SALUDA-After formerly contracting with Crawley Lee Accounting Firm out of Asheville, the City of Saluda has hired Julie Osteen, who worked for the firm, to be its in house finance officer.

The Saluda Board of Commissioners met Oct. 9 and following a closed session meeting, voted to hire Osteen.

Osteen has been working for the city through Crawley Lee as the finance officer for a couple of years after long-time finance officer Ron Cole retired.

Osteen currently does the city’s finances, including giving a monthly report at board of commissioners’ meetings, monthly budget amendments and annual budget preparations.

City manager Jon Cannon said Osteen will now work for the city as opposed to being a contracted employee. Osteen will be paid an annual salary of $51,802, according to Cannon, as opposed to the city paying Crawley Lee an annual contract fee of $65,000.

Osteen will begin her employment as a city employee on Nov. 1.