City Commission Confirms Scheppe as City Treasurer

Traverse City commissioners voted unanimously Friday (6-0, with Commissioner Heather Shaw absent) to confirm Heidi Scheppe as the new city finance director/treasurer. Scheppe has been with Grand Traverse County since 1999, first as deputy finance director from 1999 to 2012 and then in the elected role of county treasurer from 2012 through today. She is expected to step into her new role with the city next month, with a starting salary of $130,691.50.

The city's charter states that the positions of city treasurer and city clerk can't be hired or fired without the approval of at least five commissioners. A special meeting was called Friday to confirm Scheppe's hiring. Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe praised city staff who have "heroically stepped up to the plate" over the last few years as multiple individuals have rotated through the city treasurer position. City Clerk Benjamin Marentette, who was part of a city leadership team that interviewed Scheppe and recommended her hiring, said she "has experience in literally every area that the city treasurer position touches." The leadership team's decision to recommend her was "unanimous" and "resounding," Marentette said. "We know that she can step in on day one and fill the role."

Grand Traverse County will now need to fill the vacancy of county treasurer through an appointment process, according to County Clerk Bonnie Scheele. As with the recent replacement of county sheriff mid-term, “the probate judge, prosecuting attorney, and I will begin the process once Ms. Scheppe submits her resignation,” Scheele says. “The appointment will be to fill the vacancy until the end of the term, which is December 31, 2024. Candidates – including the appointed treasurer if he/she is interested – must file by April 23, 2024 to run for the office of treasurer for the 2025-2028 term of office.”