance accounting field for 25 years, has been serving as Cornwall’s treasurer since July 2007.

“I think that, with my experience in Cornwall, this is a great marriage of jobs because both jobs deal with the same types of issues,� Herbst said. “I’m very excited about it and I can’t wait to get started.�

A native of Bethlehem, Herbst said she moved to Cornwall 12 years ago. She has her own finance firm, with clients ranging from small businesses to large-scale construction projects.

First Selectman Ruth Epstein said she is happy with the choice of Herbst.

“Why her? Why not?â€� Epstein responded to  a reporter’s question. “We are looking forward to sharing her with Cornwall. She interviewed with us and I think she has great experience. She has great credentials and accounting abilities.â€�

Herbst said that she would continue to serve as treasurer for Cornwall and her hours for Kent have not yet been determined.

“We’re going to have a transition period [with interim Treasurer Lisa Lansing], then we’ll determine hours once everything settles,� Herbst said. “I will still maintain the same number of hours in Cornwall.�

At a special town meeting on Oct. 1,  2008, voters approved an ordinance that makes the town treasurer job an appointed position. A week after the meeting, Town Treasurer Fremont Besmer formally resigned. Lansing stepped in two weeks later, acting as interim treasurer until the end of January.

A special committee formed by the town to study the treasurer’s position recommended the salary for the position. Tthe treasurer, for fiscal year 2009-10 (beginning July 1), will earn $18,040, plus $1,835 for an assistant, $4,000 for supplies and $50 for mileage.

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