Finance committee approves transfer to correct city solicitor classification

The finance committee approved an $83,656 appropriation transfer to correct a personnel classification in the city solicitor’s office.

Committee members said an auditor memo noted the position had been placed under the assistant city solicitor in error, when a prior council action two years earlier had reclassified duties under the associate solicitor. Attorney Bissonnette explained the change will align payroll and job code records with how the position has operated for roughly two years. “Apparently, this was placed originally under the assistant city solicitor when, based on the changes made by the council 2 years ago, it should be under associate,” Bissonnette said.

During discussion Councilor Devine raised a procedural point: the ordinance that designates the council’s representative requires that person to be an assistant city solicitor. The committee agreed to make the administrative correction tonight and to address any ordinance conflict separately. The motion to approve the transfer passed by voice vote.

Committee members clarified the reclassification reflects a split of a full‑time position into two part‑time roles that together equal one full‑time equivalent.