Council committee asks HR, legal to draft treasurer qualifications and pay scale after voter-approved change

The Holyoke City Council Ordinance Committee on Sept. 10 directed legal counsel and Human Resources to prepare formal ordinance language establishing minimum qualifications and a pay recommendation for an appointed treasurer, reflecting a voter-approved change that requires the council to set appointment criteria.

Why it matters: Voters approved appointing a treasurer; the council must now set eligibility and compensation so the city can recruit and confirm a qualified candidate. Committee members said earlier drafts (February 2024) included degree and experience minimums and that personnel should supply an updated job description and salary recommendation.

What the committee did: The committee voted unanimously (5–0) to send the draft language to the law department and to the personnel (HR) director for legal form and for a pay-scale recommendation. Committee members asked the personnel office to return a draft that includes a pay range and the minimum qualifications discussed previously (bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business or equivalent experience; preference for a related master’s and municipal experience; exact substitution rules to be drafted by HR).

Discussion highlights: Councilor Bacon and others noted the city previously discussed a draft ordinance (February 2024) that would require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business and suggested allowing substitution of significant municipal experience where appropriate. Committee members asked HR to produce a formal job description and salary recommendation so the ordinance language and budget lines align.

Next steps: Legal and personnel will prepare a formal ordinance and proposed salary scale for the committee’s next meeting and for inclusion with upcoming budget/appointment calendars.

Ending: The committee’s unanimous vote moves the treasurer qualification measure toward a legally precise ordinance and an accompanying pay recommendation, a necessary step before the council can appoint a treasurer under the voter-approved change.