Finance director not yet named. Interim director receives praise from colleagues for performance

As the Columbus Consolidated Government searches for a new director for its finance department, some city officials said they are pleased with the work of interim director Pam Hodge, who is a solid candidate for the job.

City Manager Isaiah Hugley said Wednesday that he's been impressed with Hodge since she took the position Sept. 12. Her predecessor and former boss, Angela Cole, was demoted amid allegations of mismanagement that left $ 2.2 million in landfill fees uncollected since 1996, spanning the administrations of three finance directors.

About $1.3 million of those fees were written off prior to 2004 in what Hodge has called "undocumented adjustments to customer accounts." The report from an investigation by the Muscogee Sheriff's Office has been turned over to Hugley and District Attorney Gray Conger but has not been released to the public.

"I'm pleased with the work she's done getting us through this cloud," Hugley said, emphasizing steps Hodge has taken to help the government better keep track of finances.

Hodge could not be reached for comment.

Hugley said starting this month, the finance department will submit an up-to-date report to the mayor and Columbus Council on how much the city has collected in fees. Hugley said these reports also will highlight areas of concern for councilors, such as a sudden dip in the city's revenue.

"In 5-10 minutes they have a snapshot of where we stand," Hugley said.

District 6 Councilor Gary Allen said Hodge was always prepared when briefing the council on financial matters.

"When we had questions for Angela or Isaiah often they would get turned over to Pam," he said.

District 10 Councilor Skip Henderson said what the department needs in the wake of the landfill fees debacle is a director who can regain the public's trust in city government.

"I think the thing that impresses me the most about Pam is that she's a straight shooter," Henderson said. He added, though, that city officials should carefully evaluate other applicants before making a decision.

The search for the new director began on Dec. 13 and will end on Jan. 12. Reather Hollowell, the city's assistant director for human resources, said the city has five applicants for the job. Hollowell's department will conduct a basic screening of the applicants and refer them to Hugley, who will nominate someone for the council to confirm.