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Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings budget adds Zoom operator for hybrid hearings
Summary
The committee endorsed a $30,000 operating increase for the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings to pay for a Zoom operator to support hybrid hearings, citing improved accessibility and fewer in‑person file visits.
Director Byrne told the Finance Committee that the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings began hybrid hearings in November 2023 and needs a dedicated Zoom operator in the hearing room to pull up exhibits and run the hybrid technology.
Byrne said the office had been able to use Council purchase orders in FY25 but will establish its own purchase order for FY26 and estimated the cost at about $30,000 based on expected hearing hours. Committee members agreed the position supports transparency and accessibility for quasi‑judicial proceedings: the committee approved the increase as recommended by the executive, 3–0.
The office will schedule the operator only when hearings require hybrid facilitation; fully in‑person or fully remote hearings will not require the dedicated operator.
