Council splits over trash-related transfers; $3 million to stabilization passes, $1.1 million transfer fails

The Fall River City Council on Tuesday split over year-end transfers tied to solid waste costs, approving a $3 million transfer to the general stabilization fund while rejecting a separate $1,100,004 transfer intended to cover community maintenance (solid waste) expenses. The meeting featured repeated complaints from councilors about not being notified of a contract change and sharp questions about the administration's communication with the council.

Several councilors said the administration delivered the transfer request late in the fiscal year and that the council had not been involved in the contract process. Councilor Kadeem, who spoke during the transfers discussion, told colleagues he would not support the transfer at that time, saying on the record, "I will not be supporting this." Several other councilors also voiced concern that a solid waste contract apparently changed in October 2024 without the council's prior review.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Emily (interim CFO) explained the timing confusion around free cash…