JEFFERSON – The Village of Jefferson has found its future fiscal officer.
Jefferson Village Council passed an ordinance approving the appointment of Jamie Arcaro as Village Fiscal Officer and declaring an emergency during its meeting on Monday, May 18.
She will assume the role on Aug. 1, after the retirement of current Clerk Treasurer Patty Fisher, whose retirement is effective July 31, 2026.
Council also passed a motion to accept Mayor Steve Sekanina’s recommendation to hire Arcaro to the Fiscal Analyst position, effective June 1, as well as the accompanying ordinance.
The actions relate to Fisher’s retirement from her position effective July 31, 2026.
Fisher has served the Village since April 1, 1996.
Her term is to be the last time the clerk-treasurer position is an elected office.
Last year, Jefferson Village Council passed an ordinance to combine the duties of the elected village clerk and treasurer position into one appointed office, to be known as village fiscal officer.
At the meeting on Monday, Sekanina explained the actions related to Arcaro’s hiring, as well as shared a letter he wrote to council last week after the Hiring Committee unanimously selected Arcaro as the candidate to recommend to council for the Fiscal Officer position to replace Fisher.
“I request council to approve the hiring of Jamie on Monday, May 18, as an emergency to get her on board as soon as possible to maximize the training alongside Patty, who now leaves us in just over two months. The desired plan is to have Jamie start June 1, so she can train and transition with Patty as much as possible before she departs,” Sekanina said.
He shared that Arcaro has 22 years of professional experience, including more than a decade in the public sector. She has worked for Ashtabula County for the past 11 years in roles including Workers Compensation and Risk Specialist, Fiscal Analyst and Administrative Assistant. She currently works for the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners as the Workers’ Compensation & Risk Specialist.
“Jamie has also dedicated her own personal time to serving the Jefferson Area Music Boosters as Treasurer and Fundraising chair. She has also been part of several entrepreneurial endeavors including Luna’s Barkin Bakery LLC, [which] makes and sells treats for pets,” Sekanina said.
He said that she is “passionate about finance and is excited about the opportunity to join our village and manage our finances.”
Arcaro lives in Roaming Shores with her two daughters and husband and is very active in the community, participating in many musical and community events.
Sekanina said the Ohio Revised Code does not permit a village to have a fiscal officer and a clerk/treasurer at the same time, so Arcaro is being hired as a fiscal analyst through July 31 so there is some overlap with her and Fisher and a training period can take place.
“After 30 years, we want to make sure we have a smooth transition,” Sekanina said.
Upon Fisher’s retirement, Arcaro then officially becomes fiscal officer on Aug. 1, with an initial salary of $63,876 per year.
“We’ve also built in a six-month review,” Sekanina said.
There also is a 5-percent wage increase at that time. He explained that with Arcaro moving over from the County to the Village, she loses her longevity pay.
“We’re helping to make up for some of that,” Sekanina said.
Council unanimously passed the ordinances by emergency.
In her letter of interest, Arcaro wrote, “With a strong background in financial management, administrative operations, and public sector accountability, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the continued stability and transparency of your municipal operations.”
She shared that in her previous roles, she has been responsible for managing financial records, overseeing accounts payable and receivable, and ensuring the accurate handling of funds.
“I understand the importance of safeguarding public resources and maintaining precise documentation, particularly in a municipal environment where accountability and public trust are paramount. My experience includes preparing financial reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting audits,” Arcaro wrote. “I am also well-versed in record keeping and administrative procedures, including documenting official proceedings, maintaining organized records. I have hands-on experience managing payroll processes, maintaining personnel records, and assisting with billing systems, all while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.”
After council made her hiring official, Arcaro talked about her interest in the position.
“It’s something new. I’m very excited about the opportunity. I’ve been with the County for 11 years. I’ve had many different titles, and right now I’m currently more in an HR role,” Arcaro said.
She said she’s missed the numbers aspect, which spurred her interest in the fiscal-officer role.
Arcaro is looking forward to working with Fisher.
“It’s a lot to learn – 30 years’ worth of knowledge to try and gain in two months is not going to be an easy task for me, or anybody in that matter. I’m excited to learn what she has to offer me. I’m excited to learn the new role and meet the people in the Village who keep it running,” Arcaro said.
Fisher said Arcaro is starting June 1, which also is the night of a Jefferson Village Council meeting, so Arcaro will be learning how to take the council minutes. Next up will be learning payroll.
She also has spoken with Sekanina about sending Arcaro to training in October. With Fisher on the state association, she’s giving a presentation for new fiscal officers.
“I think she’ll do a good job,” Fisher said.
