Marc Puckett Resigns as Costa Mesa Finance Director

PUCKETT RESIGNS
In a press release today the City of Costa Mesa announced that Marc Puckett, Finance Director the past decade, has tendered his voluntary resignation effective September 2, 2009.


CONFIDENTIALITY PROHIBITS DISCLOSURE OF REASON
The circumstances of Puckett's departure are unknown, although rumors abound throughout City Hall. Allan Roeder, City Manager, cited confidentiality issues when he made the announcement of Puckett's departure and subsequent resignation.

HIS EXPERTISE WILL BE MISSED
Puckett was the ramrod for the city in all financial matters, to which he brought significant expertise. Under his guidance the city has received numerous awards for budget presentations year after year.

ACTIVE LEADER IN FINANCE COMMUNITY
Puckett was also active in several professional organizations. He was the President-elect of the California Municipal Treasurers Association, a position from which he resigned last month.

HEADED THE PURSUIT OF LOST LEHMAN BROTHERS DOLLARS
He started an organization to pursue the lost dollars involved in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy, the anniversary of which fell on this date. It is unknown whether he will continue in that role following his departure from his position in Costa Mesa.

INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR SOUGHT
Roeder indicates that an interim Finance Director will be sought before a decision is made regarding filling the job permanently, and mentioned that the city is undergoing significant downsizing in personnel, including Public Safety and other government function.

SOME DAY WE MAY KNOW...
I suppose some day an enterprising reporter will discover the reason for Puckett's departure. In the meantime we are left to speculate . We know Roeder and the remaining Finance Department staff will continue on guiding the city through the financial rapids ahead.