Big changes are coming to Bloomington's financial helm as Mayor Kerry Thomson recently confirmed a forthcoming shift in the City Controller's Office. In a statement obtained by the City of Bloomington's official website, Thomson expressed her gratitude to departing City Controller Jessica McClellan, who will be leaving for a new professional opportunity later this month. After a year of managing the city’s complex financial landscape, McClellan is stepping down and handing over the reins to Geoffrey McKim, set to assume the role in mid-January.
Having served since 2024, McClellan was in charge of overseeing Bloomington's financial operations which included the annual budgeting process, capital and maintenance fund management, and ensuring compliance with state and federal financial requirements. Mayor Thomson praised her contributions, saying, "Jessica has been an extraordinary partner to this administration and our city. She brought deep expertise, steady leadership, and a level of professionalism that set a high bar," as mentioned on the City of Bloomington website. McClellan's impact on the city's financial health seems both significant and appreciated, creating a solid foundation for her successor to build upon.
Geoff McKim arrives with a lengthy resume deeply rooted in public sector service, marked by over twenty-five years of experience in government finance, technology, and program administration. Previously serving sixteen years on the Monroe County Council, McKim helped during times of fiscal stress and periods of significant growth. His contributions extended to roles on the Monroe County Plan Commission and the Waste Reduction Board, demonstrating his integrated approach to countywide issues like housing and environmental stewardship. Not confined to local efforts, McKim has also played a pivotal role on a national scale, notably within the National Park Service's Recreation Fee Management Program, where he managed a portfolio responsible for a whopping $350 million in annual fee revenue.
Mayor Thomson is confident in McKim's capabilities to shepherd the city’s finances through an evolving budgeting framework. "Bloomington is moving toward a budgeting system that is clearer, more transparent, and more honest about the choices we face," she stated on the City of Bloomington. Geoff's expertise isn't confined to the realm of high-level finance and federal work. He's been educating the next wave of public administrators at Indiana University's O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, focusing on the use of data, technology, and analytic reasoning to enhance public services. This educational role underscores his dedication not just to the practicality of financial stewardship, but also to the broader communal and institutional welfare of Bloomington and Monroe County.
With the transition expected to be smooth, the City of Bloomington has already activated a plan to ensure there are no disruptions in the Controller's Office services. Residents and interested parties can review the adopted 2026 Civil City budget, which is accessible on the city's website.
