CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — For the first time in a year, Cleveland Heights has a permanent finance director.
City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Mayor Kahlil Seren’s hire of Rodney Hairston to step into a role that had been filled by acting or temporary directors since January 2024.
“We really need your help,” Councilman Jim Petras said.
Several council members thanked Hairston for being willing to join the community, but were excited to bring him on at a time when council is demanding more information from the administration and the city is operating under a temporary budget.
Hairston told council that he was very excited to join the city and serving council by giving them the financial information to guide their decisions.
“That’s music,” Council President Tony Cuda said.
Hairston joins Seren’s administration after stints at the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Cleveland Airport System.
His hiring comes after council and Seren’s administration have clashed over the 2025 budget for nearly three months.
Council refused to pass Seren’s proposed budget before the Dec. 31 deadline and instead chose to pass a temporary budget to fund the city through March.
The members said they needed more detailed information on Seren’s proposal and wanted to see the results of the city’s 2023 routine audit — which the finance department fell behind on — before making any decisions.
Seren fiercely objected to the temporary budget, saying it would hinder the city’s ability to enter long-term contracts and provide unnecessary uncertainty to thousands of workers on the city’s payroll.
After council gave Hairston its thumbs up, Councilman Craig Cobb asked Cuda if council could give Hairston a cot to keep at City Hall.
“You’re going to be busy,” Cobb joked.
