Portsmouth council adopts 2026–2030 strategic pillars, removes 'complete reclassification' language and agrees to recruit city auditor
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Summary
The Portsmouth City Council unanimously adopted its 2026–2030 strategic pillars after removing language that would have fully reclassified the city auditor position to the city manager's office; council agreed to launch recruitment for a city auditor and will clarify final wording.
The Portsmouth City Council on Jan. 27 adopted the city’s 2026–2030 strategic pillars, and by consensus removed wording that would have "complete reclassification" of the city auditor to the city manager’s office. Council resolved to proceed with recruitment for a city auditor while the final reporting structure will be clarified.
The resolution, read into the record by the city clerk, describes five strategic pillars including financial and operational excellence, economic growth and revitalization, a safe and connected community, and workforce and education partnerships. Public commenters both praised the framework and expressed concern about process and inclusion.
Councilwoman Thomas said she supported adding a city auditor position but objected to language that would reclassify the auditor directly into the city manager’s office. She asked that the resolution be amended to retain the auditor position and "launch recruitment" while removing the phrase "complete reclassification." The council took a consensus to make that change and then voted to adopt the pillars with the modification, recorded as 7–0.
City Manager Steven Carter confirmed the council would supply the revised wording for the adopted resolution. Interim City Attorney Darren Challenger advised on the legal steps required to alter wording prior to finalizing the vote.
The adoption commits the city to the strategic framework for the next five years; council members said additional discussion will follow about the auditor’s classification and governance implications. The council did not adopt any ordinance changing the organization chart that night — it adopted the strategic pillars resolution with the stated language change and directed staff to implement the wording agreed by consensus.
What happens next: the city manager will prepare the revised resolution language and recruitment steps; council members said they expect further discussion about auditor authority and reporting before posting a job or changing organizational structure.