GOTL administrative employees are leaving

By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

March 27, 2008 04:24 am

— GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE — Just weeks after Village Administrator Ed Somppi and village Fire Chief Jim Bartlett formally announced their resignations, two more administrative employees have given their final notice, Mayor Frances Cervas confirmed.
Fiscal Officer Kimberley Osborne and administrative assistant and mayor’s court clerk Beth Balascio submitted letters of resignation last week, sending Cervas into a frenzy of interviews for their positions.
“I have to say it has been very busy here at the village with interviews. We knew Ed was leaving and I was interviewing to fill the administrator’s position, but Kim and Beth leaving and on the same week was a bit of a surprise,” Cervas said.
Somppi’s last day is Thursday. Bartlett has indicated he will stay on until a new fire chief is appointed. Wastewater and streets superintendent Victor Quinones resigned several weeks ago, but rescinded his resignation last week, taking back his dual roles in the village infrastructure.
Osborne didn’t specify why she was leaving her three-year position with the village, but said she enjoyed her time as fiscal officer.
“I really will miss the people here,” she said. “I got a lot of support from a lot of people.”
Balascio has accepted a retail sales position and is looking forward to a new challenge.
“It is a good opportunity and I am excited about it,” she said.
Cervas said she has seen several applicants for each position and is considering both the qualifications and personalities of the interviewees.
“We are looking for people who are a good fit for the village,” Cervas said.
Cervas said she will announce the new staff as soon as possible.
With a new office and a new staff, Cervas said training and settling in the new crew will be a challenge.
“Basically we will have four new people doing all new things,” Cervas said. “This will certainly be a challenge, but will also offer us the opportunity to become a team.”