The Brockton Finance Committee convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focused on grant approvals and community resources.

The meeting began with Item 16, where the committee authorized the acceptance and expenditure of a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. This funding, part of the municipal small bridge program, will be allocated to the Department of Public Works for the reconstruction of Newbury Street Bridge, a project estimated to cost $1.7 million. DPW Commissioner Pat Hill highlighted that this grant marks a significant step forward, as the city has been applying for such funding for several years.

Following this, Item 17 addressed another grant, this time for $40,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Commissioner Hill explained that this funding will initiate a citywide tree inventory, focusing initially on the downtown area. The inventory aims to assess the health and value of the city’s trees, which are estimated to be worth around $75 million. Although the $40,000 will only cover about 25% of the inventory, it is seen as a crucial first step towards better tree management and maintenance.

The committee also discussed the importance of the tree inventory, noting that it would help identify tree conditions and potential risks. The total cost for a comprehensive inventory is estimated to be between $200,000 and $250,000, with plans to utilize advanced technology in future assessments.

In Item 18, the committee reviewed a donation of $1,200 from EMOS Recycling to the Department of Public Works. This donation will provide 30 tons of topsoil, which is available for residents at the recycling center. Commissioner Hill confirmed that this material, made from recycled yard waste, is beneficial for landscaping and gardening.

The committee unanimously recommended all items favorably, signaling strong support for these initiatives aimed at enhancing city infrastructure and community resources. The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on these projects and their implementation in the coming months.