ANAHEIM : Audit Chief Is Named City Finance Director

As William G. Sweeney sees it, charting the city’s financial future after Orange County’s bankruptcy is the biggest challenge he will face in his new position as Anaheim’s finance director.

“These are very difficult times,” Sweeney said, adding it is too early to tell what effect the defeat of the Measure R sales tax proposal will have on Orange County.

Under the bankruptcy settlement agreement, the county owes Anaheim more than $40 million in principal and interest. The city and its redevelopment agency had more than $169 million in the county investment pool when it collapsed in December.

Sweeney, who has been Anaheim’s budget and audit manager since 1992, was appointed to the $94,802-a-year job as director on Tuesday by the City Council. He replaces George P. Ferrone, who retired this spring after nearly 20 years with the city.

Lou Lopez, the only council member to vote against the appointment, said he was concerned that Sweeney’s degree in journalism was not appropriate for a finance director. The council consensus, however, was that Sweeney’s 18 years of experience in city and county government is of more importance than the field of his bachelor’s degree.

When Sweeney assumes his new post Friday, he will oversee 47 employees. His responsibilities will include business licenses, collections and data processing.