Lowell City Council Adopts $577.9 Million FY27 Budget Amid Staffing Debate
Lowell adopts its $577.9 million FY27 budget on a 10-1 vote, with only Council Member McDonough dissenting. Manager Golden Jr. cited recent firefighter union negotiations including layoffs and cost-of-living adjustments, confirmed by union representative Anthony Leite. The budget carries a 2.5
City Council · Meeting of May 26, 2026
Lowell adopts its $577.9 million FY27 budget on a 10-1 vote, with only Council Member McDonough dissenting. Manager Golden Jr. cited recent firefighter union negotiations including layoffs and cost-of-living adjustments, confirmed by union representative Anthony Leite. The budget carries a 2.5 percent tax increase and eliminates the Planning and Development historic administrator position, a decision that drew opposition from Council Members Robinson, McDonough, Mercier, and Nuon.
Council Member Austin Ball flagged a possible supplemental budget pending state funding decisions.
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Source: the City Council meeting of May 26, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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