Council questions Erie Area Council of Governments budget and several personnel pay changes

Council reviewed a range of administrative and personnel items, focusing on the Erie Area Council of Governments (COG) annual budget and several staffing and budget adjustments.

A council member said the COG budget showed over 50% wages and flagged outdated website material and reduced municipal engagement, urging the body to bring the executive director for discussion rather than approving the budget without further review. “I’m starting to wonder what kind of results we’re getting,” the council member said, asking that the item be kept in committee until the county can speak with the executive director.

On personnel changes, council considered a $41,618 supplemental appropriation to eliminate an assistant public defender position and create a trial chief deputy. That item received limited discussion and was moved forward. Members also debated an ordinance changing a county executive department position from full time to part time, during which speakers noted the hourly rate effectively increases (one speaker said the hourly pay would rise from $14.82 to $28) though annualized amounts and fringe savings were discussed.

Council also reviewed a proposal to eliminate an internet/social media position and create a community engagement officer within the administration with a reported $85,000 annual salary; members questioned the amount and whether core IT services (including council IT and board of elections) would be preserved. “$85,000 does seem astronomical, to be honest with you,” a council member said, and members asked for further definition of duties and potential amendments to the pay amount.

Several members suggested tabling or keeping items in committee to bring in staff and ensure transparency about duties, compensation and oversight before final votes. The personnel and budget items were discussed and several measures were moved forward for subsequent consideration.