Ludlow council tables FY2026-27 budget after divided debate over cuts and reserves

Ludlow Mayor Sarah Thompson and members of the Ludlow City Council remained divided on June 29 over competing budgets for fiscal year 2026-2027, and the council voted to table the matter for a future meeting.

Mayor Sarah Thompson, speaking as a resident, urged against deep cuts that would eliminate free events, turn off lights at Hollingsworth Field, delay community center upgrades or reduce police and public works capacity. "Saving for tomorrow is important, but you can’t save so much that you aren’t investing in today," she said, and said her proposal preserves $1.5 million in reserves, roughly four months of operating expenses.

Councilmember Steve Chapman said he favored the mayor’s budget and believed reserves could cover expenditures that exceed revenues. "I believe there is enough money in the reserves to cover the difference and maintain a healthy balance," Chapman said. Councilmember Meagan Guthrie countered that the city has experienced overspending in recent years and urged caution; her version of the ordinance adds three full-time paramedics beginning July 1, 2026.

Two motions to call up competing versions of Ordinance 2026-9 failed for lack of a second: Chapman's motion to call up the mayor's version (revenues $6,046,730; expenses $6,400,610) and Guthrie's motion to call up her version (revenues $6,046,730; expenses $6,038,730). Julie Terry Navarre moved, and Chapman seconded, to table the budget discussion; the motion carried on a voice vote (all ayes).

City Attorney Michelle Eviston reminded council that if a new budget is not adopted by June 30, 2026, the city will continue operating under the existing budget.

The council did not set a date for resuming deliberations; the budget remains undecided pending further negotiation.