Police Chief Rob Fincher was named Martinsville’s interim city manager during the Tuesday, Aug. 12, city council meeting.
His appointment was approved on a 5-0 vote.
Fincher thanked the council for allowing him to continue serving the community he loves.
“I know that regardless of how we’ve reached this point, there is an element of trust that needs to be restored with the community. I can tell you that there are no better people to do that than the employees of the city of Martinsville,” he said.
Fincher said employees have often expressed their desire to serve the city professionally and reestablish trust with residents.
“So we’re going to be implementing some methods to rebuild some of that trust. It’s really a matter of transparency — allowing the public to see exactly what we do — because we’ve got some outstanding city workers here I’m proud to work beside,” he said.
Fincher has been serving as acting city manager since the council placed former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides on administrative leave July 22. The council has since voted to terminate Ferrell-Benavides’ employment, citing cause.
When he was named acting city manager, Fincher said the role felt overwhelming. Now, he said, he feels steadier.
“The department heads up here are phenomenal and they’re really helping me out. I feel good for the community that we’re going to be able to do some good work while they’re in the process of trying to find a permanent city manager,” he said.
Fincher said he is uncertain how long he will serve in the interim role.
“I’m available to serve this community for however long they want me to,” he said.
For the community to succeed, Fincher said, residents need to be able to trust their government — and vice versa. To achieve that, the city will examine its policies, practices and ways to report its activities to residents.
“Oftentimes when people don’t know what’s going on, they automatically assume it’s something bad. I’ve always felt that the more light we shine on things, the more people understand, and the less mistrust there is,” he said.
Fincher said some policies have already been updated, including those for travel and purchase cards.
“We’re going to be going through all the policies. We’ve got some great folks that are really interested in helping out with this,” he said.
While Fincher serves as interim city manager, Deputy Chief Maj. Chad Rhoads will serve as acting police chief.
