Council discusses allowing paid ads in city newsletter and approves related‑party disclosures

City Manager Scott Wells presented a publicly noticed related‑party list of local residents and businesses that the city may do business with in 2026; the list is maintained for audit transparency. Wells said the audit requires showing publicly when related parties are paid and that the city will continue to require additional bids and documentation where relatives or local contractors are used. Councilors suggested name corrections and additions; the council approved the related‑party list by motion on Feb. 2.

Staff also raised a separate proposal prompted by local businesses asking to advertise in the city newsletter. Denise, the newsletter coordinator, explained the current newsletter is produced as part of the city billing service and that adding ads would affect page counts and postage. She stated her preference against accepting outside advertising for the newsletter: "I am not for advertising for anybody in our newsletter," she said, citing concerns about crossing a line between public information and paid content. Council members discussed alternatives including a separate ad page for Wellsville businesses, pricing tiers for quarter/half/full pages, and using sponsorship funds to offset postage; the council agreed to place a formal advertising policy on a future agenda for decision and asked staff to estimate costs.

The council also received departmental updates on Founders Day planning, parade logistics, sports registration deadlines and an open house for Mayor Bailey. No advertising policy was adopted Feb. 2; staff will return with a drafted policy and cost estimates.