AUBURN - The city treasurer's office will have another occupant by the end of the month. Robert Gauthier will take the position left vacant after the last treasurer, Christopher DeProspero, abruptly left in September.

Gauthier is a familiar face around city hall as he's audited Auburn's book for the past few years.

City Manager Mark Palesh said Gauthier, a certified public accountant, can assist comptroller Lisa Green. The city eliminated the position of assistant comptroller after Green was promoted from that position to comptroller when Bea O'Hora retired in 2004.

“I've beefed up the responsibilities to help (Green) out,” Palesh said.

Palesh hopes Gauthier will be able to head up investments, financial projects, and boost interest earnings.

The Auburn resident will begin on Nov. 30. The union position will pay $58,730 annually, plus benefits.

“He's a great find and we're very proud to have him,” Palesh said.

He has had a hard time hiring someone for another yet-to-be-filled job.

Palesh is working on finding a human resources director, which pays between $61,095 and $74,245.

Good candidates refuse to move to the city, he said. One applicant left during an interview after realizing the position would require her to comply with a residency policy.

Palesh had to cast his net again, hoping the second wave of advertisements would draw applicants willing to relocate.

The HR director likely will assist Palesh with union negotiations, labor relations and employee grievances.

Other duties include developing proactive HR programs, handling recruitment and hiring evaluations, overseeing employee training, handling human rights issues, administering benefit programs and working with the civil service commission.

The position is exempt from civil service tests and has a non-union status.

The city council approved a budget which contains the position in June.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or

jessica.soule@lee.net