Loss of finance manager no reflection on RDOS, says chairman

By JOHN MOORHOUSE January 31, 2008 Penticton Herald
The third senior management official in three months is leaving the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. However, Jim Zaffino said Wednesday his decision to become the chief financial officer with the new municipal government in Westside has nothing to do with ongoing talks over the future of regional government in the Okanagan. Zaffino will steps down as the RDOS general manager of finance on Feb. 22, the day after its 2008 budget is scheduled to be adopted. He starts his new position in Westside on Feb. 25. “It‘s always what I‘ve considered a dream job, where you start the financial part of a municipality from the ground up,” he said. “I enjoy a challenge.” He noted the computer programs and accounting procedures and controls can vary in any business or government organization. “It‘s easier to start a new system than to change a system,” he said, “because people are entrenched in doing it one way.” Zaffino refuted any suggestion that any possible change in the Valley‘s regional governance structure was a factor in his decision to accept the Westside position. “It had no impact,” he stated. “Even if I was in Penticton (city hall), I would have applied for the Westside job.” He also emphasized his desire not to leave the RDOS until its budget is in place. “I will not leave this organization in a bind. I have committed myself to have everything that needs to be done, done,” he said. Zaffino took over as head of finance with the RDOS in September 2006 after 32 years in the City of Penticton‘s financial department, including deputy treasurer.

While surprised by Zaffino‘s decision, RDOS chairman Dan Ashton acknowledged becoming involved in setting up the financial system for a new municipality represents a tremendous opportunity. But his departure leaves another senior management hole to be filled. Jason Johnson ended his tenure as the regional district‘s chief administrative officer last week to take over a similar position in Westside. Marty Wilfong stepped down as director of development services in November to accept a job with the City of Regina. Ashton said finding replacements for three senior managers won‘t be easy, but recruitment efforts are well underway. The RDOS is advertising for an interim CAO for an approximate one-year period. Ashton noted there‘s currently a big demand for government officials and acknowledged the uncertainly surrounding the future status of the RDOS is a factor being voiced by those applying for the jobs. “Yes, it is a concern. It has been raised by some of the candidates,” he said. “But we are very confident there will also be a (local government) service delivery in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.”

The three regional districts in the Okanagan are currently reviewing regional governance options and meet again today in Kelowna. One proposal calls for a single Valley-wide regional district but that idea has run into considerable opposition, especially among RDOS directors from the Similkameen who fear they could lose their voice on a Valley-wide board. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has an annual budget of $30 million, operates 124 services and includes some 60 employees. Ashton said the RDOS has evolved over the years to become among the most innovative local governments in the province. “We have incredible people working there. We‘re front and centre on the radar and we want to keep it that way,” he said. Meanwhile, Zaffino says he will continue to live in Penticton, preferring to commute to Westbank which on a good day is just a 35-minute drive away.