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increase public engagement and release additional records to the public on the Council archives <br /> portal. <br /> Vice President Kepple thanked Clerk Bach for the leadership that has been portrayed with the <br /> budget for e-comment and outreach tools. <br /> President Litten and Clerk Bach discussed the personnel line item and office staffing. Although <br /> office staff will receive an increase, the budget reflects a decrease due to an adjustment in the <br /> hours budgeted for the Deputy Clerk. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed his appreciation for the yearly steady increase in public <br /> engagement and transparency. He mentioned advocated for more investment in communications. <br /> Vice President Kepple highlighted the importance of public access and participation and <br /> provided some examples of ways to expand this with new technology city-wide. <br /> Mayor's Office <br /> Mayor George <br /> Mayor George presented the Mayor's Office budget, stating that it is mostly in line with last <br /> year's budget and reflects a return to normal post-pandemic operations. She mentioned that the <br /> current staff level would be maintained, and that staff would receive a 3% salary increase. <br /> She noted that her travel budget would be reduced based on the number of meetings that she <br /> anticipated attending outside of the County. She explained that she has established a personal <br /> policy of not seeking mileage reimbursement for travel within Cuyahoga County. <br /> Mayor George explained that the Office of Community Relations falls under her purview and <br /> briefly explained its role in community engagement and outreach. She highlighted an increase in <br /> social media followers and e-newsletter subscribers. <br /> In response to a question, Mayor George explained that city communications are managed by a <br /> combination of in-house staff and an outside contractor, and that the communications plan is <br /> somewhat fluid. The outside contractor is budgeted as part of the general administrative services <br /> line item and does not come out of the mayor's budget <br /> Through discussion it was mentioned that the Community Relations Specialist has had a title <br /> change to better reflect her work. <br /> Budget Q&A <br /> Councilmember Bullock inquired about the Land Acquisition Fund and asked if the <br /> administration had plans to make any purchases of land in 2023. <br /> 4 <br />