Butler may host community input sessions where residents can share with city officials how they would like to see money used from the sale of the Butler Area Sewer Authority to Pennsylvania American Water Company.

On Thursday, May 11, Butler City Council heard a presentation from representatives of Baird, formerly Hefren-Tillotson, regarding advice for the city’s share of the $231.5 being split between Butler and Butler Township following the payments of debts. The sale is being evaluated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for approval.

Tom Edwards, an adviser with Baird, said the firm will work with city officials to manage the money and put it into reliable accounts, and even help place the money into short-term investments the day it is received.

Edwards also said that as a Butler-born resident of the city, he understands how the money could be used to best help improve the area. Additionally, the financial adviser the city ends up choosing will be a continuing partner for many years to come.

“That advising policy will be the guiding light on which all future councils rely,” Edwards said. “You and your successors will continue to work with the same people.”

Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy said he would like to speak with city residents about their hopes for the money prior to choosing one of the four financial advisers who spoke to council over the past four meetings. The advisers are PNC, NexTier Bank, Edward Jones and Baird.

Dandoy said he would like all council members and department heads to be present, so residents could discuss specific ideas with the correct department.

“If we did something like have that open house type of atmosphere,” Dandoy said. “I’d like to do it over the summer sometime.”

Councilman Don Shearer also said he is concerned about being ready on the day the money is received.

“I want to make sure we have not just somebody in place, but that there is a strategy in place for Day One,” Shearer said.

Dandoy said council will continue to have discussions about the financial advisers over the next few meetings before any decision is made on selecting one.