Worcester City Council on Tuesday held its annual evaluation of City Manager Eric Batista, praising his overall leadership, but also noting several challenges New England’s second largest city faces.
Batista oversees all municipal operations, including the police department. The council’s assessment of his work throughout the past year came as tensions across the community remain high over the city’s response to a federal immigration operation last month that turned chaotic. Many residents have called on Batista to increase police accountability and be more responsive to their concerns.
During their meeting Tuesday, councilors acknowledged that the last several months have been difficult due to political divisions and economic uncertainty. But they credited Batista with helping Worcester navigate those threats.
“I really am confident with the city manager and his administration that with everyone working together in an open, transparent way, we can continue to move the city in an inclusive, efficient and sustainable direction,” Councilor Jenny Pacillo said.
Council members agreed that Batista’s fiscal management of Worcester has been especially impressive. Morris Bergman noted the city’s bond rating has remained high, and “budget preparation has never been better.”
Shootings and youth violence have also decreased, councilors added. And although the city’s homeless population has hit a record high, they said that’s due to factors affecting the entire country that are beyond Batista’s control. They complimented him with listening to housing and homeless advocates and making progress toward opening more shelters.
“I think you’re a very strong problem-solver here,” said Mayor Joseph Petty, who chairs the council. “And I buy your willingness to take accountability for any shortcomings.”
Batista is in his third year as city manager. He is on pace to earn over $300,000 annually after the City Council gave him a new three-year contract late last year.
Despite councilors’ overall approval of his performance, several members noted that neighborhoods continue to experience longstanding problems with litter across streets and sidewalks. And they called on Batista to do more to improve road conditions and help small businesses thrive.
Some councilors also critiqued his management of the Worcester Human Rights Commission and asked that he engage with residents more. Councilor Khrystian King said he’s worried that some of Batista’s recent decisions to increase security around City Hall are restricting public access.
“You gotta sign your name in to come into City Hall,” King said. “I don’t do that when I go to the State House, and it’s a bit much.”
Residents and Councilor Etel Haxhiaj also raised concerns about Batista’s recent handling of the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation of Worcester police.
The police department has said it’s enhancing officer training in response to the federal findings that officers use excessive force and engage in “outrageous” behavior. But during the public comment period of the meeting, Worcester resident Fred Nathan argued that the report will continue to hang over the city as long as officials don’t do more to respond.
Haxhiaj added she’s found Batista’s reaction to the DOJ report and the recent federal immigration operation on Eureka Street to be dismissive of residents’ concerns.
“I have heard from many community members that they have not felt heard or believed as a result,” Haxhiaj said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement in these areas.”
Toward the end of the meeting Tuesday, Batista thanked councilors for their feedback and told them “he has a lot of homework.”
Among the issues he said he’s grappling with is the threat of federal funding cuts facing cities across the country. He added his decision-making may not always be perfect, but he aims for Worcester to be the “best managed city in the country.”
“We got to do what we can to achieve that and hold ourselves accountable to that,” he said.
