The Brockton Special City Council convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which totals approximately $618 million. Mayor Robert Sullivan opened the meeting by expressing pride in the budget's development, emphasizing that it avoids layoffs of city employees, thereby protecting livelihoods and family stability. He urged council members to engage thoroughly with department heads during the review process.

Mayor Sullivan highlighted that the proposed budget reflects an increase of nearly $38.5 million compared to the previous year. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to a balanced budget, particularly in public education funding, which he described as historically significant. The mayor noted that the budget continues to pursue new revenue sources, including a transfer from a special revenue fund related to the sale of the current police station.

Dr. Troy Clarkson, the city’s budget director, supported the mayor's remarks, emphasizing the budget's transparency and the city's commitment to good governance. He pointed out that the budget has received a Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for six consecutive years, underscoring the quality of the financial planning involved.

Key highlights from the budget include a conservative approach to anticipated revenues, particularly regarding solar projects that have not progressed as quickly as expected. The budget also reflects a consistent annual growth in tax revenue from new construction, estimated at around $2 million.

On the expenditure side, the budget proposes a significant increase in funding for public education, achieved through collaboration between city and school leadership. Additionally, the budget includes a new public safety building budget, which will be managed under the police department, and integrates the animal control budget into the overall police budget.

The council is expected to engage in detailed discussions over the coming nights to address any questions and finalize the budget. The meeting concluded with a call for continued diligence in reviewing the budget to ensure it meets the needs of the community effectively.