Finance chief plans to retire in April
St. Charles officials this week announced the pending departure of a another city hall veteran.
This time, it's the person who handles the money.
Finance Director Pam Colby plans to retire in April after 25 years on the city staff, a decade of which she spent in her current position.
The announcement comes just weeks after the city said goodbye to the two Gregs -- Greg Chismark and Greg Reijnert -- who had about 30 years experience combined in the engineering and public works offices, respectively.
As with Chismark and Reijnert, city officials said, Colby and her contributions to St. Charles will be missed dearly.
"Pam has been instrumental in helping the community achieve success on a variety of issues and projects," Mayor Don DeWitte said in a press release.
Colby, who lives in Batavia, joined the city staff in 1982 as an accountant and accounting finance manager. In 1997, she became finance director, a post that includes overseeing all city spending and budgeting.
She went on to help establish five tax-increment-financing districts in the city and negotiated development deals for the First Street project and the Zylstra Harley-Davidson and Meijer stores, DeWitte said.
Colby also organized financing for an electric substation on Peck Road, the west-side wastewater treatment plant, an Oak Street well-and-pumping station, and the new public works complex, the mayor said.
But Colby deserves praise, too, for her less-visible efforts, said City Administrator Brian Townsend.
"Pam's personal contributions to the city are as important as her professional contributions," he said in the release. "During my time, I've come to value her input on many matters," Townsend added. "More than that, she is someone who cares deeply about people -- employees, colleagues and customers."
The search to replace Colby begins immediately. Officials said they hope to appoint a new finance director by May 1.
Help St. Pat's: Live music, gaming and dinner are among the activities planned for the 12th annual Emerald Evening fundraiser to benefit St. Patrick Catholic School.
The event, hosted by the school's Home and School Association, is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday at the Q Center, 1405 N. Fifth Ave. It's the school's primary annual fundraiser.
On the agenda is live music from DeLuxury, casino-style gaming and a sit-down dinner. All proceeds generated from the fundraiser go to the school, 118 N. Fifth St.
Admission is $85, and a limited number of tickets are still available. For reservations or more information, call (630) 513-8557.
Holiday gifts: If you're looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit, you might think about planning a trip to the Fine Line Creative Arts Center.
Artist-made holiday gifts will be available for purchase at the center, 6N158 Crane Road, between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 8.
For more information, call (630) 513-8590 or go to www.finelineca.org.