Quincy City Council: December 15, 2025.

Meeting Title: Quincy City Council: December 15, 2025 Meeting Date: December 15, 2025, at 12:00 AM Governing Body: Quincy City Council Type of Meeting: Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

Attendees:

• City Councillor Richard Ash
• City Councillor Jim Devine
• City Councillor Noel DiBona
• City Councillor William Harris
• City Councillor Nina Liang
• City Councillor David McCarthy
• City Councillor Dan Minton
• City Councillor Ian Cain (President)

Absent:

• City Councillor Scott Campbell

Mayor's Representative: Christopher Walker Director of Municipal Finance: Paul De La Barba Mayor: Thomas Koch

The public hearing commenced with a presentation from the Director of Municipal Finance, Paul De La Barba, followed by public comments.

• Median vs. Average Home Value: The median home value is used as a more accurate representation of single-family home values, as a small group of high-value homes can skew the average.
  • The average home value in Quincy is almost $37,000 higher than the median.
  • Approximately 75% of single-family home values fall between $500,000 and $800,000.
• FY26 Tax Rates:
  • Residential: $11.78 (up from $11.53 in FY25)
  • Commercial: $23.53 (up from $23.01 in FY25)
• Tax Levy: The FY26 tax levy is $334,912,440.
• Median Home Tax Increase:
  • Increase: $551.95
  • Percentage Increase: 7.6%
  • This is in line with the goal of being at or below the statewide average increase of 8%. Boston's average single-family tax bill is increasing by 13.1%.
• Tax Increase by Assessment:
  • For homes valued at $500,000 to $600,000, the median yearly increase is $444.42, with a quarterly increase of $111.11.
  • For homes valued at $700,000, the annual increase is $521.31, with a quarterly increase of $130.33.
• Council Orders Related to Tax Rate:
  • Order 2025-140 (Reduction of FY26 Budget): Proposed reduction of $16.4 million.
    • $6.5 million from bond premium accounts (premium received when issuing notes with higher interest rates).
    • $6.9 million from grant monies.
    • $3 million from special revenue (proceeds from the sale of the IHOP parcel).
  • Order 2025-141 (Free Cash Usage): Proposed use of $2 million in certified free cash for tax relief.
    • Free cash is a state-certified calculation based on modified GASB-based accounting, representing operational surpluses minus fund deficits.
  • Order 2025-143 (Transfer for Special Revenue): Proposed transfer of $3 million from special revenue.
    • This $3 million is from the $7.4 million proceeds of the IHOP parcel sale, with a balance of $4.1 million remaining.
  • Order 2025-149 (Union Contract Funding): Proposed $6 million for union contract funding, intended for COLA adjustments for collective bargaining units.
• Pension Contribution:
  • The city is in communication with PRAC and DOR regarding pension costs.
  • It is anticipated that pension costs will be considerably lower after a new valuation in January.
  • Order 2025-142: Proposes appropriating $9.1 million to the pension stabilization account for FY26.
  • Order 2025-144: Authorizes an additional $7 million from the city stabilization account for FY26, if necessary, to meet DOR's requirement of having $16 million appropriated for retirement costs.
  • Any stabilization funds used will be replenished with free cash and new revenues.
  • The city allocated $475 million in FY2022 for pension.
• Excess Levy Capacity:
  • Estimated FY26 excess levy capacity: $23.97 million.
  • Quincy would rank 7th out of 297 reported municipalities in FY26 excess levy capacity.
  • Over the last 10 years, the city has left $326.4 million in untaxed levy.

• Joanne Collins, 88 Hillside Ave:
  • Expressed deep concern about rising tax burdens on homeowners and renters.
  • Questioned the city's financial management, citing a $3.5 million pension fund discrepancy and nearly half a billion dollars borrowed for pension shortfall.
  • Criticized continued spending on discretionary projects (e.g., statues, proposed art center at Moreau Building).
  • Asked if the city loses commercial tax payments if businesses are lost or converted due to projects, and how revenue loss would be offset.
  • Questioned the Mayor's proposed raise amidst taxpayer struggles.
  • Demanded transparency on cost-cutting plans, delayed spending, and reconsideration of priorities.
  • Stated, "If sacrifices are required, they should begin at the top and shared by everyone."
• Bill Samsel, 46 Tilden Circle:
  • Acknowledged the opportunity for public comment and the data provided by the finance director, but found the data "frightening."
  • Expressed concern about the $16 million budget cut mid-fiscal year (4% of the budget), suggesting a lack of foresight.
  • Worried about the proposed $9 million withdrawal from the pension stabilization fund, which should hold $25 million per the bond indenture.
  • Noted the pledge of $7 million from the city's general stabilization fund, which holds only $10.5 million, potentially leaving less than a 1% reserve.
  • Believed the Mayor "blinked" on the $16 million PARAC assessment, hoping the review would result in a lower cost.
  • Cited the COLA as an unfunded $11 million component of the assessment.
  • Expressed skepticism about relying on market performance for pension funding, recalling a 10% portfolio loss after the $475 million bond obligation.
  • Concluded that the city is "scrambling at the last minute" and depleting reserves, leading to a "perilous situation."
• Zhiqiang Shusheng Yuan, 8 Harvestland:
  • Criticized the late release of detailed agenda information, receiving an updated agenda only 30 minutes before the meeting.
  • Noted that six of 13 agenda items lacked financial details beyond titles, specifically mentioning Order 2025-140.
  • Stated, "There is no information about how much money is involved... But still, which areas are being reduced? and which funds and the programs are on the chopping block and which service will be affected. Those are all important details to be considered."
  • Reported being told no supplemental information was available from the City Clerk's office.
  • Questioned how councilors can vote responsibly without adequate time to analyze information and how the public can engage.
  • Strongly recommended that all supplemental materials be published online with the agenda to ensure transparency and public engagement.
• Ann Mahoney, 12 Ferreter Street:
  • Highlighted that key financial details were not shared until 6:30 PM on the night of the meeting.
  • Stated that appropriation amounts were not on the agenda, which is unusual and shows "disrespect for this council and also for the citizens of Quincy."
  • Argued that the $16 million pension obligation was known for a year but not properly budgeted.
  • Described reliance on free cash and last-minute transfers as "scrambling and unsustainable."
  • Warned that S&P and other rating agencies expect clarity and responsible fiscal management, and this approach signals the administration has "lost track of the city's finances."
  • Emphasized that residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear plan, not "last minute improvisation."
  • Stated, "The S&P will knock us down. We had time to look at this. You had over a year to talk about it. And we shouldn't be doing it here tonight, the last night."
• William Farrell, 43 Quarry Street:
  • Thanked the council and city for their work.
  • Argued that cutting small items like Christmas tree lighting or parades would not fix multi-million dollar budget issues.
  • Stated, "The issue is the multimillion dollar expenses that have been approved and the loans and things that have been approved."
  • Emphasized that community events contribute to Quincy being a "great place to live."
  • Urged the council to focus on "very large over expenditures" that make the city unaffordable.

The regular meeting commenced following the public hearing.

• Present: City Councillors Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, and President Cain. (8 members present)
• Absent: City Councillor Campbell.

• A moment of silence was observed.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

• Description: An appropriation of $8,802.39 from Ward 6 Mitigation Funds for Quincy Community Action Program Inc. (QCAP).
• Discussion:
  • Councillor Harris highlighted QCAP as a leading non-profit dedicated to reducing poverty and helping low-income residents achieve financial stability.
  • QCAP assists all wards in the city with services like fuel assistance and mental health support.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor Harris
  • Seconded by: Councillor McCarthy
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $3,386,510 to community preservation accounts.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor DiBona
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation for a $16,400,000 reduction of the FY26 budget.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor Ash inquired about the source and destination of the funds.
  • Director De La Barba clarified:
    • $6.5 million from bond premium.
    • $3 million from special revenue (IHOP parcel sale proceeds).
    • $6.9 million from grant funds.
  • Bond premium funds are generated when the city issues notes at a higher interest rate, allowing the premium to pay down debt service. This occurs when going to market for bond offerings.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $2,000,000 from free cash to reduce the tax rate.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor DiBona asked about the remaining free cash balance after this appropriation.
  • Mr. Walker stated this is the full certified amount of free cash. There may be an opportunity for recertification in coming months for additional free cash.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $9,100,000 to the pension bond stabilization account.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $3,000,000 transfer of special revenue to debt services.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor Ash confirmed this $3 million is from the IHOP sale proceeds.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Authorization of $7,000,000 from stabilization as a revenue placeholder.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor DiBona sought clarification on the "revenue placeholder."
  • Mr. Walker explained that DOR and PAREC require the city to show $16 million appropriated for retirement costs. This $7 million, combined with the $9.1 million from Order 2025-142, fulfills this requirement.
  • The $7 million will sit as a placeholder, with the expectation that a new actuarial study in January will show lower pension costs.
  • The current city stabilization fund holds approximately $9-10 million.
  • Future replenishment of the stabilization fund will come from free cash, new revenues, and budget adjustments.
  • Councillor Devine noted that the current pension valuation is two years old and asked if it could be updated more frequently. Mr. Walker stated the retirement board would need to approve such a change.
  • Councillor Ash asked about the timeline for a final decision on the pension number, with Mr. Walker expressing hope for January.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $1,500,000 from the hotel-motel tax. This is the first of two orders not related to the tax rate, but end-of-year financial orders.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Walker stated this appropriation provides Quincy 400 with some cost coverage for the current year and seed money for potential events next year.
  • Councillor Ash inquired about the status of private sponsorships from last year's events.
  • Mr. Walker confirmed that the city is still pursuing sponsorships and has received several hundred thousand dollars. Major sponsors included Cork Auto and Santander Bank.
  • Future concerts will depend on securing sufficient funding.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $1,500,000 from the hotel and motel tax to Quincy 400.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor Devine asked about the economic impact of city events.
  • Mr. Walker confirmed that a study is underway to determine the exact net economic benefit, which is estimated to be "well into the seven figures."
  • Events like concerts (8,000-9,000 attendees over two nights) and the Christmas tree lighting (5,000-6,000 attendees) significantly boost local businesses, including restaurants, bars, and gas stations.
  • The economic impact is a major reason for hosting these community events, which also foster civic pride and national recognition.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An appropriation of $150,000 for public buildings personnel for services and public buildings contractual.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Walker clarified this is a budgetary transfer, not an additional appropriation.
  • It moves funds from contractual services to personal services within the Public Buildings Department, allowing Commissioner Hines to utilize staff for more work instead of contracting it out.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor Devine
  • Seconded by: Councillor McCarthy
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.
• Note: President Cain thanked Commissioner Hines for his hard work.

• Description: An appropriation of $6,000,000 to various departments to fund contract settlements with city unions.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor DiBona sought clarification on the specific unions.
  • Mr. Walker stated this is inclusive of all collective bargaining units within the city. While not all contracts are settled, more than half are, including the Quincy Teachers (Quincy Education Association) and police patrolmen.
  • This amount covers the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all collective bargaining agreements, whether settled or pending, and will be retroactive to July 1st.
  • This approach avoids revealing the city's negotiating position during budget time.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Adopting a residential factor of 87.6332 for Fiscal Year 2026.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Adopting percentages of local tax by each class of real and personal property for Fiscal Year 2026.
• Discussion:
  • Councillor Ash inquired if the 7.6% median tax bill increase accounts for assessments, and if assessments and rates are run concurrently with the fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th).
  • Director De La Barba confirmed that the increase takes assessments into consideration and that all numbers align with the fiscal year.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: An order to amend the Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) for Parcels R2 and R3 (Hancock parking lot).
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Walker explained that this is a minor but substantive change to the LDA approved in 2020.
  • R3 Property: The site facing Hancock Street, where a project is currently being built.
  • R2 Property: The site where the skating rink is located, across from Quincy District Court and the Hancock Garage.
  • The amendment "extracts the master developer from R2," reverting the R2 parcel back to the city.
  • The city will determine the future use of R2. The developer is focused on the R3 project.
  • Councillor DiBona confirmed the locations of R2 and R3.
  • Councillor Ash asked about immediate plans for R2. Mr. Walker stated there are no immediate plans, given ongoing downtown projects.
  • Councillor Liang inquired about any fees incurred for the transaction. Mr. Walker confirmed there were none.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor Harris
  • Seconded by: Councillor McCarthy
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: A gift of $10,000 from the Colonial Federal Savings Bank Charitable Foundation.
• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconded by: Councillor Harris
• Vote:
  • For: Ash, Devine, DiBona, Harris, Liang, McCarthy, Minton, Cain (8 votes)
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Motion: To approve.
  • Moved by: Councillor DiBona
  • Seconded by: Councillor Liang
• Vote: All in favor.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Mayor Thomas Koch addressed the Council, extending well wishes to outgoing council members and thanking them for their service.
  • Councillor Nina Liang: Thanked for 10 years of cooperation, handling community meetings, and service.
  • Councillor Scott Campbell (absent): Acknowledged for his support of Quincy Public Schools, Boosters, Athletics, and the Hall of Fame.
  • Councillor David McCarthy: Thanked for being an outstanding ward councilor, staying on top of issues, and his work on the Maritime Center and seawall projects in Ward 1.
  • Councillor Ian Cain: Thanked for leadership in blockchain and high-tech initiatives (Cubic Lab), and the successful Furnacewood Golf Club project.
  • Councillor Jim Devine: Recognized as a "Woodfolk Councilor" for constituent-oriented work, including picking up mattresses and leading the effort on the Crown Colony overlay district for economic development.
  • Councillor Dan Minton: Thanked for his service as a police officer and bringing a public safety perspective to the Council, contributing to increased fire and police department complements.
  • Councillor William Harris: Thanked for 10 years of service, leadership on the Long Island Bridge issue, advocacy for the new Squamish School, and providing scholarships to North Quincy High School students.
  • Mayor Koch concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a New Year filled with good health and joy.

• Councillor Jim Devine:
  • Expressed honor and pride in representing Ward 4.
  • Stated he would remain available to help constituents navigate city services.
  • Highlighted the upcoming 100,000 sq ft urgent care facility as a significant addition to the city.
  • Reflected on Quincy's transformation, calling it "the best one in the state, maybe the best city in all of New England, or maybe America."
• Councillor Dan Minton:
  • Expressed pleasure in serving the city after 40 years as a police officer.
  • Stated the best part of the job was helping people, continuing his work as a police officer.
  • Emphasized the behind-the-scenes work of councilors that makes the city great.
• Councillor Nina Liang:
  • Thanked colleagues for their patience and guidance over 10 years, including department heads and volunteers.
  • Expressed gratitude to the community for believing in her.
  • Shared that her family's success is due to the city, and she owes much to Quincy.
  • Stated, "I owe this city and this community so much, and I'm just so, so grateful to have been given the opportunity to give back the last 10 years."
• Councillor William Harris:
  • Thanked his family for their support and enduring the stress of the job.
  • Expressed gratitude for the friendships made over 10 years.
  • Reflected on the city's transformation during his tenure.
  • Stated, "I love you all. I love this city. And Ward 6 has been great to me."
• Councillor David McCarthy:
  • Thanked the Mayor and colleagues.
  • Noted his 20+ years in city service (School Committee and Council).
  • Praised the Phelan and Koch administrations for being "Quincy people" driven to improve the city.
  • Highlighted the responsiveness of city departments (e.g., DPW).
  • Emphasized that council work involves extensive conversations outside of meetings.
  • Thanked President Cain for his leadership.
  • Stated he would remain involved in the city.

• Thanked family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Quincy.
• Reflected on the city's transformation over 10 years:
  • Hundreds of new housing units.
  • Hundreds of miles of repaved roads and replaced pipes.
  • Creation of a city common for community events.
  • New parks across the city.
  • Upcoming municipal fiber optic network.
• Emphasized that progress is due to thousands of city employees, department heads, and their teams, not just the Council.
• Thanked the City Clerk, Clerk of Committees, and City Auditor for their professionalism.
• Acknowledged Mr. Walker for his hard work, partnership, and friendship.
• Praised Mayor Koch for his care, steadiness, thoughtfulness, and unquestionable love for Quincy.
• Thanked past and present colleagues for partnership, debates, disagreements, friendships, and guidance.
• Reflected on lessons learned: cannot solve every problem or please everyone, but do your best.
• Observed changes in local government due to national politics, social media, and COVID, leading to unhappiness and division.
• Stated, "The votes taken up here are not what make people unhappy. The ordinances, the budgets, the hearings, those aren't the source of people's despair."
• Warned against outrage, certainty replacing curiosity, and entertainment overtaking substance in public discourse.
• Called for slowing down, looking inward, and examining motivations to find reasonable agreements and peace.
• Affirmed that everyone in the room wants what's best for Quincy.
• Expressed pride in Quincy's history, grit, and "magic."
• Concluded by thanking Quincy for the "trip of a lifetime" and encouraged viewers to tune in for the next season of the Quincy City Council.

• Motion: To adjourn.
  • Moved by: President Cain
• Vote: All in favor.
• Outcome: Meeting adjourned.