Oneida City Council Expands City Manager's Authority

New measures give City Manager Kyle Lovell oversight of public safety and fiscal control

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Oneida Common Council voted to expand City Manager Kyle Lovell's authority, abolishing the city's public safety officer position and transferring oversight of the fire and police departments to Lovell. The council also voted to name Lovell as acting comptroller and chief fiscal officer for 90 days to facilitate a major bond issuance for a wastewater treatment plant expansion project.

Why it matters

The changes aim to streamline city government by consolidating leadership and oversight under the city manager. However, the police chief has raised concerns about how the new structure defines the position responsible for daily operations. The fiscal measures are necessary to secure long-term financing for critical infrastructure upgrades.

The details

The council voted 5-0 to abolish the public safety officer position and transfer oversight of the fire and police departments to City Manager Kyle Lovell. This gives Lovell authority over hiring, firing, discipline, and union negotiations for public safety personnel. The council also voted 5-0 to name Lovell as acting comptroller and chief fiscal officer for 90 days to facilitate a $50 million bond issuance for a wastewater treatment plant expansion project.

  • The council voted on the changes during its meeting on February 3, 2026.
  • A public comment period was held on February 17, 2026.
  • Lovell's temporary role as acting comptroller begins on March 3, 2026 and ends on June 1, 2026.

The players

Kyle Lovell

The City Manager of Oneida, who will now have expanded authority over public safety and fiscal matters.

Rick Rossi

The Mayor of Oneida, who supported the changes along with the Common Council.

Steven Lowell

The Oneida City Police Chief, who expressed concerns about the changes during the public comment period.

Nadine Bell

The Oneida City Attorney, who provided legal analysis on the language of the local law.

Thomas Simchik

The Oneida Deputy Mayor, who stated the public safety officer position worked better 50 years ago.

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What they’re saying

“Oversight, discipline, administrative review and fiscal control now operate within a unified chain of command. Clarity in leadership reduces conflict and strengthens accountability.”

— Kyle Lovell, City Manager (oneidadispatch.com)

“My job will be to handle hirings, firings, and discipline. I'll also handle union negotiations, but I've been doing that anyway.”

— Kyle Lovell, City Manager (oneidadispatch.com)

“The public safety officer position worked better fifty years ago. Now we just have one less obstacle to communicating among departments and getting things done.”

— Thomas Simchik, Oneida Deputy Mayor (oneidadispatch.com)

What’s next

The changes to the city manager's authority will take effect after a formal filing with New York's Secretary of State.

The takeaway

The Oneida City Council's moves to consolidate public safety and fiscal oversight under the city manager aim to streamline local government, but have raised some concerns about the new chain of command and potential impacts on daily operations.