Newton City Council and Committee of the Whole (FY27 Budget Deliberations) - May 26, 2026

• Date: May 26, 2026
• Governing Body: Newton City Council and Committee of the Whole
• Meeting Type: FY27 Budget Deliberations (Final Night)
• Attendees: President John Oliver, Vice President David Kalis, Finance Chair Rebecca Walker Grossman, Vice Chair Martha Bixby, Mayor Marc C. Laredo, COO Josh Morse, CFO Maureen Lemieux, Comptroller Mr. Curley, and Councilors Albright, Baker, Block, Charm, Dahmubed, Farrell, Getz, Golden, Gordon, Greenberg, Irish, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Roche, Silber, and Wright.

The Council discussed a new resolution to provide the City Council with access to independent outside legal representation.

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Councilor Kelley introduced the resolution, noting that 23 of 24 councilors had signed on.
  • Councilor Farrell questioned if an ordinance change was required under City Charter Section 2-8. Councilor Baker and Councilor Krintzman clarified that while the Council can establish staff positions, the primary hurdle has historically been funding.
  • Councilor Lucas proposed a friendly amendment to strike the word 'ethically' from the third 'whereas' clause regarding the Law Department's inability to represent both sides; however, Councilor Baker explained that the term refers to the professional code of conduct regarding conflicts of interest.
  • President Oliver indicated a working group would be formed to determine the process for utilizing the $46,000 allocated for this purpose.
• Action: The resolution passed by a vote of 23-0.

The Council addressed Budget Resolution #1 regarding the ADA Coordinator position and Budget Resolution #6 regarding Law Department funding.

• ADA Coordinator Relocation:
  • The administration agreed to the Council's recommendation to move the ADA Coordinator position from the Law Department to the Health and Human Services Department.
  • Financial Adjustments:
    • Subtracted $97,304 from Law Department full-time salaries (Account 0110851-511001).
    • Added $22,304 to Law Department Legal Services (Account 0110851).
    • Added $75,000 to HHS full-time salaries (Account 0150104-511001).
• Budget Resolution #6: The administration rejected the proposal to move 2% of the Law Department's budget to the Clerk's office but expressed willingness to continue the conversation.
• Votes:
  • Law Department Budget ($2,272,969): Approved 23-0.
  • HHS Department Budget ($5,852,377): Approved 23-0.

The Council reviewed Budget Resolution #2 concerning Planning Department staffing and economic development.

• Discussion:
  • COO Morse stated the administration would not add new positions until the vacant Planning Director and Deputy Chief Planner roles are filled. The search for a Director is expected to conclude by the end of June.
  • Councilor Roche expressed disappointment, arguing that the current budget is insufficient to address structural revenue challenges and lacks specialized economic development expertise.
  • Councilor Farrell and Councilor Baker emphasized the need for a long-term vision for commercial growth.
• Action: The Planning Department budget of $2,499,301 was approved by a vote of 19-4.
  • No Votes: Councilors Albright, Dahmubed, Greenberg, and Roche.

The Council addressed Budget Resolution #3 regarding the rain barrel program and voted on various DPW funds.

• Rain Barrel Program: The administration declined to restart the program due to low historical demand but committed to expanding water conservation information on the city website.
• Votes:
  • General Fund DPW ($37,294,127): Approved 23-0.
  • Water Fund ($29,960,345): Approved 22-1 (Councilor Roche opposed due to irrigation rates).
  • Sewer Fund ($36,594,717): Approved 23-0.
  • Stormwater Fund ($8,039,009): Approved 23-0.

The Council reviewed Budget Resolutions #4 and #5 regarding school transportation.

• Bus Fees (Resolution #4): The administration declined to reduce the $465 bus fee, noting it generates over $1 million in revenue essential for school services.
• EV Buses (Resolution #5): The administration committed to continuing the search for a centralized bus depot to support the transition to electric vehicles.
• Discussion: Councilor Micley expressed opposition to the budget due to a lack of financial commitment to removing smartphones from schools.
• Action: The NPS budget of $314,574,126 was approved by a vote of 22-1-1.
  • No Vote: Councilor Micley.
  • Abstention: Councilor Roche.

The Council took final action on the long-term capital plan and retiree benefits.

• CIP FY27-31: The Capital Improvement Plan and Supplemental CIP (Docket 1-26 and 154-26) were approved unanimously (24-0).
• Retiree COLA Base (Item 152-26): Approved an increase to the retiree cost of living adjustment base from $15,000 to $16,000 in FY27, $17,000 in FY28, and $18,000 in FY29. Approved 24-0.

The Council conducted a final roll call vote on the total FY27 Municipal and School Operating Budget.

• Total Approved Amount: $658,336,666.
• General Fund: $578,639,777.
• Community Preservation Fund: $5,102,818.
• Reconsideration: Following an initial unanimous vote, Councilor Roche requested reconsideration to change his vote to 'No'. The Council voted 22-2 to reconsider, and the final vote was taken.
• Final Roll Call Vote (22-2):
  • Ayes: Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Charm, Dahmubed, Farrell, Getz, Golden, Gordon, Greenberg, Grossman, Irish, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lucas, Malakie, Silber, Wright, Oliver.
  • Nays: Micley, Roche.

Mayor Marc C. Laredo addressed the Council, thanking them for their collaboration. He highlighted the 'game-changer' impact of the pension obligation bond and the new retirement funding structure. He noted that the administration's acceptance of the Council's suggestion regarding the ADA Coordinator demonstrated a healthy, collaborative budgeting process. Planning for the FY28 budget is slated to begin in the summer of 2026.