City Council Ad Hoc Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Ad Hoc Budget Committee of the Whole met on May 13, 2026, to hold the first round of FY27 departmental budget hearings. President Jessica Redfern called the meeting to order and a roll call was taken. Councilor Amanda Haggstrom was nominated and elected chair of the Ad Hoc Budget Committee (passed unanimously 6-0) and Councilor Scott Mandeville was nominated and elected vice chair (passed 5-1, Councilor Frederique opposed). Councilor Maryann Welch arrived later in the meeting. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 7:58 PM.

Department directors presented proposed FY27 budgets for several offices and responded to councilor questions. Information Technology (MIS) Director Steve Hare noted recent public records requests average about three to four per month. Treasurer Donna Cornoni explained a sick leave buyback line item related to the upcoming retirements of the head clerk and the treasurer. City Clerk Jennifer Smith reviewed the City Clerk, Elections, and City Council budget lines (including that the advertising line funds public hearing notices) and confirmed the Council has input on the clerk’s salary. Veteran Services Officer Kevin Hunt affirmed current staffing is appropriate. Recreation Director Kathleen Crowley explained a 20% decrease in regular salaries was driven by part-time after-school staffing reductions, said a beach director (not a lifeguard) will be on duty at the beach, and indicated she plans to pursue grants to cover changes at the new recreation building. No final votes on the overall budget or ordinance actions were recorded, and no public comments were noted in the minutes.