SPRINGFIELD — Timothy J. Plante, who’s worked as the chief administrative and financial officer Springfield for over 16 years, has resigned.
“It’s been an honor to serve the city of Springfield,” Plante said in a statement. “I have dedicated over 16 years to helping Springfield return to its true greatness and bring us to solid financial footing. Although I am exiting public service, my wife Katie and I are committed to the city and want to see Springfield thrive.”
Plante was hired in 2007 as a budget director, under the state-imposed Financial Control Board appointed by then-Gov. Mitt Romney. The city was on the brink of bankruptcy, as it faced a $41 million deficit and junk bond status.
Overseeing all municipal projects and capital improvement plans was one of Plante’s highlights, such as investing $750 million into building and renovating new schools, $5 billion in public and private economic development projects citywide, $100 million into city parks and $1.3 billion into a plan for 2024 to 2028.
Springfield’s top health and financial officials including finance director Timothy J. Plante, seen in file photo, say the coronavirus has been harmful to residents and the city budget.
Plante also oversaw all aspects of municipal finances and emergency budgeting, tracking and record keeping for city records through several natural disasters, such as the 2011 tornado, the 2012 gas explosion of The Scores Gentlemen’s Club building at 453 Worthington St. and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plante’s last day is Sept. 22.
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno will establish a seven-member committee to review applications for the position. The committee will include members of the School Committee, City Council and state secretary of Administration and Finance.
Sarno will appoint four other members to the screening committee, two of whom will have experience in municipal management.
“From making sure that our city had a balanced budget without the use of reserves for nine consecutive years to overseeing the various finances for our city projects, T.J. epitomized a true public servant,” Sarno said in the statement.
City Comptroller Patrick Burns will serve as the acting chief administrative and financial officer and will work closely with Deputy Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Lindsay Hackett to ensure he’s equipped for the temporary role.
“I would like to thank the mayor for giving me the opportunity to bridge the gap until a permanent chief administrative and financial officer is appointed,” Burns said in the statement. “Also, I want to thank T.J. Plante for his leadership and support during his tenure as CAFO, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
