After more than two decades with the City of Rock Island, Finance Director Linda Barnes has retired. Her last day was Friday, Oct. 27.
The city announced that an interim finance director will be named soon while it searches for Ms. Barnes’ permanent replacement.
“I have enjoyed my 35-year career in local government that started with Scott County, Iowa, in 1988,” Ms. Barnes said. “I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve the community of Rock Island where I have resided for over three decades. What I will miss the most is overseeing the annual audit process that required a lot of planning, adherence to stringent deadlines and teamwork.
“Although I am retiring from local government, I am looking forward to a new journey that will allow me to continue to serve my community,” she said in a city release announcing her retirement.
“Linda has successfully guided the city through financial challenges and times of surplus,” Rock Island City Manager Todd Thompson said. “Under her leadership, the city has consistently passed balanced budgets and kept property taxes steady. We are grateful for her many years of loyal service and she will be greatly missed.”
Ms. Barnes began her career with Rock Island in February 2001 as a fiscal technician. She was promoted to junior accountant, accountant and accounting supervisor. She later was appointed interim finance director in 2020 and became its finance director in 2021.
During her tenure, she led the finance team to be earn the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award for for the city’s annual comprehensive financial report. The award is issued by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.
Ms. Barnes has actively served in the community in various capacities. She currently serves as treasurer for the Rock Island County NAACP and is a member of Quad Cities Illinois Chapter of The Links, Inc.
