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Commission divided over converting communications unit to department; clerk records competing direction
Summary
A proposal to reclassify Northport’s communications division into a standalone department drew mixed reactions at a June 16 budget workshop. Supporters said the unit’s workload, awards and social‑media reach justify director‑level status; others said the timing and cost are not right in this fiscal year.
Commissioners debated whether to reclassify the city’s communications operation from a division to a separate department during the June 16 budget workshop. Supporters said the communications team’s expanded scope — audience growth on social media, awards and broad citywide responsibilities — now merits department status. Opponents cited FY2026 budget constraints and questioned whether the upgrade should wait until the city’s fiscal position is stronger.
City staff outlined the communications team’s performance targets, including a goal to increase social‑media followers across platforms and to improve call‑center responsiveness. Communications leaders described work that includes media relations, public‑information campaigns, a growing service ticket load through the city app and event communications.
On the floor, Commissioner Petro proposed that the commission not include the division‑to‑department conversion in the FY2026 recommended budget. The clerk read a proposed consensus: “To not include the change of the communications division to a department in the FY26 budget.” Commissioners gave mixed responses when asked for yea/nay; several commissioners supported the change while others opposed it. The clerk recorded the direction; commissioners asked staff to reflect the commission’s views in the final recommended budget materials.
Ending: The debate exposed a split among commissioners about timing and priorities. Staff will reflect the commission’s direction in budget documents and may return later with a refined recommendation or with alternatives for adjusting scope or timing.
