Darien Finance Director Named to State Commission

Darien Finance Director Kathleen Clarke Buch has been appointed to serve on the state's Municipal Finance Advisory Commission, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced Tuesday.

The commission works with municipalities across the state judged to be in financial distress by Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management. Members review documentation and accounting practices from each town or city and can require the chief executive officer to appear before the commission to discuss corrective measures.

"Kathleen has more than 25 years of experience managing municipal finances and implementing sound fiscal strategy," Rell said in a statement. "I know she will do an outstanding job serving Connecticut in this role."

The body, which meets quarterly, consists of eight members, four of which must be fiscal or executive officers of municipalities. 

Buch said she was asked if she would be interested in the post several months ago and submitted an application for the state's consideration.

"Having worked for one of the communities that was once under their scrunity, it'll be exciting and interesting," Buch said, referring to her prior work as Director of Finance for West Haven. Buch also served in a similar role in Southbury before coming to Darien in 2000.

Under Buch's leadership, Darien's Finance Department is responsible for accounting for town funds, maintaining financial records, and preparing financial reports.

Buch said the commission's focus is on "how we can help the municipalities that are in distress and help them get out of that position and on firm footing."

"I think Darien is in a unique position because of our financial health," Buch said, adding that she might recommend the use of five year forecasts to ailing municipalities, an exercise Darien has found to be useful.

Buch's term begins July 1.