and the start of a new one.

As Kelvin Garmon brought his era to an end in January 2022, another era was just beginning Matthew Wray was selected in February 2022 to take over management of the City of Cedartown’s Public Works Department.

Matthew is a familiar face around City Hall and Cedartown. He’s worked in various capacities in the city’s public works department for almost seven years. A former Cedartown High School Bulldog (class of 2002), Matthew grew up in Cedartown.

He understands the importance of his role and the public works department as a whole, and is looking forward to keeping the City’s operations running smoothly.

“You don’t really. We will find an excellent and capable person to take over his duties, but our public works department will never be quite the same without him. We’re losing someone with 38 years of on the job experience and local knowledge. We appreciate the fantastic job that Kelvin has done over the years. We will certainly miss him but we wish him well in his retirement.”

The City honored Kelvin at the February 14 meeting of the Cedartown City Commission with a special recognition. A public reception was held prior to the 6 p.m. meeting.

Orebaugh completes Public Finance Leadership Academy

Amy Orebaugh, City of Cedartown Chief Financial Officer, completed the Public Finance Leadership Academy in 2022.

Offered in partnership between the Institute of Government and GGFOA, the Public Finance Leadership Academy (PFLA) equips public sector financial management leaders with the knowledge they need to successfully manage the fiscal affairs and activities of a local government.

The six-month program focuses on leadership and financial skills for government leaders, going beyond the basics to discuss such concepts as personal and organizational integrity, self-awareness, change leadership, local, state and federal laws, strategic planning, internal control and the cycle of financial management, government accounting principles, preparing for the audit, and more.