City Manager Tom Ambrosino presented a $174 million City Budget to the Council this week, proposing a spending increase of approximately $10 million ahead of the May 7 meeting for consideration.
The budget proposal is relatively austere, establishing just two new positions while directing additional funding toward the School Department and covering final-year pay increases mandated by several union agreements.
As presented, the budget carries a $790,000 shortfall that Ambrosino indicated would be manageable to address over the coming months. “We continue our improvements in the downtown and our support for the schools,” he said. “We have created two new positions in the DPW, one in the Water Department and a Junior Engineer.”
Unlike the previous two years—when the Fire Department received record staffing additions through federal and local grants—neither Police nor Fire will see new positions this budget cycle. “There are not new positions in those departments this year,” he said. “We’ll maintain the current contingents.”
The Police Department currently maintains 111 officers, while the Fire Department operates with just under 100 firefighters.
Fixed cost increases account for health insurance, waste collection and disposal, and retirement system contributions.
The two new positions address growth and water infrastructure needs, according to Ambrosino. A junior engineer will support the city’s ongoing projects, while a Water Department position will serve as a public liaison to address concerns related to the city’s problematic water meters.
Ambrosino noted that he has directed the Department to pursue new water meters; in the interim, the new employee will help resolve customer complaints. “The City is looking into new water meters because our existing meters are old and not functioning well,” he said.
Regarding the School Department, Ambrosino explained an additional $1 million allocation was approved on top of the $1 million provided last year, bringing total school funding to 5 percent above state requirements. He cautioned, however, that this level of support cannot be sustained indefinitely. “There is a balancing act in how much a City can contribute to the School Department without putting its own budget out of whack,” he said.
State funding comprises the bulk of School Department revenue, with the city required to contribute a mandated share through state formula calculations. The required municipal contribution this year totals $91.2 million, though the city has exceeded this obligation for the past three years.
Upon receiving the budget submission Monday, Council President Damali Vidot will arrange comprehensive budget hearings throughout May and June. Council approval must be secured by June 30.