Black Diamond council is meeting fewer times in the new year with plans to increase efficiency and cut costs.
Last fall, council agreed to reduce its monthly meetings from three to two, scheduling them the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. and the third Wednesday at 9 a.m. effective 2020.
Black Diamond council meetings previously took place both Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A daytime meeting also took place monthly on Tuesdays.
“It’s been proven over the last several months, and even the last year, that we don’t always have a full agenda for the three meetings,” said Goodwin. “We don’t have enough to justify and qualify for an evening meeting.”
Goodwin said the evening meetings cost more to hold, as they require at least two staff members to attend.
“During the evening meetings we pay overtime to the CAO and recording staff member,” said Goodwin, adding other staff members are sometimes required to attend. “We’re just attempting to make it a little bit more efficient. We have to adapt to meet the needs and expectations of our community in being fiscally responsible.”
Goodwin said she expects the change won’t impact public attendance, which she said is currently low.
