Nate, the finance lead, told the Finance Committee that bank accounts and November financials had been reconciled and that the city is about five months into the fiscal year. He said the aggregate municipal budget is tracking near the pro rata target (about 41.7%) while total expenses are at 41.95 percent.

Nate demonstrated Cassell Connect, the city’s read‑only financial portal for councilors, and showed how members can review department accounts, search vendor invoices and view transaction details in real time. "This will give you a little bit more information that you're in your toolbox," Nate said, describing the platform as a transparency and time‑saving tool.

On payroll, Nate noted police and fire payrolls have multiple line items and that combined payroll totals for those departments are running about 45 percent of budget — slightly above the expected pro rata level. Committee members asked staff to follow up with police and fire leadership to determine whether higher overtime is a short‑term anomaly or expected to continue.

The committee also discussed digital modernization and procurement data. Members said the initial conversion to new systems can be painful but argued that consolidated data on contracts and procurements will reduce organizational risk and help the council identify large upcoming expenditures.

Nate said department heads attended budget‑prep training and that departments have until January 22 to submit budget requests so the finance team can prepare for upcoming workshops. He added that a consultant, Sue Lessard, is wrapping up multi‑year reconciliation work and will present findings to the committee when complete.

The committee identified several follow‑ups: confirm overtime drivers and projections for police and fire, continue Cassell Connect training for councilors, and produce a consolidated audit‑findings document for a future meeting. The meeting adjourned with reminders about the evening council meeting.