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Ordinance committee advances finance reorganization with amendments after debate over appointing power and residency
Summary
The committee forwarded a finance-department reorganization to full council after amending the draft to keep the internal-audit director as a council appointment, tighten IT director qualifications, and carve out financial officers from a strict residency requirement, while requesting final legal redlines.
The Holyoke City Ordinance Committee voted to send a largely redrafted finance-department ordinance package to full council after several substantive amendments addressing appointing powers, internal-audit independence, personnel qualifications and residency requirements.
Chair Meg McGrath Smith framed the package as an attempt to centralize finance functions and reduce silos. Rory Kersey, presenting staff recommendations, said the ordinance aligns with Department of Local Services (DLS) guidance and would move many financial positions to mayoral appointment with council confirmation as part of a centralized model.
Several councilors warned the change would…
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