Barylske: New Opportunity With NEA Baptist Bittersweet

For the past 15 or so years, Jonesboro Finance Director Ben Barylske said he has worked with budgets and figures almost on a daily basis.

However, one thing he did not figure was the outpouring of support and thanks he has received in recent days.

Barylske, who has been with the city since Nov. 2010 and worked with the state Division of Legislative Audit for 10 years before that, will be leaving Thursday (Aug. 13) to become the chief financial officer for NEA Baptist Clinic.

Barylske spent Wednesday meeting with employees in the finance office about their new responsibilities and work, starting Friday.

“It is a great opportunity. It is a great company and great people to work for,” Barylske said of NEA Baptist Clinic.

Since he arrived in Jonesboro, Barylske said he has helped to put together the city’s annual budget as well as financial documents.

The budget went through a complete fiscal overhaul in the first few years, with positive results, Barylske said.

“What I am most proud of is the transparency, being accountable,” Barylske said. “We have had clean, nearly perfect audits.”

The budget typically takes about 220 to 240 hours a year to put together, with Barylske talking to city department heads and officials about needs.

The discussions also involve local business leaders, state officials and area school districts.

Barylske said he talks with business leaders in order to find what construction projects may be on the horizon, which may lead to increased sales and property tax revenues; state officials to be an estimate on revenues and school districts to find out if large construction projects are needed.

In the past several years, the city moved into a new police station on Caraway Road, several new fire stations, and is building a new Jonesboro Economic Transportation System building on Washington Avenue.

With all of the major construction and moving, Barylske said the city owes no major long-term debts other than $500,000 to help build the Miracle League field in Jonesboro.

Barylske said he is proud of the friendships he has developed, including with Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin and council members.

The last several days have involved getting things ready to leave and reading emails from people.

“I have been humbled and overwhelmed by the support of the city council, citizens and people,” Barylske said.

He said the department has great employees and is in good hands.

“If they need any help, I am only a phone call away,” Barylske said.