By Donna Westfall – May 19, 2016 – At Monday nights, May 16th, Crescent City, City Council meeting, Linda Lever, was approved as the new Finance Director. The last one resigned and followed former City Manager, Gene Palazzo, to the City of Gault. The City has been advertising the position since February 12th. Ms. Lever has been the City's accountant and stepped up to the plate when asked to apply for the Finance Director position. Ms. Lever will start out at $78,183 plus benefits, 40 hours of administrative leave to attend evening and weekend meetings and other events that require City representation. In addition, she will be able to receive a MERIT INCREASE at the sole discretion of the City Manager in recognition of accomplishments and objectives and excellent performance. Um….. does anyone else think that the new Finance Director's accomplishments should be aired to the public BEFORE a merit increase is given? Reminds me of Merit Bonuses given for exemplary service. I recall former Public Works Director, Jim Barnts, got a merit bonus during the wastewater treatment plant project fiasco. Crescent City Municipal Code provides for the City Manager to appoint a department head with Council approval. The council voted 5-0 to approve Ms. Lever for the position. She looks and sounds like she's well qualified and conscientious. Good luck to our new Finance Director.