Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever took to the podium during Tuesday’s city council meeting to provide a snapshot of her objectives and goals over the next several months.
According to Dever’s employment contract, she is required to provide the council with “specific, measurable performance goals” within 60 days of taking over the helm at City Hall.
“I just completed my first two months with the city, and I’m happy to report that I still wake up every morning excited to come to work,” she laughed.
Dever presented the council with six goals that she says are aligned with the city’s strategic priorities.
City Finances
Because voters will be faced with two bond questions in November, Dever said her top objective is working closely and quickly with Finance Director Gerry Matherne to ensure that the overdue FY ‘24 and ‘25 annual audits are completed and reported to credit agencies.
“We need to get this done in order “to re-establish the city’s credit rating,” Dever said, pointing out that a better credit rating will have a positive impact on the interest payments if voters approve $26 million in borrowing for sewer and recreation upgrades in November.
Dever also listed preparing the annual municipal budget as another objective, along with staff training for new software for Finance and Human Resources functions.
Dever also said she will provide monthly and quarterly financial reports to council.
Other strategic priorities identified by Dever include employee retention strategies, economic development and affordable housing.
Dever said she is hoping to reach an agreement on a three-year labor contract with police officers and she wants to have “fireside chats” with city employees in order to learn and understand their needs and ideas.
As spelled out in Dever’s contract, her goals and objectives will be reviewed and updated annually, serving as a basis for formal performance evaluations.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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