Laura L. Citrin, the City of Newport’s longtime finance director and interim city manager, has announced her retirement after more than 20 years of service.
According to a City of Newport press release, Citrin informed the City Council of his intentions on Tuesday, July 9, writing, “I have been extremely honored to have had the opportunity to serve the City of Newport for the past 22 years and work alongside such a dedicated and incredible staff.”
The City of Newport said in a release:
“First hired in 2002, Ms. Citrin joined the City as Finance Director during a turbulent period when the City was facing severe financial challenges, highlighted by chronic pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities.
Her work has significantly improved the City of Newport’s financial position, and the City currently boasts the highest bond rating in the state and the lowest residential tax rate among Rhode Island’s 39 cities and municipalities.
Mr. Citrin, the architect of the city’s two-tiered residential tax rate system, had served as interim mayor for the past 10 months following the retirement of longtime Mayor Joseph J. Nicholson Jr.
Citrin applied for the permanent position of mayor and was one of the leading candidates for the job and was nominated by the mayor, but a majority of the council (4-3) voted instead to elect Colin Kennedy as Newport’s next mayor.
The city also shared the following:
“During the most recent budget cycle, Citrin proposed sweeping changes to city government, including a departmental restructuring focused on making the city more resilient to climate change, a $98.5 million infrastructure bond issue that will go before voters in November, and a residential tax rate that will ensure taxes won’t increase for the average Newport homeowner despite skyrocketing property values.”
Under her leadership, Newport has regularly been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for its Annual Budget, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Annual Financial Report to the Public, and in 2022 was the only community in Rhode Island to receive the GFOA Triple Crown Award.
The city says Citrine’s last day will be Aug. 9, 2024.
