January 12, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes (Minutes)

The Northport Village Council convened a special meeting on January 12, 2024, to address a budget proposal for new staffing positions, specifically a Full-Time Treasurer and a Part-Time Administrative Assistant. Village Manager Jim Dyer presented a comprehensive plan to justify the immediate need for these roles, highlighting the addition of approximately one full-time equivalent employee to the current staff. The estimated budget for these positions is around $75,000, with funding sourced from existing budget allocations and projected savings and increased revenue. The proposal aims to fill these positions swiftly to address administrative shortages and support potential economic development initiatives.

The council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the proposed positions, focusing on aspects such as working hours, benefits, workspace availability, and job descriptions. Concerns were raised about the timing and transparency of the meeting, as well as the financial implications of the new roles. Despite some reservations, the council voted to accept the proposals with amendments to the Treasurer’s job description, emphasizing the role’s support to the Village Council and its committees. The motion passed with a 6-1 vote, with Trustee Cook dissenting due to skepticism about the necessity of a full-time treasurer position.

The meeting concluded with no public comments, and Trustee Cook expressed concerns about the workload justification for the full-time treasurer role. The council’s decision reflects a commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency and supporting community growth, while also considering the financial sustainability of the new positions into the 2024-25 fiscal year without increasing property tax rates.