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City talks virus’ impact on finances, new police officer

The unknown toll on the city due to COVID-19 was discussed Tuesday by council’s finance committee.

Councilman Adam Yoder said he fears it may be “ripping the budget to shreds,” after estimating that the city could face as much as a $1 million shortfall.

Councilwoman Liz Miele, committee chairwoman, said once the emergency is over it would be nice to get an estimate of revenue from the administration.

In other news, a former resident of Montgomery is tapped to become the next Williamsport police officer.

City Council’s finance committee gave a positive recommendation Tuesday to accept the hiring of Kristen Wright, who worked as a training officer for Arizona state police and is experienced in undercover work, said Damon Hagan, city police chief.

Police salaries begin at about $50,000 a year, not including benefits, he said. Hagan said the police department complement is at 47 and he wanted to see it be at 49 — the figure for which the city budget allocated funds.

The committee also had a discussion on the future plans to improve and build create a new website and maintain it and entertained and encouraged the idea of Mayor Derek Slaughter and Chris Cooley. Slaughter and Cooley would like to see an Information Technology committee to look at technology throughout the city, including an updated website.

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