Finance Committee

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by Finance Committee Chair Ben Wheeler. The meeting was conducted via remote participation.

Attendance:

• Ben Wheeler, Councilor at Large (Chair)
• Jon Link, Councilor
• Kristen Strezo, Councilor
• Emily Hardt, Councilor
• J.T. Scott, Councilor

Staff Present:

• Delaney Fisher-Cassiel, Clerk

The committee opened the public hearing for Mayor's Request 26-0950: "Requesting the appropriation of $376,778,493 to fund the fiscal year 2027 general fund operating budget."

Chair Wheeler noted that the full budget and schedule are available at somervillema.gov/budget and that the final vote is scheduled for Thursday, June 25th.

The following residents and stakeholders provided testimony regarding the FY2027 budget:

Education and School Funding:

• Abby Hare (Wesley Park): Urged funding for six additional interventionists and special education co-teaching positions. She noted that only 39% of students meet expectations in ELA and 33% in math, stating, "Budgets are ultimately a statement of priorities. When two-thirds of our students are not meeting grade-level expectations, I think we need to ask ourselves whether we are comfortable treating additional academic support as optional."
• Jonathan Feingold (Franklin St): Supported the School Committee's budget and urged the council to prevent "autocratic governance" from the Mayor's office regarding school funding.

Teen Empowerment and Youth Services:

• Aaliyah Ewing (Program Director, Teen Empowerment): Reported that the new RFP process resulted in a 75% decrease in funding for the program, covering only 20% of their needs.
• Abigail Forrester (CEO, Teen Empowerment): Criticized the lack of a transition plan for the funding cut.
• Faris, Destiny Alphonse, Jacqueline, and Tyjohn (Teen Empowerment): Multiple youth organizers testified to the program's role as a "sanctuary" and its importance in providing leadership development and financial support for youth families.

Public Safety and Policing:

• Derek Rice (49 Craigie St): Cited a 2023 staffing study suggesting patrol shifts could be reduced from seven to six officers. He urged the council to cut three patrol positions and the $450,000 allocation for body-worn cameras.
• Ryan Gilmore (Sylvie Place): Opposed the police budget and body-worn cameras, citing a lack of accountability and oversight.
• David Lichter (Ward 3): Supported the police department for the protection of the Jewish community and requested funding for anti-Semitism training for city officials.
• Jonathan Dovev (12 Harvard St): Opposed police cuts and suggested a Proposition 2 1/2 override to fund services.

Municipal Operations and Environment:

• Richard Maidman (Ward 7): Inquired about the fiscal impact of the proposed "ethical procurement ordinance," including legal defense costs and FTE requirements.
• Rachel Schwartz (Mothers Out Front): Recommended municipal composting as a primary method for rodent control.
• Christopher Beland (J St): Questioned the status of the ADA transition plan and noted a $740,000 line item for park maintenance while DPW remains understaffed.
• Arthur Gonsalves (Winter Hill): Expressed concern over the restructuring of the Racial and Social Justice Department and the Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Housing and Social Services:

• Samantha Wolf (CAAS): Supported the $1 million request for the new housing stabilization fund for rental assistance.
• Pilar Galvez (CAAS): Emphasized the need for tenant rights and rental assistance to prevent displacement.

Item 2.1: Resolution

• This item was laid on the table and will be taken up at the June 23rd Finance Committee meeting.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Kristen Strezo.

Roll Call Vote to Adjourn:

• Councilor Link: Yes
• Councilor Strezo: Yes
• Councilor Hardt: Yes
• Councilor Scott: Yes
• Chair Wheeler: Yes

Outcome: Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM.