Finance Committee defers Chief of Staff proposal without budget details
Finance Committee approved a five-year contract authorization for the police department's policy management system and step placements for four department heads while deferring the proposed Chief of Staff position pending detailed budget analysis. Mayor Michael Nicholson sought the police contract
Finance Committee · Meeting of April 14, 2026
GARDNER — Finance Committee approved a five-year contract authorization for the police department's policy management system and step placements for four department heads while deferring the proposed Chief of Staff position pending detailed budget analysis. Mayor Michael Nicholson sought the police contract to secure favorable vendor pricing; the Committee voted unanimously to recommend it to the full City Council. Chair Dernalowicz and Councillors Heglin and Mack questioned the Chief of Staff proposal's necessity, overlap with the existing Executive Aide role, and funding sources, with Mack requesting a separate job description for a standalone Facilities Manager position.
Steps were approved for Jason Stevens, Michael Ellis, Joshua Cormier, and Niqui Lavoillette under the city's compensation ordinance. Water rate increases, health insurance costs projected at 12.5 percent increase, facility management discussions, and multiple other matters were continued for further study.
In the full story:
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Source: the Finance Committee meeting of April 14, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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