Emporians had a chance to visit one-on-one with city administrators, department heads and commissioners on Thursday evening. A number of them took full advantage of the opportunity.
Residents began conversations with city officials before Thursday night’s public Q&A event began at the White Auditorium Little Theater. City Manager Trey Cocking says he fielded a lot of questions about budgetary policy, personnel matters and snow removal — much like he has been handling for the last month. Cocking says there have been frustrations across the board on snow and ice removal.
Cocking says the city is considering snow removal adjustments, including staffing, snow routes, “when to surge in” at the start of a given event and whether to attempt clearing more streets. That plan could be presented to city commissioners soon. Those conversations come as the city has spent its allotted budget for snow removal, but Cocking assures residents the city will treat and clear as needed for the rest of the season — which could include snowfalls next week.
Besides snow removal concerns, Mayor Erren Harter has had a range of conversation topics over the last month.
The format — similar to booth vendors — and engagement level were noticeably different from a more traditional forum-style event used last year. Assistant City Manager Tayler Wash was pleased to see the turnout and the conversations that unfolded. She says ongoing conversations about civic engagement led to the event in the first place.
Besides Cocking and Wash, Deputy City Manager Mark Detter attended, as well as most city commissioners and department heads. Wash says plans for the next Q&A with City Officials event will involve an all-staff discussion soon, while Harter says these events are good because they bring up ideas for potential policy adjustments or additions.
