City Council tables fire department overtime transfer
Lowell City Council tables 822k fire department overtime transfer amid budget tensions. The council voted 6 to 5 to table the transfer after City Manager Golden Jr. warned that fire department overtime had reached unsustainable levels and future projections would increase dramatically and strain
City Council · Meeting of May 19, 2026
Lowell City Council tables 822k fire department overtime transfer amid budget tensions. The council voted 6 to 5 to table the transfer after City Manager Golden Jr. warned that fire department overtime had reached unsustainable levels and future projections would increase dramatically and strain the budget. The manager noted the department chose layoffs over addressing sick leave and overtime issues; Fire Chief Charron said the department operates on 10- and 14-hour shifts.
The council unanimously approved related transfers totaling approximately 4.5 million dollars for general energy, year-end, water, and wastewater expenses.
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Source: the City Council meeting of May 19, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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