Local finance director to retire after 3 decades of service

The finance director for the city of Xenia is retiring after three decades of public service.

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Mark Bazelak started his career as a finance clerk in March 1984 and is set to retire at the end of July.

The 1979 Xenia High School graduate was promoted to assistant finance director in October 1988 and served in that role until county commissioners appointed him to the head finance position in September 2004, according to the city.

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Bazelak was paid $110,426 as an annual salary last year.

In a prepared statement, Bazelak said he would "like to thank city council, past and present, for the opportunity to serve the community."

"I have been fortunate to work with many tremendous people over the years," his statement reads. "As I leave, there continue to be challenges to address, but Xenia is moving in a positive direction with the promise of endless possibilities."

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City council members have appointed Assistant City Manager Ryan Duke to replace the outgoing finance director.

Duke previously worked as Bazelak's assistant from January 2008 to November 2014 when he accepted the assistant city manager position.

Council President Mike Engle said in a prepared statement that council is pleased to appoint Duke "to now take control of the reins of Xenia's financial affairs."

"[We] are excited that not only does he have a strong technical and financial background, but a rare perspective and familiarity of all city operations given his duties as assistant city manager."

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