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Finance director getting her feet wet in Fairburn

Ben Nelms
bnelms@TheCitizenNews.com

She may be new to Fairburn but she is not new to the job. Hired Feb. 1 as Fairburn’s finance director, Carol Ellerbee brings with her significant experience in the business of overseeing the finances and operation of a city.

Originally from Albany, Ellerbee arrived in Fairburn by way of Forsyth. She recently retired after working for 12 years with the city of Forsyth in a combination of roles that included city clerk, treasurer, finance officer and, beginning two years ago, as assistant city administrator.

Ellerbee said she became aware of the opening in Fairburn on the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) website. Her subsequent hire earlier this month and the chance to work with the caliber of the people she found in city government makes the move to Fairburn a very positive one, she said.

“Customer service is important and Fairburn city employees are very customer service oriented,” said Ellerbee. “They are very friendly and supportive and they are accessible. I like that.”

A part of the service to city customers takes the form of an outlook on accountability that recognizes the importance of spending taxpayers money in a manner that reflects a genuine concern for their monetary contribution to the affairs of their local government.

“Within any entity, especially a government, dealing with taxpayers money is a matter of accountability,” she said. “This means expending taxpayers money wisely, like you would your own.”

Referencing the similarities between the two cities, Ellerbee said her prior work with Forsyth provided her with the familiarity with enterprise funds and accountability requirements for cities that provide utility services.

Ellerbee said she is anxious to learn more about the city and its citizens and anticipates being a part of a city government where the staff function as members of a team.

“I look forward to helping build on the many accomplishments that already exist here,” Ellerbee said. “I’m really glad to be here.”

Ellerbee brings numerous professional accomplishments to her new job in Fairburn. She currently serves as president of the 400-member Georgia Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association (GMCFOA), serves on the board of Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), was selected GMCFOA Finance Officer of the year in 1998 and Clerk of the Year in 2001, holds state and national certifications as a city clerk and is a active Rotary member.

Her growing family includes two adult daughters, two granddaughters and two more granddaughters on the way, Ellerbee said smiling.