City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 10/19/26 | City of Reading, PA

The City Council Committee of the Whole’s October 19, 2026 meeting focused on review of Reading’s proposed 2027 budget, including Finance, Purchasing, IT, Human Resources, self-insurance, and the Solicitor’s Office. Procurement-related budget changes included ending the Purchasing division’s OpenGov subscription, budgeting to reengage a finance consultant, and setting aside $7,500 for potential costs related to the city’s TCM software implementation. IT reorganized expense categories, with approximately $1.05 million budgeted for dues and subscriptions covering software, telecommunications, and internet services; officials said the changes largely reclassified existing spending. The city also plans to issue an RFP for a weight-loss management program for employees using GLP-1 medications, with $150,000 budgeted for benefits consulting and an estimated program cost of about $145 per active participant per month. The proposed budget includes expansion of the Samsara vehicle camera and telematics system, which officials said had helped avoid more than $130,000 in liability claims.

Council reviewed upcoming agenda items, including Bill 85-2026, addressing the Republic Services solid-waste contract and increasing the annual user fee from $395.91 to $413.87 per unit in 2027; officials described a $17.90 annual increase and a temporary adjustment to recycling and trash charges. Bill 86-2026 would authorize a $27,000 budget amendment for IT communications expenses, and Bill 87-2026 would revise police lateral-transfer qualifications. These items were discussed for later council consideration; no votes or contract awards occurred during this meeting. Council also requested financial models showing the effects of potential property-tax increases and wage scenarios, and discussed proposed updates to procedures for council commendations and other requests.