Council debates budget transparency and staffing vacancies as public comments raise concerns

The Newburyport City Council convened on April 22, 2025, addressing several significant issues, including staffing concerns in the city clerk's office, a resolution supporting immigrant residents, and updates on the upcoming budget.

During the public comment segment, Jim Marks, a business agent for the Teamsters, expressed frustration regarding the handling of a vacant position in the clerk's office. He highlighted concerns about trust and communication between the city administration and the union, emphasizing the critical functions of the operations manager role, which includes managing payroll and election processes. Marks urged the council to establish a clear process for discussing job vacancies and their implications for city operations.

Mary Anne Biese also spoke, advocating for a resolution to support immigrant residents, which the council agreed to send to the general government committee for further discussion.

Chief of Staff Cyr provided updates on various city matters, including a reminder about the upcoming debt exclusion vote on May 13, early voting starting May 3, and an informational session scheduled for April 30. Cyr also discussed the city's ongoing budget preparations, noting challenges such as rising costs and health insurance hikes. The council expressed a need for more detailed budget information before the upcoming vote, leading to a motion to pause the meeting until this information could be provided. After some debate, the council agreed to table the discussion for later in the meeting.

The council also reviewed several appointments and communications, including a letter regarding landscape design for the Senior Center and a petition addressing rising taxes. The meeting concluded with discussions on various ordinances, including amendments related to the fire department and sidewalk regulations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about staffing, budget transparency, and community support initiatives, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing the needs of Newburyport residents.