City Council will begin searching for a new city auditor following the retirement of Maria Rodriguez, who left the elected position after more than six years in office.
Council President Donna Reed announced Rodriguez’s retirement Monday during a special meeting, reading from a letter in which Rodriguez thanked city residents for the opportunity to serve.
READING EAGLE
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you as your city auditor for the last six plus years,” Rodriguez wrote. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and for the trust and confidence placed in me throughout my tenure.”
Reed praised Rodriguez as one of the finest public servants she has worked with during more than two decades on council, citing her diligence, independence and work as the city emerged from Act 47 financial oversight.
Council Solicitor Michael Gombar outlined the process for replacing Rodriguez, explaining that the City Charter gives council responsibility for filling a vacancy in the auditor’s office. The person selected will serve through the end of 2027, when the current term expires.
Gombar said candidates must be registered city voters, meet the charter’s residency requirement and hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, municipal government, accounting, management or a related field.
There is no statutory deadline for making the appointment, although Gombar encouraged council to act promptly. He recommended following the process used when the office became vacant in 2019, advertising the opening and accepting applications before conducting interviews.
Those interviews and council’s deliberations must take place publicly rather than in executive session, Gombar said.
Council also must formally accept Rodriguez’s resignation. Because the letter was received too late for inclusion on Monday’s special meeting agenda, that action is expected at council’s Sept. 28 meeting.
City Managing Director Jack Gombach said a part-time employee has been handling the auditor office’s daily work while Rodriguez has been on leave, with other officials assisting with more complicated matters. He urged a timely appointment, particularly with the city’s budget process approaching.
Gombach said Rodriguez had been a valuable partner to the administration and finance team, helping develop policies and offering a different perspective on financial matters.
“If she ever changes her mind, there will always be a place for her in City Hall,” he said.
Council members also offered tributes. Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. described Rodriguez as exemplary, Councilman Rafael Nunez called her organized and respectful, and Councilman Raymond Baker said her departure will leave “a very large hole.”
During the special meeting, council also unanimously approved two ordinances introduced earlier in the month.
One amends the 2026 Agency Fund budget to make available $200,000 received through a Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund grant. The city received the advance in 2025.
The second creates a full-time Healthy Homes Program Specialist position responsible for assessments, environmental reviews, radon testing, site monitoring and compliance. Officials said the $25.78 hourly position is funded primarily through a federal Healthy Homes grant, with a 10% General Fund match, and is expected to end when the grant funding is exhausted.