City Council rejects Mayor's FY2027 budget amid deficit concerns.
City Council · Meeting of May 28, 2026
Fitchburg City Council rejects Mayor's $220.8 million fiscal 2027 budget. In an 8-1 vote, the council rejected the operating budget for the General Fund, Water Enterprise, Wastewater Enterprise, and Airport Fund, citing an unforeseen structural deficit rooted in health insurance cost spikes and the city's growing dependence on free cash reserves. Council President Anthony Zarrella emphasized the need for "hard choices" and budget reduction to preserve capital funds and achieve long-term sustainability.
Councilor Joseph Bowen cast the sole dissenting vote. The council simultaneously tabled eight related appropriation and funding orders pending budget resolution.
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Source: the City Council meeting of May 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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