MARTINS FERRY — The city of Martins Ferry is deciding how to move forward after its longtime treasurer died.

Mayor John Davies said Rhonda Bernardo died Monday due to a sudden medical condition.

Davies said a special City Council meeting was held Wednesday to discuss how to fill her position moving forward.

Following the meeting, the mayor said council decided to have Auditor Rita Randall fill the role on an interim basis until a new treasurer is hired.

He said applications for the position will be taken until Sept. 25.

“Then I’ll appoint someone after that date if a qualified person applies,” Davies said.

“I have 45 days to appoint someone.”

According to her obituary, Bernardo died Monday at Wheeling Hospital. She was 63 years old.

In addition to working for the city of Martins Ferry as its treasurer, Bernardo also had worked for United Bank, Wheeling, since 1975.

Bernardo was a member of First United Methodist Church, Martins Ferry.

She is survived by her husband, Nickie J. Bernardo; daughter Gina Bernardo of Martins Ferry; sister Joyce Ann (David Snyder) Stewart; uncle Jeff Kirkpatrick of Georgia; and nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service is planned at Heslop Funeral Home, Martins Ferry.

Bernardo will be buried at Riverview Cemetery, Martins Ferry.