NAPA, CA — The City of Napa is facing a leadership change in its finance department during a critical time in the budget cycle. Anne Cardwell, who has served as the city’s finance director since October 2021, has announced her departure for a new professional opportunity. The timing of her exit comes as the city prepares for its upcoming budget process, which runs from January to May each year.
During her tenure, Cardwell played a key role in managing Napa’s financial operations, notably launching the American Rescue Plan Act Community Bank grant program. She also spearheaded the Enterprise Resource Planning project, which aims to improve the efficiency of the city’s financial systems. Under her leadership, Napa received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, a notable accomplishment for the city.
In light of Cardwell’s departure, the city has appointed Bill Zenoni as the acting finance director. Zenoni, a retired annuitant and former interim finance director for Napa, will temporarily lead the department. Meanwhile, Raj Prasad, the current deputy finance director, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and play a central role in managing the upcoming 2023-24 budget cycle.
The city’s budget operates on a two-year cycle, with the fiscal year beginning on July 1. During the budget process, department directors may request additional funds for new positions, programs, or equipment. Despite the change in leadership, Napa’s financial outlook remains strong, with a projected $4.6 million surplus for the past fiscal year. This surplus, largely attributed to higher-than-expected revenues and lower-than-expected expenditures, marks a rare achievement for many North Bay cities and provides a promising outlook as the budget process moves forward.
With a surplus in hand and experienced interim leadership in place, Napa’s finance department is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the upcoming budget cycle, ensuring that the city continues to maintain fiscal health during this period of transition.