The Del Mar City Council appointed Susan Maronde to a three-year term on the city's Finance Committee. Her term runs through Aug. 31, 2029.

Maronde, a 25-year Del Mar resident and 30-year mortgage banking veteran, was the sole applicant during the city's recruitment period to fill a vacancy left when Kenneth Barrett stepped down, the San Diego Union-Tribune's Luke Harold reported. Barrett's term had been scheduled to run through September 2026.

The council liaison and mayor recommended giving Maronde a full three-year term rather than having her serve out the remainder of Barrett's seat.

The Finance Committee advises the council on the city budget and other municipal business. Its fiscal year 2026-27 work plan includes reviewing the budget and financial reports, quarterly treasurer's reports, financial policies and reserves, a user fee study and undergrounding program financing updates, according to committee records.

Maronde already serves on Del Mar's Parks and Recreation Committee. In her application, she described herself as active in several local organizations and said she brings experience analyzing financials, determining cash flows and managing branches and divisions with profit-and-loss responsibilities.

She wrote that her 30 years in mortgage banking included navigating tightening bank regulations, making pricing decisions and managing expenses while optimizing sales and marketing budgets.

"Nothing can be done without strength of our city's financials and sound decision making that helps to continue letting Del Mar thrive and grow," Maronde wrote in her application.

The committee's other members as of its May 20, 2026, meeting included Chair Laura DeMarco, Vice Chair Michael Minter, Secretary Steven McDowell, Bret D'Vincent and John Fry. Deputy Mayor John Spelich serves as the council liaison.

The Finance Committee's next scheduled meeting is Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. at Del Mar Town Hall, 1050 Camino del Mar.