Loomis welcomes Amy Chilton as new finance director to streamline operations

The Loomis Town Council convened on March 12, 2024, to discuss several key updates and initiatives aimed at improving town operations and community engagement. The meeting began with the introduction of Amy Chilton, the new finance director, who officially started her role on March 11. With over 24 years of experience in fiscal management, including budget development and grant management, Chilton expressed her enthusiasm for public service and her commitment to the town.

Following the introduction, the council reviewed ongoing efforts to enhance community branding. Town staff, in collaboration with the economic development committee, is developing a branding strategy to promote Loomis similarly to major businesses. This branding concept, along with a proposed tagline, will be presented to the council for public input in the future.

A significant topic of discussion was the building plan review process, which has been identified as a challenge for local businesses. The council announced improvements to streamline this process, including a commitment to complete the first plan review within 12 days of submission and subsequent reviews within 10 days. To facilitate this, a pre-submittal checklist will be established to ensure all necessary documents are included, reducing delays caused by incomplete submissions.

Additionally, the council discussed staffing adjustments within the finance department. The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency by combining roles and responsibilities, allowing for better oversight and support for development projects. This change is expected to improve invoicing and cost recovery for development services.

The meeting concluded with an announcement of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Master Gardener project at the local library, scheduled for March 27, inviting community members to participate.

Overall, the council's discussions highlighted a proactive approach to addressing community needs and improving operational efficiency, setting a positive tone for future developments in Loomis.