Holyoke City Council streamlines finance department creation through ordinance amendment

The Holyoke Ordinance Committee convened on April 7, 2024, to discuss proposed changes to local ordinances, focusing on the establishment of a new finance department. The meeting highlighted a preference among council members to simplify the process by amending existing orders rather than adopting a more complex special process.

City Solicitor Bissonnette clarified that the committee could proceed by amending the current order to eliminate the need for a special process under Massachusetts General Law 43C. This would allow the council to move forward with a draft ordinance for the finance department without additional authorization. The proposed amendment would streamline the process, enabling the council to focus on developing the ordinance itself.

Council members expressed a consensus to adopt this simpler approach, with discussions centered on refining the draft ordinance for further consideration. The goal is to finalize the ordinance by December 31, 2025, ensuring that the new finance department is established in a timely manner.

The committee's decision to amend the order reflects a commitment to efficiency and responsiveness to community needs. The next steps will involve reviewing the draft ordinance and incorporating feedback from council members in future meetings.