Council sets May 11 public hearing after city hired part‑time tax‑collector before funding was approved

The Easthampton City Council set a public hearing for Monday, May 11 at 6:15 p.m. in council chambers to consider a supplemental appropriation of $5,000 from free cash to fund a new part‑time position in the tax collector’s office for fiscal year 2026.

President Denham explained the matter arose because the city offered the position before the appropriation was in place. Mayor Derby and HR Director Emily Russo told the council the hire was a communication error and described steps to prevent a recurrence; Russo said the city will require requisition forms that include funding sources and account numbers before posting positions.

Derby said the position will be funded by enterprise funds (water and sewer) in the long run because the role is intended to take on water and sewer billing responsibilities. "We are in desperate need of a part‑time person in collections," Derby said, adding that backfilling the role through enterprise will remove it from layoff risk tied to the general fund.

Vice President Jadzik and other councilors expressed concern that the hire occurred before the council had the appropriation information. Jadzik said she wanted clarity on the hire date and on whether the position would carry benefits if it became permanent. Russo acknowledged the error and apologized to the council; she said HR will provide salary, hours and supporting documentation to be included in the packet for the May 11 hearing.

The council moved, seconded and approved setting the hearing date and directed the mayor’s office and HR to ensure department heads and documentation are available to answer questions at the hearing.