Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Council sets June 8 hearing for eminent‑domain taking on flood‑barrier property and accepts FY27 budget cover letter
Summary
The council voted to set a June 8 public hearing for an eminent‑domain order tied to the island and river flood‑barrier project at 305 Commandant's Way, and accepted the city manager’s FY27 budget cover letter outlining a $272.38 million total budget and a roughly $4 million additional city contribution to schools.
The Chelsea City Council on April 27 adopted an order setting a June 8 public hearing on proposed eminent‑domain takings needed for the island and river flood barrier project, and accepted the city manager’s fiscal‑year 2027 budget cover letter and related year‑end financial orders.
Eminent domain: City staff reported ongoing negotiations with the Marina at Admirals Hill for property at 305 Commandant's Way needed for the island and river flood barrier — a coastal‑flood protection project shared with Everett. The council adopted a roll‑call motion (10 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent) to schedule the public hearing for June 8 and directed staff to submit the final draft of the eminent‑domain order at the May 4 meeting.
Budget highlights: The city manager presented the proposed FY27 budget, which totals $272,378,292 (city operations $116,129,801; schools $156,248,491). The manager said the city would increase its school contribution by about $4,000,000 to help cover the effects of an enrollment decline and cited $4,495,000 in reserves proposed to support the budget. He noted large, non‑discretionary increases in regional school and health care costs and said the budget includes staffing additions for the fire department to improve response capacity.
Year‑end financial orders: The council moved several fiscal items to second reading or adopted them by roll call, including a $53,000 appropriation from free cash for conference travel, transfers totaling $150,000 for an MVP match and roadway safety CIP, and authorizations to clear prior‑year unpaid vendor balances. These orders were approved as a group by roll call.
What’s next: The public hearing on the eminent‑domain order will be held June 8; the final eminent‑domain draft will be delivered ahead of the May 4 meeting. Budget hearings with the school department and further conference committee work on the FY27 budget will be scheduled in May.
Ending: The council took procedural votes to advance the island and river flood barrier schedule and move the budget into the formal review and conference process.
