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Malden mayor warns FY2026 revenues won’t cover expenses; council refers budget to finance committee
Summary
Mayor Christiansen told the Malden City Council that the proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriation relies on about $8 million in one‑time revenue and reserves that would last one to two years; the council unanimously referred the appropriation order to the finance committee for review.
Mayor Christiansen submitted the fiscal year 2026 annual appropriation orders and told the Malden City Council that "our revenues will no longer support our expenses," saying the administration is using roughly $8,000,000 in one‑time revenue to balance the operating budget.
The mayor said the city’s total budget is "roughly $200,000,000" and that available reserves of about $25,000,000 would last "for 1 year, 2 years tops" if no structural changes are made. He said the administration’s short‑term approach is "no new borrowing, no new hires, and no new programs." "We need to move quickly," he said, and urged a collaborative effort with council members, unions and staff to develop a sustainable path forward.
The council’s finance chair, Councilor McDonald, praised the administration’s collaborative approach and said the finance committee will bring "all of the options on the table" — cutting expenses, increasing revenues in the short, medium and long term, and other measures — and hold public hearings to get input. Councilor Spadafore told colleagues, "The options are we cut, we raise revenues, or we tax the residents more," and urged the council to act on items it can control, including small savings and limiting outside consultants.
Councilors also noted related budget pressures: a cited 17% premium increase on health insurance, a decline in building permit revenue (described as down but still "really healthy"), and long‑standing concerns with the state Chapter 70 education funding formula. Several councilors said staffing in police, fire and public works has not increased since about 2012–2013; the mayor and others highlighted operational demands, including a statement that the fire department responded to about 10,000 calls last year.
Mayor Christiansen said the administration will meet with union presidents and bargaining units as part of the process and work with the city’s finance team, led by Ron Hogan, to present options. No final budget reductions or tax changes were adopted at the meeting.
A motion by Councilor Colon Hayes, seconded by Councilor Winslow, to refer the FY2026 appropriation order (Paper 236‑25) to the finance committee passed by unanimous roll‑call vote. The council scheduled follow‑up work by the finance committee and signaled plans for public hearings and additional meetings with city staff and unions in the coming weeks.
