Written By Caleb Brown (News Director)
Pottsville City Council voted on whether or not to appoint FSL Public Finance to serve as an Interim City Financial Advisor for the City. However, concerns over an unknown cost breakdown saw three councilmembers vote to table the issue.
The resolution was proposed by Councilman John Marsh. Councilman Scott Price raised questions over whether the council received any kind of cost breakdown.
“No, we do not yet,” Marsh answered before stating, “That’s why it’s at an interim basis, and it would be contingent upon our acceptance of their terms.”
Marsh would then go on to further describe the services FSL provides, including money management for municipalities, ensuring budget forecasts are accurate, deciding where to put city cash for best use in the city, educational services, and capital improvements.
“We desperately need someone like this,” Marsh said.
Despite this, Price made a motion to table the subject until a cost breakdown could be provided and made public. Marsh responded by stating, “The reason that we’re moving quickly is because they’re willing to do work that’s necessary now.”
Mayor Tom Smith would join the discussion in support of the resolution, saying, “We’re at a critical point here in the city that if we don’t get things corrected, we’ve basically been living paycheck to paycheck for years. We’re now trying to reconcile and putting something together that will get us on the right track. This company will do that.”
Next to speak was Councilman Andy Wollyung, who agreed as he said, “across the board” with Smith’s comments, but instead, raised concerns about not seeing any parameters about how much the city will be spending and the fact that this information was handed to council that night.
Discussions would then shift from questions about whether a monthly cap could be entered into the agreement and how FSL was vetted. According to the Interim City Solicitor, Gretchen Sterns was approached by Mayor Smith, expressing interest in appointing FSL.
Sterns admitted her surprise as FSL was a company she would have recommended. Marsh would also state that they have experience serving other local municipalities.
“Seems like they do good work, and it seems like something that’s needed. My concern is the cost and viewing a cost breakdown. I don’t think that’s an unfair statement,” Price said. Price would follow this up and continue his motion to table the subject.
Before voting commenced, Councilwoman Dorothy Botto asked for city employees involved with city finances, including the City Treasurer Taryn Dragna, who said they were not informed about the proposal. When voting began, she said, “I’m a little concerned when we don’t have our city Treasurer knowing about it.”
Ultimately, the motion for tabling was successful with Botto, Price, and Wollyung voting in favor.