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Proclamation in Recognition of Keith Sawdon
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Keith Sawdon is retiring after an exceptional career with the City of Rochester Hills as Finance Director. His leadership and expertise placed him as a leader in municipal finance across the state.
Whereas, Keith has over 30 years of Public Finance experience including managing cash and investment portfolios. Prior to joining the City of Rochester Hills, Keith served as the Chief Deputy Treasurer and Investment Administrator for the County of Oakland; and
Whereas, Keith was a visionary for Rochester Hills by being the first in the state to implement a multi-year budget. The city’s use of multi-year budgeting, coupled with a strong financial forecasting model and robust financial reporting has kept the city on a strong financial footing; and
Whereas, During his time as Finance Director, the city received numerous awards for excellence in budgeting and financial reporting. Under Keith's leadership, the city continued to receive the coveted AAA bond rating, saving taxpayers money in the form of reduced interest expense on the bonds that the city issues; and
Whereas, Keith served the city on a number of boards, including the Green Space Perpetual Care Trust, Retiree Health Care Trust, Rochester Hills Museum Foundation, and the Economic Development Corporation; and
Whereas, In 2013, Keith was recognized as a leader among his peers and was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the Pontiac Transition Advisory Board. He has worked diligently with this board to facilitate a smooth transition to local control while providing appropriate guidance and oversight; and
Whereas, Keith used his knowledge and influence to better the investment environment across the state of Michigan with the creation and passage of Senate Bill 303. These new investment standards enable Rochester Hills to increase its investment income in the cemetery trust, making the fund more self-sufficient and less dependent on the general fund. Communities all around Michigan who have cemeteries will benefit because Keith led the way to adoption of this needed improvement in law.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that, the Mayor and the City Council of Rochester Hills, on behalf of the Department of Finance and all city employees, hereby congratulate Keith Sawdon and thank him for his unwavering commitment to our residents and community throughout the years.