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Board discusses FY27 budget, SAFER grant and contingency for firefighter hires
Summary
Commissioners reviewed FY27 level 2 budget cuts and said 12 firefighter positions were removed from line items and placed in a contingency account pending a SAFER grant and a council vote; council action is expected in April or May and the Board of Finance will adopt a budget in May.
Chair (S1) reviewed the FY27 budget process and said the comptroller applied level 2 cuts. He told commissioners that costs associated with the 12 firefighter positions were removed from relevant line items and placed into a prorated contingency account to cover hiring and academy costs if the SAFER grant opens and the city council approves the hires.
Chair (S1) described the contingency as a line item in the city’s account for “500 and something thousand dollars” to cover those potential expenses starting in February 2027 through the end of fiscal 2027, and said the council will need to vote on the hires (likely in April or May). The Board of Finance is expected to adopt the budget in May; the chair noted he has charter authority to extend adoption to the first Monday in June if necessary.
Chief (S2) confirmed that level 2 cuts removed the firefighter positions from wages, overtime and related training line items and that, apart from a modest decrease in professional fees and one training cut, the department’s budget is largely status quo. Commissioners noted education aid numbers from the state will be critical for setting the mill rate.
No formal action was taken at the meeting on the hires; the board discussed next steps and timing for council and Board of Finance consideration.
