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Rehoboth Beach officials announced Dec. 15 that Julia Johnson has been hired as the city’s new finance director.
Johnson is taking over for Burt Dukes, who will be retiring Friday, Jan. 2. Dukes was the city’s first finance director when he began in 2018.
Originally from Latvia, Johnson moved to Ocean City, Md., in 2000. She moved to Delaware two years later.
“I love it here,” said Johnson, on coming to Rehoboth Beach. “There’s always so much going on. It’s grown so much, and I am excited to be a part of the bigger plan. My combination of government experience and the accounting side of the job made it an ideal fit.”
Dukes began as a part-time employee in 2008 before becoming finance director. During his tenure, the city’s fund balance went from $1 million to $30 million.
“Burt Dukes leaves very big shoes to fill,” said Rehoboth Beach City Manager Taylour Tedder in a prepared statement. “While we will miss him very much, we are excited to have Julia on board, and are very confident in her background, skill set and love for the City of Rehoboth Beach. We are confident she and the staff here will continue to keep Rehoboth Beach fiscally successful.”
It’s an interesting time of year for Johnson to begin her tenure in Rehoboth Beach, as the city’s fiscal calendar runs April 1 to March 31, and commissioners begin working on the budget in January.
Johnson is working with Dukes now to learn the ropes, so she’ll be adequately prepared for budget season, said Brooke Thaler, city communications director, in an email Dec. 16.
During an audit committee meeting Dec. 2, Dukes said it was a pleasure working for the city and all the people he worked with. He also said he’s confident Johnson will do a good job.
“I think you’ll be in excellent shape,” said Dukes.
Johnson was one of 26 people who applied for the job. Her starting salary is $141,500, said Thaler.
According to a press release accompanying the announcement, Johnson is a certified public accountant in Delaware and has a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in accounting from Wilmington University. Immediately prior to her new position, Johnson was controller at Kings Creek Country Club. She was also an accounting manager for Quarter MSO LLC; an accounting manager for Ocean Pines Association Inc.; and a financial analyst and senior accountant for Wicomico County, Md.