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City says goodbye to finance director John Seele; hires new director

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By TODD HELBERG

cnedit@crescent-news.com

Defiance City Council bid farewell to one administration official Tuesday night, then learned of his replacement behind closed doors.

Retiring finance director John Seele, attending his last council meeting before stepping down on Aug. 31, received words of praise from Council President Tim Holtsberry.

He extended council's "thanks for your excellent service," adding that Seele has "done a remarkable job."

Seele, 59, announced on June 30 that he would step down on Aug. 31, but commented little on the reason, simply saying "it's time."

The finance director since June 2005, Seele has 25 years in public service, including stints as a state auditor and the city of Bryan's finance director.

Following Tuesday's meeting, council met in executive session to discuss Mayor Bob Armstrong's choice to replace Seele -- John Lehner, 45, of Easton, Md. Under the city's charter, Armstrong has the right to appoint a new finance director with council's advice and consent.

In recent weeks, city officials had narrowed the search for Seele's replacement to three persons. Armstrong's choice, the current finance director for Talbot County, Md., is an Ohio native and served as finance director for the city of Clyde from 1996-2004.

A graduate of Stow High School (near Akron), Ohio State University and Kent State University (with a master's degree in public administration), Lehner will begin work here on Sept. 21. His last day on the job in Maryland is Sept. 11.

"I'm very happy to be coming back to Ohio where I spent most of my life and eight years in northwest Ohio in Clyde," Lehner said this morning via phone. "It will be a homecoming. I've been gone for five years in Maryland, and I'm very happy to be returning to Ohio."

"We're very happy the process is over," said Armstrong. "We had some quality individuals apply for the job. I feel we've made a good choice with someone who will work well with council and work well with the board of control. We are looking forward to his arrival."

Lehner will be paid an annual salary of $80,000, which the mayor said was the threshold for the final three finance director candidates. Seele was set to make $76,050 this year.

Lehner said his wife, Michelle, their 11-year-old daughter, Linden, and 8-year-old son, Jack, will remain in Maryland until the family sells its home there. However, Lehner plans to arrive before Sept. 21.

The city's charter requires that the finance director take up residence in Defiance within six months of taking office.

In saying goodbye to Seele, Armstrong said in an interview: "John Seele has been outstanding in his service over the last four years, and we're really going to miss him. He's somebody that's taken good care of our finances during his tenure."

In other council business:

-- At-large Councilman Steve Hubbard reported on a police and fire committee meeting held earlier Tuesday evening. He said staffing in the police and fire departments was discussed, noting that each is down two in manpower. Fire and rescue contracts with Tiffin, Noble and Defiance townships were also discussed, Hubbard said.

-- Armstrong said Defiance Community Television (DCTV) is seeking a volunteer cameraman. Interested persons can visit the DCTV office at Third Street and Wayne Avenue.

-- City law director David Williams told council that city officials were still awaiting a "right of entry" permit from the state for the former Slocum Elementary School property, but the OK was expected to arrive in the mail within days. A new municipal court building is planned on the site, located on Perry Street next to City Hall.

-- At-large Councilman Ellen Upp announced that the DCTV garage sale is planned at 9 a.m. Saturday.