FAQ: Special Election on January 28, 2025

FAQ: Special Election on January 28, 2025

On January 28, 2025, Holyoke voters will participate in a special election to decide whether the City Treasurer should continue to be an elected position or become a position appointed by the City Council. This document provides answers to common questions and explains the context and rationale behind the ballot question.

1. What is the purpose of the special election?

The special election asks Holyoke voters to determine whether the City Treasurer should be elected by voters or appointed by the City Council. This decision is part of a broader effort to improve financial and administrative operations within the city, based on recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

2. Why is this question being proposed?

This effort has widespread support among the branches of our government: Mayor Joshua Garcia, current City Treasurer Rory Casey, and Holyoke’s City Council support this measure as part of a series of financial and administrative changes aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and expertise in city government.

The Department of Revenue recommends appointing key financial positions to ensure they are filled by individuals with specific qualifications and experience, which is crucial for managing municipal finances effectively.

3. What are the benefits of appointing the City Treasurer?

• Professional Qualifications: An appointed City Treasurer would be selected based on their financial expertise, educational background, and professional experience, ensuring the city’s financial management is in capable hands.
• Accountability: Similar to the appointments of the City’s Auditor, Tax Collector and Assessor, an appointed treasurer would report directly to the Mayor and be available to the City Council, providing clear oversight and performance expectations.
• Consistency: Appointing a treasurer ensures continuity and reduces the risk of frequent turnover due to elections, which can disrupt long-term financial planning and stability.
• Alignment with Best Practices: Many Massachusetts municipalities have moved to an appointed model for financial officers, following state guidance to ensure efficient and effective governance.

4. How does the current system work?

Under the current system, the City Treasurer is elected by Holyoke voters every four years. While this allows for public input, there is no requirement for candidates to have specific financial expertise or knowledge of municipal finance, which can limit the city’s ability to address complex financial challenges.

5. Will this change affect transparency?

No. Transparency remains a priority regardless of whether the position is elected or appointed. The City Treasurer’s responsibilities, including managing city funds and issuing financial reports, will continue to be subject to public oversight and auditing processes.

6. How does this fit into other financial administrative changes?

This initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize Holyoke’s financial practices. Other recommendations from the Department of Revenue include improving financial reporting, streamlining operations, and adopting advanced financial management systems. In addition to this effort, the  Mayor and City Council have also been working together to create a Chief Administrative Financial Officer (CAFO), another key role that will be a part of the day-to-day oversight of our financial departments.  Appointing the Treasurer is one step toward ensuring these improvements are implemented effectively in a way that benefits our city’s long term financial health.

7. If this passes and the Treasurer becomes Appointed, when would this take effect?

The Treasurer in office on the effective date of this act will continue to hold office until the first Monday in February 2026, unless the position is sooner vacated. At that point the Council will appoint a new Treasurer based on qualifications and experience.

8. Is this a partisan issue?

No. This proposal has received  support from the Holyoke City Council, Mayor and current elected Treasurer. The goal is to improve the city’s financial health and administrative efficiency, which benefits all residents.

9. What happens if voters decide to keep the treasurer elected?

If voters choose to retain the elected model, the City Treasurer will continue to be chosen through municipal elections. However, the city may face challenges in implementing the Department of Revenue’s recommendations to strengthen financial operations.

The City Council will host informational sessions leading up to the election to answer questions and provide additional details. Dates and times for these sessions will be posted on the city’s website and shared through local media.

10. How can I learn more?

By reviewing previous annual audits  (click to review audits from the last 10 fiscal years), you can conclude that a lot of the material weaknesses are in the Treasurer’s office. It’s the reason why DLS has consistently recommended to the City that we change the position of Treasurer from elected to appointed and that the City hire a Chief Administrative Financial Officer (CAFO).

• click to see 2007 DLS report for Holyoke
• click to see 2007 Inspector General’s report for Holyoke
• click to see 2011 Inspector General’s report for Holyoke
• click to see 2015 DLS report for Holyoke
• click to see 2020 DLS report for Holyoke

11. How do I vote?

• Election Date: January 28, 2025
• Polling Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Polling Locations: Check your designated polling place on the City of Holyoke’s website or by contacting the City Clerk’s office.
• Voting Options: In-person and mail-in voting options are available. Contact the City Clerk’s office for more information on how to request a mail-in ballot.

This special election represents an important decision about the future of Holyoke’s financial leadership. We encourage all eligible voters to participate.