In a recent city council meeting, Mayor O'Connell highlighted significant community initiatives and the success of local internship programs. The meeting commenced with a pledge of allegiance and an invocation, followed by a roll call of council members.

One of the key presentations was led by April Funches from the Taunton Diversity Network, who announced the upcoming National Overdose Awareness Day event. Scheduled for the following evening at Liberty and Union Park, the event aims to celebrate recovery and provide resources for individuals and families affected by addiction. Funches emphasized the importance of community support and invited all residents to participate in the event, which will feature over 30 resource tables, entertainment, and keynote speakers.

The meeting also showcased the accomplishments of summer interns from the mayor's office. Mayor O'Connell presented $500 scholarships to each intern, recognizing their contributions and the valuable experience they gained in municipal government. Intern Camilla Watts shared her positive experience, highlighting the professional environment and the meaningful work they engaged in.

CFO Patrick Della Russo introduced two finance interns, Lucas Habib and Justin Tonini, who detailed their hands-on experiences in municipal finance. Habib discussed his project reconciling utility billing discrepancies, while Tonini presented a comprehensive database he developed to track property taxes and utility billing trends. Both interns expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and contribute to the city's financial operations.

The meeting concluded with a call for public input, indicating ongoing community engagement and transparency in local governance. The council's focus on education, recovery, and financial management underscores its commitment to fostering a supportive and informed community.