Manchester Aldermen Approve Shift Of Parking Division To Police Department

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester's Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Tuesday to approve a government reorganization that will move the city's Parking Division from the Finance Department to the Manchester Police Department.

The change is part of a broader effort outlined by Mayor Jay Ruais in his Inaugural Address to streamline city government by strengthening efficiencies while increasing oversight and accountability "to protect Manchester taxpayers." The reorganization also creates room within the Finance Department to establish a centralized purchasing division.

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The city said the transfer "naturally aligns with the enforcement functions of the Police Department." It also described the new purchasing structure as "a key government reform initiative designed to better leverage our city's purchasing power and save taxpayer dollars."

Mayor Jay Ruais included a statement in the release after the board approved the move.

"I want to thank the Board of Aldermen for approving this move, which, when combined with our other efforts, will create a more transparent, efficient, effective, and accountable city government," Ruais said. "This reorganization advances that initiative by better aligning City operations while allowing us to implement centralized purchasing, one of the more important operational reforms we have undertaken. This will improve the way our government operates while delivering greater value for Manchester taxpayers."

The reorganization builds on other initiatives Ruais has outlined and that were recently approved. The city listed the creation of a central purchasing position, restoring the charter-mandated independent city auditor, and approving "a comprehensive 12-month program" among those efforts.