After more than three years without a permanent hire, one of the top positions in Petersburg's government has been filled.
Irvin M. Carter Jr., who currently serves as budget director for the Richmond Sheriff's Office, was announced Tuesday as Petersburg's director of finance. He will begin in the new position Dec. 5.
The position has not been permanently filled since Rob Blount retired in September 2008 after 18 years heading Petersburg's finance department. Blount later returned to the city as acting finance director.
Carter joined the Richmond Sheriff's Office in July 2001 He also has extensive experience working with the city of Richmond, most recently as a senior budget and management analyst.
In a statement, Carter said the director of finance position "is an excellent opportunity for me to be a part of a new administration that is striving for economic development, prosperity and vitality for the Petersburg community."
One of Carter's responsibilities with the Sheriff's Office was to develop operating and capital budgets.
The Sheriff's Office is funded with state and local money for a total budget of $31.1 million for fiscal 2012.
Carter was chosen among 68 applicants and was described by City Manager William E. Johnson III as the best candidate because of his experience and knowledge. Johnson worked with Carter when Johnson was Richmond's deputy city manager.
"He is a team player and understands the challenge of enhancing the fiscal sustainability of Petersburg," Johnson said.
A panel of three Petersburg government members, including Johnson, chose Carter for the position. Carter plans to live in Petersburg. According to the city's personnel policy, department heads are required to live in Petersburg unless granted an exception by the city manager.

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