The Finance Committee hears from Information Technology Director Mark Pierson about upgrades being made to the city's information systems during the budget review.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Finance Committee last week began review of the fiscal 2024 budget presented by Mayor Jennifer Macksey, voting to recommend the School Department and General Government spending plans and compensation plan.  

Assessor

The main increase is in outside inspection services, which is $43,000 of the expense line, for two separate services. Mayflower Valuations provides annual sales and utilities' personal property analysis. It will also begin the 10-year citywide re-evaluation at a cost of $28,000 for the next three years. The salaries reflects changes in who occupies the posts and the two part-time members are paid $160 a month. 

Auditor

The increases in expenses reflect the contract with an outside auditor. The city is still seeking to fill the assistant auditor and has kept it in the budget. 

Boards of Appeal

There were no significant changes in this budget line. 

City Clerk

The clerk's budget reflects the addition of a part-time clerk at the request of the City Council, the step raise for the clerk's one-year anniversary and the added costs for the city election.

City Council

There are no changes to this budget. The mayor said she would entertain an increase in the City Council stipend if the councilors were seeking one. A comparison with other communities found stipends ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, suggesting $500. The stipend has not changed in nearly two decades. Finance Committee member Lisa Blackmer thought it was a matter better left to next year; members Keith Bona and Bryan Sapienza thought it worth the conversation.

Election & Registration

Expenses are up because of the increased costs of ballots and coding projected at $10,500.

Office of Community Development

This office is largely funded through Community Development Block Grants. The projects coordinator is open.

Law Department

The legal budget has increased by $20,000 to reflect the increased need and the higher rates being charged by KP Law. The mayor said it has been difficult to find a local solicitor; Blackmer agreed, noting the conflicts that can occur and the lack of expertise in municipal law.

License Commission

There is no change in this budget. 

Mayor's Office

This budget includes a grants and communications specialist. The mayor anticipates one of two people already on payroll being shifted to this position depending on if a full-time administrative officer can be hired. The mayor's salary was also increased at the 2 percent COLA. 

Information Technology

This line continues to have the largest increases the past few years, reflecting the need to upgrade the financial and general systems and for security, and to consolidate lines from other budgets. Director Mark Pierson told the committee that have expenses have gone up largely from the police line, the high-capacity internet and the connection to the transfer station. He said the department will be taking a step because it has taken on a number of projects in a short time and will be implementing and training on the technology. 

The mayor said she intends to take $100,000 from the municipal technology to offset the increase. 

Office of Tourism

The director of tourism will be increased from 20 hours a week to 30 hours at $17 an hour. The mayor said she is trying to reinvest in that position that disappeared during the first year of the pandemic and returned part time. The approved salary in 2022 was not all spent. 

Planning Board

The only change is an extra $500 in advertising because of increased costs. 

Traffic & Parking

Ticket entry is being done by a person at $15 an hour at about 10 hours a week. 

Treasurer & Collector

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