New finance director; Familiar face returning to Fort Scott in key city role

City officials have announced that Jon Garrison, currently the director of finance and administration for the city of Pittsburg, will be returning to his hometown next month to serve as the new director of finance for Fort Scott.

Garrison, 52, is set to assume his new job responsibilities on Dec. 3. He will replace current Assistant City Manager and Director of Finance Susan Brown, who is planning to leave her post to start work as business manager and board clerk for USD 234 on that same date.

"Family is the main reason I'm coming back; we still have family there," Garrison said. "... It's an opportunity to get back home."

Garrison, who has served in his current position since 1988, has more than 29 years of experience in government finance. He was previously finance director for the city of Fort Scott from 1983 to 1988. He was raised here and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1978.

"My wife and I are excited about coming back and becoming part of the community again," he said.

City Manager Dave Martin said he received five resumés and interviewed two candidates for the position.

"Jon was the most qualified with his experience," Martin said. "He can come in and hit the ground running ... plus he's local and wanted to come back to Fort Scott."

Garrison will serve as finance director, but assistant city manager will be dropped from the title. He will, however, inherit the same administrative responsibilities that Brown currently has, Martin said.

"He'll be involved in everything," Martin said, adding the job is like a "support role for the city manager" and involves making decisions in Martin's absence. The position focuses on finance and administration and working with the city manager.

"He will have the duties Susan did," he said.

Garrison's responsibilities as director of finance will include overseeing the city's utility office, accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk, monitoring the city's budget and financial situations, administering all grants, handling the city's insurance and workers' compensation claims and claims against the city.

Martin said there were several qualities that made Garrison stand out over the other candidates for the job.

"I think his passion for Fort Scott; he wanted to come back here," he said. "And his experience; he can take us to the next level. Also, his drive and connection with government."

Garrison said Martin's words and confidence in him "makes me feel wanted."

"I spent years in Fort Scott years ago," he said. "Hopefully I can come back to Fort Scott and continue the good work people have been doing there."

Garrison said he brings several things to the table in his new position, including "almost 30 years (of) experience in government finance." One of his skills, Garrison said, is his ability to manage multiple projects.

Garrison said he kept tabs on "between $30 and $40 million worth of projects" that were taking place in the city of Pittsburg several years ago.

Although it's been more than 20 years since Garrison last worked in Fort Scott, he said he has continued to stay up to date on community happenings.

Martin said Garrison will have six months to re-locate to Fort Scott. Martin said he is in charge of all city personnel so the appointment does not have to go before the city commission for approval, although Martin said he's already told commissioners.

Garrison will earn $68,000 a year, the same as Brown's current annual salary, Martin said.

Garrison, who currently lives in Pittsburg, said he plans to move to Fort Scott very soon, and plans to travel to Fort Scott several times throughout November to get adjusted, learn more about his job, and hopefully work with Brown before the transition takes place.

Garrison received a bachelor of business administration in accounting degree from Pittsburg State University.

He and his wife, Marianne, have four children.