[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6184025,"mediaKeyId","5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd","parentId",5093192,"title","Council tables several year-end transfers and revolving-fund reauthorizations; CAFO warns free-cash deadline could raise taxes","audioSeconds",601,"startMs",3919000,"endMs",4520000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd&start=3919&end=4520","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd/thumbnail_3919000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6184025/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-tables-several-year-end-transfers-and-revolving-fund-reauthorizations-CAFO-warns-free-cash-deadline-could-raise-taxes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184025-77b03d2c6e412916dbb71648d9dbb3f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213843&Signature=SyDSWEvUN0iXjpojOa1xtANNanVQHwv5gyNeEkyn6De~19xokP1c0SQTQxIJbmFeZLThfu1ZvA9HzwqmmW-c7hTBk-k5OkpljPX4MiRkmb2LRYoAJQbMFgKV9NLEQiIkDCs2Bn23kHu6RzA4cWQxCoNzLlB93poA9B9cnq3289MIpfm2QTUsM39hB2D85XEGu7pgVq~EuE4canILNJfDPnJVYeG6Jm2B3OKrzPTBRaFO2tszJ7o1zo-dGCsJ8NFz0Aa4KSYGUYZEAKQSrxoYsOniRhlW4~LOrIaAEWoESDIpTsOv3pIeYgY2G9BlflyhMKKf9eD2mC~gwtpHh9Z25g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lawrence City, MA","date","2025-06-27T23:28:24Z","article","The Lawrence City Council on June 23 considered a routine set of year-end transfers and requests to reauthorize city revolving funds but repeatedly tabled several items, prompting department directors and the acting chief administrative and financial officer (CAFO) to warn of timing risks.

Acting CAFO Ramona Caraballo told the council that free-cash transfers and year-end transfers must be completed before the fiscal-year cutoff, or the city risks adding unresolved deficits to the tax recap. \"Free cash ends this week,\" Caraballo said. \"If we don't clear up the snow-and-ice deficit, we're gonna have to add it to the tax recap, which means we're gonna raise more taxes,\" she said. The meeting record shows the snow-and-ice deficit discussed as an amount exceeding $1 million.

Several reauthorization requests for revolving fund expenditure limits came before the council. Items discussed or tabled included reauthorizations for Bellevue Cemetery (requested expenditure limit $95,000; CAFO reported about $80,000 already spent in FY25), the Veterans Memorial Stadium revolving fund ($100,000 limit requested), library program refunds ($50,000), recreation and park self-supporting services (a carry-forward/capacity note of $10,000), and a DPW recycling revolving fund (requested limit discussed at $150,000). Multiple motions to table those items carried; in a number of cases members said they needed more information before approving the reauthorizations.

Not every finance item was delayed. The council approved an authorization to expend a $44,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for sustainable materials recovery and household hazardous-waste Saturdays. Recycling coordinator Silva (online) explained the funds pay for disposal of tires, electronics, paint and other costly items at seasonal drop-off events: \"Just in dry paint alone... 2 pallets of dry paint is about $5,000,\" he said, adding that the program is operated for low resident fees and often runs at a net loss for the city but prevents illegal dumping.

Councilors repeatedly used parliamentary motions to table underlying approval motions. Several councilors said they wanted more detail on where transfers would come from and where funds would be spent before voting. Council discussion also referenced other pending transfers that had been tabled earlier in the meeting and the council's desire for full transparency about the source and destination of dollars.

Why it matters: Year-end transfers and revolving-fund authorizations allow departments to finish programs, carry small balances forward, and prevent deficits from showing up in the tax recap. Delaying those approvals with days to spare in the fiscal year raises the risk that unresolved deficits will be carried forward as tax increases or that departmental services could be interrupted.

Next steps: Some items were tabled for further information and will return to the council. CAFO Caraballo offered to provide detailed revenue/expense reports for the Bellevue Cemetery and other revolving accounts; recycling staff said they would resend requested reports to councilors. Councilors and staff noted the narrow window for fiscal housekeeping before the June 30 year-end.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lawrence City Council Part 1","oneSentenceSummary","The council repeatedly tabled multiple year-end transfers and revolving-fund reauthorizations on June 23, as the acting CAFO warned that missed free-cash transfers could force the city to add deficits to the tax recap and raise taxes.","taxTitle","Lawrence City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184030,"City attorney to rule after council rejects mayor's compromise on FY2026 budget; 45-day deadline in dispute",871,1569000,2440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd&start=1569&end=2440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd/thumbnail_1569000.jpg","/articles/6184030/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/City-attorney-to-rule-after-council-rejects-mayors-compromise-on-FY2026-budget-45-day-deadline-in-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184030-883a178f0a7a069b981e2268488d5bb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213843&Signature=H9XA55-rXaNk8qxIk8cv1QXsphYV5RgtvXx9e2KeKu2Lc0pEkxVsCnakwzsQV3sHOvFf-L0kNPmr7wbbp9RKYEjC1Uw453V0Y8IuAZ24j9ux0WDiO-x9PjF-FaBdrSMUEHG7LdRkOXQ2FtjABY9GVZODrarku3zfjoNLSrdBbVk1sSisvVaPTb9a3lFsUyNRWQuZTnYRvTDbkOeBiMkR709o27iG4AZHtIddBzxeHTR00mkq70fEHaf9H49ZGl~k8~HCKjRlPMhDYk6PFnds6yfnm44caDz8uP7uxpoVY6zoFCkfkNdfEkbC8cbsfzHEqpT3XfiYBtre3NqvcQ8v4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council rejected a motion to proceed using the mayor's proposed compromise on the fiscal year 2026 budget on Monday, and City Attorney Tim Hooten said he will research whether state law means the budget was deemed adopted after the 45-day window or whether filing an amended budget resets the review clock.

Hooten, who briefed the council during the special June 23 meeting, said the council originally received the budget that was filed May 2. Under state law, he explained, the council must act within 45 days of filing; if no action is taken then the filed budget could be deemed adopted. The council continued hearings on the budget and the mayor presented an amended budget during the hearings. \"The question then became ... did that change the time period?\" Hooten said. \"The answer to that question is unresolved.\"

Hooten told the council he had contacted state officials who could find no definitive case law and had advised that the city attorney ultimately must make the legal determination. \"I am not a judge. I am an advocate,\" Hooten said. \"I don't like being in a position of being a judge... I need to do research and determine what's gonna happen. In that vein ... 48 hours.\" He said the state indicated it would not intervene if the mayor and council reached a compromise.

Mayor Brian A. Pena had offered a compromise package the city attorney described as moving certain dollars between line items — including transfers to training and emergency management lines — and accepting some cuts (Hooten referred to agreed $30,000 reductions for advertising and a $30,000 reduction tied to emergency management consulting). Hooten said the mayor declined to accept a proposed $99,000 reduction in the mayor's office line but had agreed to most other changes.

Councilor LaPlante moved to \"use the mayor's compromised language to begin the discussion,\" and the motion was seconded. The clerk called a roll and the motion failed 3'to'5, as recorded in the roll call taken during the meeting. Hooten said that if the council votes for the mayor's compromise, \"there is no need to go further\" with his legal research; if the council votes no, he must determine whether the May 2 filing means the budget is deemed passed without cuts.

Why it matters: Under the cited state rule the council has a statutory timeframe to act on a filed budget; whether an amendment restarts that clock changes whether the council can effect cuts. If the budget is deemed adopted because of inaction, the council would lose its ability to enact reductions. The attorney's forthcoming determination could determine whether the council can still make additional cuts before the fiscal year begins.

What the council did and did not do: The council declined to vote in favor of beginning discussion on the mayor's proposed compromise language at that point. The meeting record shows the motion to adopt the mayor's compromise language for discussion failed 3'to'5. Hooten said he will complete research and communicate his decision to the council, and estimated he could issue a determination within roughly 48 hours.

Next steps: If the mayor and council reach agreement before Hooten's determination, the attorney said the state would not pursue the matter further. If no agreement is reached, Hooten will issue a legal opinion and the council may be required to proceed under the statutory 45-day timeline or accept the consequences of having the filed budget deemed adopted.","The Lawrence City Council rejected a motion to use the mayor's proposed compromise on the FY2026 budget on June 23, leaving the city attorney to decide whether the budget was legally deemed adopted after a 45-day window or whether an amended filing restarts the clock.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184034,"Students and parents urge Lawrence council to fund school buses, raise parking support after Abbott Lawrence move",478,1027000,1505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd&start=1027&end=1505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd/thumbnail_1027000.jpg","/articles/6184034/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Students-and-parents-urge-Lawrence-council-to-fund-school-buses-raise-parking-support-after-Abbott-Lawrence-move","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184034-ec478931420429b4a077a52f4c0f6d57/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213843&Signature=lF74~k4JYRiYvigA8Gef7dvWXDvN7YJsuKSi92HpoXLdqlBNtFsTATtvn95kyPAKb~EQgZEGAPRQp99gMlDKJjGTeKbuv9rsV-BeB9zSK6WknhH7Ax~pukU-ds25rencjZd9p7hR2KSHz9d8I2wHauideS26e1UyOIFWuTveqWTXByPOoUQUWQAw2aSvboSJLf1G6zOfM-HQtQutFJdAe3Y6B-OrULmNsm~u8O15FvFyDfT36HrSINXww920Lv0sSRvo8xqfTRoXH6Xm2K2drjjOXOodgn6uCZiI-3aMxkcLOokf7fZqiawvql3NjyT2BwnakwqC2QrnhN0iPeYSmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of students, parents and community members used the council's public comment period to press the Lawrence City Council for immediate action on transportation after Abbott Lawrence Academy's planned move, saying many South-side students will face long walks, safety risks and unreliable public transit.

The comments came during the public participation portion of the council's special June 23 meeting. Resident Luz Diaz, who gave her address as 73 Newbury Street, told the council budget figures for Lawrence Public Schools' transportation have been inconsistent and said the superintendent had told the community \"transportation was cut by 4,000,000,\" a figure Diaz said did not appear in council documents. \"We need a plan. We need action,\" she said.

The speakers described concrete safety and access problems that they said would result from the ALA relocation. Student Azucena Flores, introduced herself as a rising senior at Abbott Lawrence Academy and said, \"I walk to school regularly, which is a 35 minute walk... On the new campus that was given to ALA, that average time will be doubled\" to about an hour each way. \"This is 4 hours or 1 sixth of my entire day,\" she said, adding that she has experienced repeated street harassment and worried about younger students.

Student speakers and parents asked for: city-funded school buses for Abbott Lawrence Academy students coming from the South, a review of inconsistent transportation line items in the school budget, and exemptions or expanded parking for teachers at the new site. Christopher Baez, who gave his address as 25 South Street and said many teachers asked about parking at the new building, proposed exempting teachers from nearby meter fees, saying teachers could spend \"almost $1,500 per school year\" on parking.

Recreation and safety concerns were central to several comments. \"Public transportation is not reliable whatsoever,\" student Ashanti Vargas said, arguing that mixed-age public buses pose safety and harassment risks for younger students. Multiple speakers said parents and teachers had not received clear follow-up from district officials after raising the issue.

Abbott Lawrence Academy and Lawrence Public Schools officials did not make a formal presentation during public comment; speakers urged the City Council to use its appropriation authority to add transportation funding to a supplemental budget or otherwise ensure safe, reliable routes to the new campus. No formal council action on ALA transportation was taken during public comment.

Why it matters: The student speakers emphasized personal safety, daily time loss and educational impacts if reliable transportation is not provided. Council control over city budget allocations means the City Council can direct supplemental city funds; speakers urged the council to act before the school year begins.

Council next steps: During this meeting the council continued deliberations on the FY2026 budget and on year-end transfers, matters that affect the city's ability to shift funds. Speakers asked the council to prioritize transportation funding during that process; the council did not make a binding decision on ALA transportation during the June 23 session.

For residents: parents and community members asked that councilors seek precise breakdowns of the district's transportation figures (three different totals were cited) and to press the superintendent and school committee for a written plan and timeline for buses and teacher parking.","Students, parents and community members told the Lawrence City Council the relocation of Abbott Lawrence Academy will leave many students with hour-long walks and no reliable bus service; speakers asked the council to add transportation funding to the supplemental budget and consider parking exemptions for teachers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184020,"Council moves to declare 266'272 Jackson Street surplus amid new Home Equity Theft Act timelines",1020,4598000,5618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd&start=4598&end=5618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093192-d6cc6b934aa68dec33cd259f9266b1dd/thumbnail_4598000.jpg","/articles/6184020/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-moves-to-declare-266272-Jackson-Street-surplus-amid-new-Home-Equity-Theft-Act-timelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184020-2529322e3460d33a0cb8a9aa579de1b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213843&Signature=kTQgXgoET7hf7yuwC5pPFJ-abReYgZW9N0UvH6fhKaOa5K~~njc0-w1rcsJz~ouZMmjLcfG7hU674Orq5QVI4qFzFTVzu10XAo0RZmX1n6zNbr7NTos2kNU6Xc-GKrEb3Jzqws0Z9HFN7hEkduT2bGDupewl4oTVfMycCiOiyIa5JmR4Zy2BEcvneBm5NIDk49zhc3QebnQ27R51KK0Q-9xGcvmabfy1~vWkZMPIyNlCyO-Kz5I~Wg0lot1~w9yNBIHOBp-neSIroapGlgXz3wquwmfYj6DNy8RPeppPw8G7s6IrhqhDWMLkTgvWAtNWOkYNJN1p~6kqL5TIMaDcEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the June 23 special meeting the Lawrence City Council advanced a recommendation to declare a city-owned parcel at 266'272 Jackson Street surplus and to prepare it for sale under the Home Equity Theft Act process, while city attorneys and councilors discussed options to retain the lot for municipal use.

Councilor Marmol introduced the item as a favorable committee recommendation. City Attorney Tim Hooten summarized the procedural mandates of the Home Equity Theft Act, which tightens timelines and equity accounting for tax-title properties. Hooten said municipalities must appraise property and list it for sale within statutory windows; if the property does not sell within 12 months the city may be required to auction it with a minimum acceptable bid of two-thirds of the appraised value. Any sale proceeds in excess of taxes and allowable costs would become \"excess equity\" that is payable to interested parties who file valid claims within an 18-month notification window.

Hooten described why the city had to move promptly on the Jackson Street parcel: courts and plaintiffs have recently challenged municipal procedures for tax-title properties, and the Home Equity Theft Act sets strict deadlines. He told the council this parcel had a deadline in mid-June for an initial procedural step and that the city needed to declare surplus to remain on schedule: \"We only have a limited amount of time to decide what we're gonna do with the properties... Once it's declared surplus, we have to immediately get it appraised,\" he said.

Councilors asked procedural questions about realtor selection and whether the city could retain the parcel for a public purpose such as parking. Hooten said the normal practice going forward will be to issue an RFP for professional services (realtors and appraisers) and to create a vetted list of providers; he said the city cannot complete marketing or listing activities until surplus declaration and appraisal steps are complete. He also noted that if a city department wished to retain the parcel for municipal parking or other public use, that department would effectively need to fund the difference between the appraised value and the taxes owed, because under the statute the municipality must pay fair market value in cases where internal transfers or purchases occur.

Council members raised neighborhood concerns about parking near the site and requested advance notice when properties in their districts are scheduled for surplus declaration. Several councilors said they want the city to consider municipal retention where feasible, particularly in neighborhoods facing acute parking challenges. Hooten and staff said they will provide additional information, including detailed appraisals and a plan for an RFP to secure marketing and appraisal services.

Why it matters: The Home Equity Theft Act imposes timetables and equity protections that change how municipalities handle tax-title property sales. Declaring a property surplus starts the clock for appraisal and sale under those rules; the city must balance the desire to realize proceeds with neighborhood needs such as parking and affordable development.

What the council did: The council voted to advance the surplus declaration process for the Jackson Street parcel and to instruct staff to pursue the appraisal and next steps required by the Home Equity Theft Act. Councilors requested follow-up materials on appraisal, RFP timing and potential municipal uses before any final sale.","The council moved to declare a city-owned lot at 266'272 Jackson Street surplus for sale under the Home Equity Theft Act rules. City attorneys described tight deadlines for appraisal, listing and possible auction, and said the city must decide whether to retain the parcel for municipal use (for example, parking) or proceed toward sale.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council tables several year-end transfers and revolving-fund reauthorizations; CAFO warns free-cash deadline could raise taxes

City attorney to rule after council rejects mayor's compromise on FY2026 budget; 45-day deadline in dispute

Students and parents urge Lawrence council to fund school buses, raise parking support after Abbott Lawrence move

Council moves to declare 266'272 Jackson Street surplus amid new Home Equity Theft Act timelines