Polson's Finance Director Retires with a Clean Slate

Kim Sassaman, the City of Polson's recently retired finance director, headed for her new home in Florida in late June with her second "clean audit" report behind her, and a more relaxing future ahead. Sassaman joined the city's staff two years ago after a stint at Mission West Community Development Partners, and during her tenure, she made significant strides in streamlining the city's financial processes and empowering department heads.

Transforming Polson's Financial Landscape

Mastering the Budget Process

Sassaman's arrival at the City of Polson marked a turning point in the municipality's financial management. As the new finance director, she quickly set out to tackle the challenge of the city's budget. With her extensive experience and expertise, Sassaman was able to complete the budget on time, earning high marks from the auditor for two consecutive years. This achievement was no small feat, as it demonstrated her ability to navigate the complexities of government accounting and ensure the city's financial records were in order.

Fostering Collaboration and Transparency

One of Sassaman's key accomplishments was her ability to "demystify the process, internally and externally." She worked closely with department heads, engaging them in a collaborative process that empowered them to take an active role in the budgeting process. Sassaman trained each member of the leadership team individually, guiding them through the process of inputting their budgets into the financial data software. This hands-on approach not only streamlined the process but also instilled a sense of ownership and accountability among the department heads.

Empowering the Leadership Team

As a result of Sassaman's efforts, the department heads now have full access to their budget and ongoing financial data, allowing them to monitor and manage their finances more effectively. This level of transparency and engagement has been a game-changer for the City of Polson, as it has fostered a team-wide collaborative approach to problem-solving. Sassaman's facilitation of this process has been instrumental in ensuring that the city's financial decisions are made with a holistic understanding of the organization's needs and priorities.

Overcoming Challenges and Leaving a Legacy

Despite her modesty, Sassaman's accomplishments during her tenure as the City of Polson's finance director are undeniable. While she acknowledges that there is still work to be done, she is proud of the progress she has made in bringing the city's financial management to a new level of efficiency and transparency. Her replacement, Jodi O'Sullivan, a certified public accountant and former city employee, has big shoes to fill as she takes over the role on July 15th. Sassaman's legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the financial landscape of the City of Polson for years to come.