Sign In
Free Newsletter
Burns named new city budget director
Burns named new city budget director
Michael Burns, accounting director at Regional Transit Services, has been named budget director for the City of Rochester by Mayor Malik Evans.
Burns replaces Chris Wagner, who is retiring after three decades of service to the city. Wagner will stay on in an advisory role.
The budget director oversees the Office of Management and Budget to prepare the city’s annual operating budget, which now totals more than $566 million with funds raised through taxes, fees and government disbursements.
“The best budgeting practices result from collaboration, trust and communication and I will work to develop solutions that advance the mayor’s vision and maximize the potential of the people within city government,” Burns said in a news release.
Burns, a certified public account, has more than 20 years of experience in the field. He graduated magna cum laude from St. John Fisher College with a degree in accounting in 1999.
Wagner was instrumental in helping the city earn among the state’s highest bond ratings from Wall Street analysts. He regularly closed budget gaps that exceeded $30 million with minimal tax increases and record contributions to the city’s fund balance, which now stands at almost $100 million.
“I am so thankful to Chris Wagner for everything he has done, and appreciate his willingness to continue on in an advisory capacity to support our city,” Evans said. “I am also thrilled to welcome Mike Burns to the City of Rochester. Mike’s experience and leadership will keep our budgeting team focused and efficient.”
Evans also named Kim Jones as finance director. She had been filling the role on an acting basis and was previously city treasurer.
[email protected]/(585) 653-4020
l
