Document text
Ashland finance chief will leave to be with family ASHLAND -- Finance Director Jill Turner announced her resignation Thursday after 12 years with the city, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. "I realize if I don't take some time now with my family they're going to be gone," said Turner. Her parents are in their 80s and in poor health, she said. Turner said she is looking forward to spending more time at her childhood home, a "great big ranch" in Idaho, but will continue to live in Ashland with her son, a freshman at Ashland High School. "I plan on being an active member of the community," she said. The Government Finance Officers Association consistently recognized Turner's work with the city. For at least the past 11 years, she received the organization's outstanding budget award and outstanding audit award. Before coming to Ashland, Turner was city recorder/treasurer for Pendleton for 4 years; prior to that she was a certified public accountant with a private accounting firm. Former City Administrator Brian Almquist praised Turner's work with the city and said she saw the city through many accounting changes and bond issues. She also secured the highest available bond rating for the city, said Almquist. "The finance director is really a linchpin in the city because all of the department heads have to interact with her," said Almquist. "You have to be a team player ... you have to be a jack of all trades." "Jill gained the admiration and respect of all the department heads. I think she also gained the respect of the City Council," he said. "She's certainly given 120 percent." Turner will continue in her position through April, when she hopes to have next year's budget completed. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA