The council meeting, presided over by Council President Joyce E. Watterman, kicked off with a focus on budget. A lively debate ensued about salary increases, with city clerk Sean Gallagher emphasizing the additional responsibilities taken on by the office and the need for commensurate pay raises. The question of a city-wide cost of living raise was also raised, pointing towards an increasing need for adjustments to keep pace with the economy.

Gallagher’s presentation underscored the record number of open public records act requests his office had dealt with, alongside the digitization of historical records. He underlined the need for additional staff to handle the growing workload. The council grappled with the challenge of digitizing historical records, recognizing the need for infrastructure improvements in the caucus room to facilitate this process.

The budget discussion also delved into the realm of the Department of Finance, presented by Councilperson Prinz-Arey. She outlined the department’s key responsibilities including budgeting, collections, treasury, and debt management. Prinz-Arey highlighted the department’s achievements such as credit rating upgrades, implementation of a new ERP system, and timely budget submissions. She emphasized the importance of professional development and cross-training to enhance efficiency within the department.

Prinz-Arey’s presentation was met with commendation from council members, praising her efforts in raising the standard of the finance department and early budget hearings that allowed for council input. Her focus on equipping all employees with diverse skill sets and cross-training was lauded.

The Department of Finance has set its sights on several upcoming goals. Notably, the digitization of records, enhancing grant management, and improving compliance and efficiency are top on the agenda. Prinz-Arey mentioned her intent to change the format of her presentation for the following year.