The council approved two separate financial orders Dec. 18 that reallocate city resources for near-term planning and operations.

Reprogramming Memorial Hall funds: By roll call the council approved (8 yes, 1 no) reprogramming $400,000 originally authorized for Memorial Hall into a citywide building-portfolio study to assess building conditions, space usage and future needs across downtown municipal properties. Mayor’s-office and finance staff said the intent is to obtain consultant expertise to audit multiple assets so future capital investments are prioritized and coordinated rather than funding a single-building redesign without a broader inventory. Councilor Rothenberg opposed the measure and urged returning funds to undesignated balance or including the item on the SIP; supporters called the study a prudent, holistic step.

Expanded vehicle leasing: The council also approved appropriating $112,500 from capital stabilization to lease approximately ten vehicles for departments including Building, Central Services and school maintenance. City staff explained the lease pool will replace aging vans and trucks used for maintenance, plowing and other municipal work; DPW was not participating in this phase. The vehicle-leasing order passed unanimously on roll call.