The city of Brookings hired Coos Bay's former finance director, Janell Howard, on Tuesday as its administrative services director.

Howard has served as Brookings' interim director since March, following the resignation of Patti Dunn. Brookings City Manager Gary Milliman received 11 applications for the position, eventually choosing Howard.

"Janell Howard emerged as the best candidate for the job," he said in a press release. "She brings the professional experience and resources we need."

Howard found herself without a job last September after City Manager Chuck Freeman fired her. Employees at the Coos Bay Wal-Mart accused her of trying to leave the store in August without paying for several items.

The Coos County District Attorney's Office cleared her of any wrongdoing, but Freeman fired her after consulting with the city's attorney and an attorney from the city's insurance company.

Howard, a certified public accountant and licensed municipal auditor, later field a tort claim against the city. It still is in process.

Milliman said he was aware of Howard's civil issue with Coos Bay but didn't see any reason why it would prevent her from doing a good job for Brookings.

Howard worked several months in Monmouth as a financial system and audit consultant before making her way to Curry County. Her starting salary is about $77,000 said Milliman.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Howard. She graduated from Brookings-Harbor High School.

"It's great to be back," she said Tuesday.