NEWTON FALLS — Village council has named Jamie Vernaccini as its new full-time village manager and she will oversee day-to-day operations of the community.

Council voted 4-0 on the hiring of Vernaccini, who has been serving as interim service director since June in addition to serving as the village finance director, which she was hired for in summer 2024.

Vernaccini was granted a three-year contract through September 2028 at $95,000 annually. She will not receive overtime pay and will receive four weeks of accrued vacation.

Councilwoman Julie Stimpert, at-Large, said Vernaccini has been serving in both positions for more than three months and can now focus on the village manager position. She said Venaccini will receive evaluations as outlined in the city charter.

Law Director Jeff Limbian said with the retirement of Mike Novotny last spring as interim village manager, Vernaccini stepped in while continuing her other responsibilities as finance director.

“The city had been frozen in time as a search was held for a city manager. There are contract matters and legal matters and every department matters. This city can’t function without a city manager who runs the city,” Limbian said.

He said he has seen Vernaccini and the work she has done as interim village manager.

“What she has been able to do is extraordinary, which she will continue as city manager. She will focus on all areas of the city and the needs of the community. What she has done with her financial background and business connections has been amazing,” Limbian said.

Vernaccini thanked council for putting their faith and trust in her for the village manager position.

“I could never have dreamed that I would be in this position when I started here as finance director,” she said.

Vernaccini said she will focus on grant seeking and economic development opportunities for the community.

She said she looks forward to doing what is best for the residents of Newton Falls.

Before coming to Newton Falls, Vernaccini worked as a state auditor for 20 years. Officials said previously she was selected for her work experience and confidence in dealing with not only finances, but the day to day operations of the village.

Resident Julie Lemon said Vernaccini “is exactly what our town has been looking for in a city manager.”

Resident Brian Kropp said Vernaccini will provide stability to running the village.

The village will need to hire a new finance director to replace Vernaccini. Stimpert said staff in the finance office will handle her duties until someone is chosen.