Jamestown City Hall. P-J file photo

Amendments to the 2024 executive budget are expected to be brought forward during next week’s voting session of the Jamestown City Council.

No specific changes were announced, and only two people spoke on the mayor’s $40.15 million budget plan, during a public hearing held Monday evening in City Council chambers.

Doug Champ, a city resident and frequent attendee of council meetings, read aloud a portion of the city’s charter, which he said is the “keystone to what the budget process is about.”

Champ claimed the charter has not been followed in the budget’s rollout prior to a vote by the City Council. He noted the “planning process” that should be held involving various groups, including the dormant Strategic Planning Commission, with additional input from the council.

“Follow the charter,” Champ said. “If you don’t follow the charter, then what good is the charter? So I would hope, now that we have someone very well-experienced in finance coming on board by the election process, that these voids be filled.”

Champ said the city also should use American Rescue Plan Act funds toward certain purchases, such as new police vehicles, or to demolish derelict properties.

Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At Large, noted that the city Municipal Building has a leak in its roof.

“I would like to see money put into that roof so we don’t have it leaking into the fifth floor anymore,” he said. “I think that’s more of a priority than buying a car right now or some of the other things that you listed.”

Councilwoman Marie Carrubba, D-Ward IV, said she supported Russell’s comments on the building’s roof.

“I’ve been complaining for years about the roof, the leaks, especially downstairs as you’re coming off of Prendergast Avenue,” she said.

Carrubba said Champ was right about the Strategic Planning Commission, which has not met while Mayor Eddie Sundquist has been in office.

Scott Axelson also spoke during Monday’s public hearing on the 2024 budget. He cautioned the transferring of the city-owned Russell E. Diethrick Park to SUNY Jamestown Community College as part of a major renovation effort the college has been eyeing for several years.

“I don’t understand why the city would want to give up an asset unless that place needs a huge amount of money to be put into it,” he said. “I mean, it’s a great stadium.”

City Council President Tony Dolce, R-Ward II, clarified that the transfer is not part of next year’s budget. No formal action on the stadium has been taken by the city.

Councilwoman Kim Ecklund, R-At Large, said amendments to the budget will be brought forward during next Monday’s voting session.