By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Times Chronicle has learned that the Town of Osoyoos’ long-running director of finance/ deputy CAO, Jim Zakall has retired, with an internal announcement made to staff yesterday.
Rod Risling, Osoyoos Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) confirmed Zakall’s retirement to the Times Chronicle today (July 25), with the retirement effective yesterday (July 24).
“He’s retiring from public service,” Risling said. “Jim has been with the town for nearly 25 years, and we’re grateful for the service that he has provided the community,” he added. Risling was not able to comment any further as personnel matters are strictly confidential.
Going forward Risling said the Town will be bringing in some temporary staff to help keep the 2026 budget process – which is an ongoing file – moving forward.
“We’ve been working on the budget already for a few weeks,” Risling said, adding its one of the many things the public often doesn’t necessarily realize is going on in the background.
“We’ve already started that process, and we need a year to do that. That’s the big thing on the finance plate and my number one priority right now is to keep the budget process moving,” he said.
The next priority he said will be to post the job vacancy to get the position filled.
While this is a retirement, the Times Chronicle understands any decisions on hiring and firing of director-level personnel at the town is the sole purview of Council.
