City Council — June 18, 2026

Discussion focused on the underfunding of snow removal and salt/sand supplies, the impact of the 2025 winter on reserves, and significant salary increases in the administration and garage due to new positions and contractual obligations. Councilors also questioned sidewalk budget allocations, noting that much of the work is captured in Chapter 90 programs. Councilors reviewed the public services budget section, including the cemetery (already approved) and other line items.

The department explained that budget increases were necessary for staffing, contractual obligations, and unforeseen maintenance needs like asbestos abatement. The Public Services budget was approved as proposed by the Mayor ($14,487,962).

Councilors questioned large increases in uniform costs and outside services. The department head explained that the uniform increase was due to a new professional clothing initiative and that outside service costs were driven by asbestos abatement and emergency equipment repairs.

The department provided justifications for the expenses, and councilors accepted the explanations.

Councilor Turco moved to eliminate the security position, noting it was originally ARPA-funded. However, the Mayor and several councilors argued that the position provides critical value through camera surveillance, risk assessment, and de-escalation training that benefits multiple city departments. Proponents argued the position provides essential crowd control, proactive security, and liability reduction for the city. Opponents argued the role is a 'nice-to-have' duplication of police functions and that duties could be absorbed by other departments to address budget constraints. The discussion pivoted toward finding ways to justify the position, such as expanding its scope to assist the police with video review or allocating its costs across the departments that benefit from its services.

The motion to reduce the line item for the facility security salary failed. A motion to reduce line 51110 (Facility Security Unit full-time salary) failed.

The Mayor will consult with the Police Chief regarding the possibility of the security officer assisting with the review of surveillance and body camera footage.

Councilors debated whether to fully fund a maintenance position or provide a partial budget to allow for a six-month hiring window. The superintendent noted that the current salary ordinance (~$74,666) is too low to attract applicants, suggesting a need to increase it to approximately $85,000. Councilor Corvo proposed cutting the telephone services line item by $1,000, noting an increase over the previous year. The superintendent explained that the line item covers internet services, which have increased in cost, though IT is working on better rates.

The council approved an amendment to reduce the line item by $32,333.03, effectively funding the position at approximately 50% of the proposed higher salary rate. The motion to reduce the line item by $1,000 failed in a roll call vote (3 to 8).

The department may return to the council with a request to increase the salary ordinance to a more competitive rate once they are ready to advertise.

The discussion focused on the impact of the new public safety building, school roofing, and the high school feasibility study on future debt. The Finance Director noted a projected $1.7 million increase in debt service for the next year and affirmed the city's AA3 bond rating from Moody's.

The debt service amount was approved.

The presentation covered the water and sewer funds, noting rising MWRA water purchase costs due to drought and PFAS regulations (GAC purchases and pilot studies). In recreation, debate arose regarding a vacant Golf Course Equipment Technician position and the skating rink lease expiring June 30, 2027. Water billing software issues paused the meter replacement project. A proposal was made to reduce the environmental engineer position. Councilor Hawkman questioned long-term 40B development impacts and the Rosslowe property acquisition.

A motion to reduce the unstaffed Golf Course Equipment Technician position by approximately $37,333 (50% reduction) was introduced. The Mayor suggested a dedicated discussion on the rink's future. The council approved a reduction of $80,742 from the environmental engineer salary line item (10-1). The total Water and Sewer Enterprise fund of $23,409,144 was approved (11-0). The Recreation Enterprise account for $2,942,359.97 was approved (10-0).

The topic of the skating rink will be referred to the ad hoc committee on golf and skating rink. The Mayor will provide a timeline on water billing catch-up.

Councilor Corvo proposed cutting $72,648 by eliminating a benefits manager position, arguing that vendors could handle more tasks. The Mayor and several Councilors strongly opposed this, arguing the HR department is already a skeleton crew of three managing 1,500 employees and that cutting staff would be 'catastrophic' for benefits administration and civil service compliance.

The motion to eliminate the benefits manager position failed with a 9-2 vote; the original General Government budget of $6,440,608.17 was subsequently re-approved 10-1.

The administration presented several transfers to cover deficits or move surpluses before the June 30th deadline. This included transfers for police/fire medicals, recreation enterprise funds, cemetery headstone restoration via CPC, and returning vital records funds to historic preservation.

All proposed transfers, including the $1,926,202 general budget transfer and various enterprise and CPC transfers, were approved by 11-0 votes.