During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the performance and funding of the planning department, particularly regarding grant writing capabilities. A council member expressed concern over the department's inability to fill approximately 25 positions, with an additional 33 related to housing, emphasizing the importance of having skilled personnel to secure grant funding. The member criticized the current situation, stating it was unacceptable to rely on a limited number of individuals for grant writing, especially when there are qualified candidates available.

Another council member, Counselor Humphrey, countered the criticism, highlighting the significant contributions of a specific individual in securing grant money for the city. He defended her reputation and effectiveness in bringing funding to Newton, arguing that her established connections in grant circles were crucial to the city's success in obtaining financial support. He expressed discomfort with the tone of the previous comments, suggesting they were unnecessarily harsh and did not acknowledge the value brought by the individual in question.

The discussion underscored a broader debate about budgetary priorities and the need for effective staffing within the planning department. The council member who raised the issue acknowledged that it would be revisited during the upcoming budget discussions, indicating ongoing concerns about the department's operational efficiency and funding strategies.