Several top personnel changes announced at Fall River’s Government Center

According to a correspondence released by the City of Fall River, several personnel changes have recently taken place at City Hall.

 Mike Dion has been temporarily appointed to the interim position of City Administrator (90-days) effective August 11th. He will hold this position in addition to Executive Director/CFO of the Community Development Agency. His salary will be split evenly between the City Administrator’s budget and CDA. 

Charlie Denmead has indicated that he will be retiring after 25 years of service with the City. Effective immediately, Darren Medeiros has been appointed the interim Commissioner of Recreational Facilities until the position can be permanently filled. Medeiros will be paid at the rate of $84,000 annually. The Director of Parks and Director of Community Maintenance positions are currently posted, and the city will be accepting applications until August 29th. 

Emily Arpke’s temporary appointment as CFO ended on August 2, 2025. Arpke has returned to her previous position, Finance Analysis and Compliance Manager, but will continue to perform additional responsibilities in Finance to ensure City operations aren’t impacted. Arpke will receive an annual stipend of $23,118.75 which is commensurate with the additional responsibilities. The CFO position is currently posted, and the city will be accepting applications until August 29th. 

Rebekah Pontes’ temporary appointment as Purchasing Agent ended on August 2, 2025. Pontes has been appointed Assistant Purchasing Agent in addition to her position as Assistant Treasurer effective August 4, 2025. Pontes will be paid the budgeted salary of $25,000. The Purchasing Agent position was advertised, and interviews will be conducted next week. The intent is to fill the full-time Purchasing Agent by early September. The full-time Purchasing Agent is in lieu of the budgeted Project Specialist, and additional funding will be required to properly staff the department. A comprehensive plan for purchasing will be presented soon.