Pottsville City Council has appointed FSL Public Finance as the city's independent financial adviser and grant-writing consultant following a divided vote that included debate over transparency, competitive bidding, the city's financial condition and whether the arrangement duplicates services already being performed. The resolution initially called for FSL to serve as the city's exclusive independent financial adviser and grant-writing consultant. Marsh also said FSL's familiarity with the city's financial condition was particularly valuable as Pottsville works through its current financial challenges. At the time, Marsh argued that the city's financial circumstances required outside expertise, while Price, Wollyung and Botto voted to table the appointment. The request followed months of debate over the city's financial condition, its use of outside consultants and how financial and grant-writing services should be selected.