Trending
A Philadelphia-based consultant firm helping the City of Williamsport on its strategic financial management plan is expected to produce results of the first stage of its work to City Council in two weeks.
Public Financial Management Group (PFM) prepared a financial analysis and is expected to provide an overview of this at the council's July 24 meeting.
The work is being done in a $124,000 contract, 90% of which is paid for by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
To cover the remainder, Council passed an ordinance -- a transfer ordinance -- on first reading to put $12,138 into the
strategic management grant match, or the remaining 10% to be paid by the city.
The money was from Act 13 funds designated to Young's Woods Park improvement for a matching grant there that was found elsewhere without significant impact to the budget.
PFM Group has previously provided financial strategic services for Lycoming County and has personnel familiar with the county.
Councilwoman Liz Miele, chair of the finance committee, recently noted how the American Rescue Plan Act funds of $25.4 million are no longer going to be able to backfill any significant budget shortfalls any longer, as the city has allocated the funds which are to be spent by the end of 2026. It means there is expected to be a budget deficit to make up with either cuts or finding revenue sources, she said during the committee meeting earlier in the week.
In other action, council:
• Accepted a Community Development Block Grant and Home program procurement policy update to include a section for whistleblowers. The policy is updated every five years and reviewed by the city Solicitor Austin White.
• Authorized the human resources director to serve as language access coordinator for those with limited proficiency in speaking English who take advantage of programs in the department of Community and Economic Development.
• Approved a resolution authorizing execution of agreement between city and Ziggy's & Aaron's Water Ice.