I wanted to release the fact that our City Manager's review process has been completed. The budgeted 2.75% increase in his salary will be on the next business agenda for Council to vote to release. I am not at liberty to discuss the details of this employee matter in public, due to employee confidentiality concerns.
I would like to express my thanks for the work our city manager has accomplished over the last year. We began this fiscal year with a projected tax increase over 34% and finished with an 8% increase. This year the City manager’s office helped secure well over $750,000 in grants, substantial reductions in city operating expenses, consolidated dispatch, negotiated several labor contracts beneficial to this city and reworked 7 municipal agreements for ambulance service. Increases in productivity and streamlining of city operations have effected all departments. City staff continues to excel under Jason’s leadership, all the while making due with less and still providing quality service for our residents.
We are looking forward to successful outcomes for the many challenges that we have placed before our City Manager for this year.
These include:
· A smooth transition to consolidated dispatch with the county.
· Determining how we can centralize booking with the county.
· Seeing tangible results with the consolidation study with the town.
· Continued improvements in the once faltering inspections department with an eye towards increasing productivity, streamlining and improving city codes.
· Strong leadership in the reconstruction efforts taking place on Ellicott and Walnut Streets this year.
· Oversight of the Ambulance service to ensure its viability.