Sunbury City Council approved a four-year tax-collection contract covering three taxing districts after extended discussion and questions about salary levels, workload and whether the arrangement best serves taxpayers.

Council members raised concerns about the scope of work performed by the treasurer's office, how costs are split among three taxing entities and whether prior treasurers worked reduced hours while receiving the full annual salary. One council member said a prior treasurer, identified in the meeting as Kevin Truth, worked approximately 20 hours per week while earning about $71,000 annually; the council member urged the city not to repeat what he called a perceived imbalance between pay and hours worked.

Officials noted the contract figure displayed in the city’s agenda reflected only Sunbury’s portion of the overall cost and that the three taxing entities jointly negotiate and share the expense. The record shows the new or proposed allotment for one incoming staff member (identified in the discussion as Rachel) at $18,000; council members asked for clearer job descriptions and documentation of workload before locking in four‑year commitments.

Some council members asked to postpone the vote until the next budget meeting so all three taxing entities could meet together to review duties and compensation. Others argued the contractual arrangement had been negotiated by all three entities and was ready for approval. The motion to approve the contract for the tax collection arrangement carried on a council vote during the meeting.