ASHTABULA – It almost seemed like a Beatles song came to life at the Aug. 17th Ashtabula City Council meeting.
“Hello, goodbye” could have easily been the theme as council welcomed new council member Scott DeCola prior to the start of the meeting and said farewell to now-retired city Assistant Finance Director Carolyn Sheldon.
Flanked on one side by students from his business, Wildfire All Star Complex, formerly Wildfire Dance Studio, DeCola was sworn as the Ward 1 councilor in by Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere.
“We want to welcome him to council, and we’re excited he’s here,” council President John Roskovics said, expressing his confidence in DeCola. “We’re sure he’s going to do a good job for the city and the residents.”
DeCola, who was applauded, shared some remarks after being sworn in.
“First and foremost, I want to share with everybody, I’m not blue, I’m not red, I’m purple,” he said, referring to his non-partisan approach.
DeCola shared his educational background, noting that he attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Columbus Junior High School and Harbor High School.
“I care very deeply about our community and the future of it,” he said. He thanked his dancers who showed up to be part of the democratic process. “I call them tomorrow’s generation, and that’s truthfully what our city should be about.” He spoke about the importance of looking to the future, not just for one Ward, but all Wards, and all the residents of the county.
He also thanked the Democratic Party for selecting him, saying he hoped to fulfill his civic duty.
As a professional dancer, DeCola danced in 26 countries around the world. He danced for The Joffrey Ballet and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo as well as the Richmond Ballet.
Following the resignation of council member Kym Foglio earlier this summer due to a move, the Ashtabula County Democratic Party sought candidates to apply for the vacant seat. A total of seven expressed interest. DeCola was the successful candidate.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sheldon was presented a resolution in honor of her more than 37 years of service to the city.
It was noted that Sheldon began with the City of Ashtabula in 1989 and subsequently served as Human Resources and Payroll Administrator since 2014, Assistant Finance Director since 2015, and Acting Finance Director in 2023 and Interim Finance Director in 2025.
Roskovics repeated his comments that he made at Sheldon’s retirement party July 17th at city hall.
He said there have been four finance directors during his time on council. When looking for a new finance director each time, Roskovics said there were no worries in the interim because Sheldon, as assistant finance director, was there.
“We knew we were in capable hands,” he said. He said council was happy for her on her retirement and wished her the best.
Sheldon also served as project lead for several significant initiatives, including the implementation of Right Staff timekeeping software in 2013; the creation of the City investment program in 2022; and the establishment of reporting procedures for workplace injuries and drug-free workplace practices programs, according to information from the city.
She also was the project lead for the conversion of accounting software from CMI to SSI and the establishment of bank reconciliation procedures within SSI in 2018.
The current city finance director, Vladimir Kan, also spoke about Sheldon.
“Throughout her years of dedicated service, Carolyn has been a steady and trusted presence within our organization,” he said. “Carolyn’s professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence have helped guide us through challenges, changes, and successes alike.”
Kan said Sheldon brought much more than technical skill to her position.
“She brought integrity, dependability, patience, and a genuine willingness to help others,” he said. “Whether answering questions, solving problems, or supporting colleagues, Carolyn did so with grace and kindness.”
Sheldon, who was applauded, offered some brief comments.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and it’s been a great pleasure working with the City of Ashtabula,” she said.
The resolution presented to Sheldon reads as follows:
“WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of this City Council and these Public Officials of the City of Ashtabula, Ohio, that after more than 37 years of service in the Ashtabula City Finance Department, Assistant Finance Director Carolyn Sheldon is retiring; and, WHEREAS, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon commenced her service with the City of Ashtabula in 1989 and, through her dedication and professional advancement, subsequently served as Human Resources and Payroll Administrator since 2014, Assistant Finance Director since 2015, and Acting Finance Director in 2023 and Interim Finance Director in 2025; and, WHEREAS, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon served as project lead for several significant initiatives, including the implementation of Right Staff timekeeping software in 2013; the conversion of accounting software from CMI to SSI and the establishment of bank reconciliation procedures within SSI in 2018; the creation of the City investment program in 2022; the review of three years of delinquent income tax accounts and the development of procedures for certifying delinquent accounts to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office; and the establishment of reporting procedures for workplace injuries and drug-free workplace practices programs; and, WHEREAS, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon consistently satisfied all financial reporting standards and deadlines, and continually improved departmental processes, thereby enabling her to assume additional responsibilities as needed; and, WHEREAS, throughout her years of dedicated service, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon has been a steady and trusted presence within the City of Ashtabula; and, WHEREAS, her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence have helped guide the City of Ashtabula through challenges, changes, and successes alike; and, WHEREAS, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon brought much more than technical skill to her positions. She brought integrity, dependability, patience, and a genuine willingness to help others. Whether answering questions, solving problems, or supporting colleagues, Carolyn did so with grace and kindness; and, WHEREAS, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon’s knowledge has helped shape our organization, and her leadership has left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to work beside her; and, WHEREAS, Ms. Carolyn Sheldon’s contributions have made a difference, and her legacy will remain long after today. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this City Council and these Public Officials of the City of Ashtabula, Ohio, do hereby convey to Assistant Finance Director Carolyn Sheldon our sincere congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service to our City and Ashtabula County.”
