Building Commissioner Quinn advocates for budget increase amid rising demands in Woburn

Woburn City Council's Finance Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary matters, with a focus on the Inspectional Services Department and Human Resources. The meeting highlighted the need for additional staffing and resources to maintain effective city operations amid increasing demands.

Building Commissioner Tom Quinn presented his budget, emphasizing the necessity of a $2,500 increase in the temporary help account to support the department's operations. This adjustment aims to ensure adequate coverage during staff absences, particularly as the city faces a surge in construction and inspection requests. Quinn underscored the importance of maintaining level funding for maintenance accounts, warning that any reductions could adversely affect service delivery to residents.

Council members expressed strong support for Quinn's request, acknowledging the department's vital role in managing the city's growing housing developments, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other construction projects. The discussion also touched on the need for a second full-time inspector to handle the anticipated increase in workload, with hopes to fill this position by September.

In addition to the inspectional services budget, Human Resources Director Healy reported on the department's efforts to settle six out of seven collective bargaining agreements this fiscal year. Healy requested a modest budget increase of $500 to cover rising costs for pre-employment physicals, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining a robust workforce. The department is also pursuing a grant for an updated ADA evaluation and transition plan, which has been overdue for over two decades.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of adequately funding both departments to ensure they can meet the city's needs effectively. As Woburn continues to grow, the Finance Committee's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's operational capabilities and service quality in the coming years.