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Neville resigns from city jobs
Larry Neville is one of those people who really enjoys mathematics.
"I like math, numbers and working with people," Neville said.
He used that affinity for mathematics in his profession. Neville worked in the accounting department of a local business in Fort Scott for 25 years.
"I was in the accounting department at Carlisle (Products) and started taking accounting classes at JuCo (Fort Scott Community College)," he said.
Then through his attendance at Bronson City Council meetings, the town where he lived, he learned the city had an opening for the treasurer's position.
"Steve Reader, their treasurer, was leaving and moving and they asked me if I was interested," he said. "I told them as soon as I talk to my wife."
In 2003, while still working at Carlisle, Neville began working for the city as an extra job.
A few years later, the neighboring community of Uniontown needed a treasurer. So in 2007, he began helping the Uniontown City Council with their finances.
"I came to Uniontown as temporary help, then continued to go from there," he said.
Through the years serving the municipalities, he has continued taking classes on finances from the Kansas Department of Revenue and the Kansas League of Municipalities.
Neville said he has enjoyed his tenure at both municipalities.
"I like crunching numbers, monitoring the budgets and helping the councils make financial decisions," he said.
The toughest part for him is doing the budget.
"Because of the time frame to get it out," he said. "You get it the first of July and the budget has to be turned into the county by Aug. 25."
Neville retired from Carlisle two years ago. But through the years while working several jobs, Neville was not one to sit idle in the evenings. He has given back to his community.
He has coached baseball and softball in Bronson and served a few years as ball league president. He has been a Mason and served as Master of the Lodge and as Worthy Patron in Eastern Star.
Neville was president of the USD 235 Board of Education and also served as the board's chief negotiator for five years. He served on the Bronson City Council for nine years and was mayor for one. He is a member of Bronson Ruritan.
He and his wife of 40 years, Linda, have four adult children: Darcy Sinn, Chelle Riley, Levi Neville and Jeremy Neville. They have five grandchildren: Drew and Austin Sinn, Skylar and Danielle Riley, and Mercedes Schutz, and twin granddaughters are due in May.
In addition, his mother, Jessie Mae Neville, and brother, David, still live in the area. An older brother, Jerry, lives in Wichita and he has one sister, Julie Ledford of Carl Junction, Mo.
Larry and Linda are moving to Springfield to help with the new granddaughters when they arrive.
His health has become an issue lately.
"I have diabetes. I have eye problems," he said.
Both municipalities are currently seeking to fill the position of treasurer. Neville said he is willing to help train people to fill his treasurer positions with the municipalities.
"I'll stay on as contract labor until they can get someone to replace me," he said.
Ellen Harper, Bronson's City Clerk said of Neville, "It has been a pleasure to work with Larry over the years. He is a very conscientious, dedicated worker and has shown great concern for the city's welfare. He and his wife have been very active participants in the community over the years and they will be truly missed. I wish them the best of life!"
Sally Johnson, Uniontown city clerk, agrees.
"He was easy to work with, very conscientious," Johnson said. "And he is very civic minded...he did a good job helping the different councils know as to where we stand financially."