One by one, members of the Niles Democratic Precinct Committee cast their votes for Niles treasurer.

Both Thomas Harwood and Janet Rizer-Jones were up for the position, but when all was said and done, Rizer-Jones won the election.

Rizer-Jones is no stranger to the Niles treasurer's office, working as the city income tax director for 15 years before retiring.  She then filled in when former treasurer Robert Swauger resigned in May.

"I'm familiar with all of the work that needs done and with all of the problems that they're having and all of the issues. I just feel like it's my responsibility if I can help to come forward and do that," said Rizer-Jones.

In the three weeks Rizer-Jones has been filling in, the books have already changed.

"She's reconciled the books all the way through May, something that we were unable to do prior to this and a city in fiscal emergency needs good numbers to start with so we can move the city forward," said Niles Council member Barr Steffey.

State auditor liaisons have praised Rizer-Jones work as interim treasurer in past meetings, advising the city to keep her permanently.

But when it comes to taking other recommendations by the office, including outsourcing 9-1-1 dispatch to the county, and hiring a tax collection agency, Rizer-Jones says she plans to advise the mayor with numbers, not opinions.

"I will supply him with anything he needs; all facts, figures, wages benefits, revenues to make an educated decision on that," said Rizer-Jones.

For now, she will keep the job until the next election and hopes to keep it even longer by running for the position in 2017.