Lowell City Council - October 27, 2026

At the October 27, 2026 Lowell City Council meeting, members approved a $1.1 million transfer from FY2025 certified free cash—originally appropriated for building improvements—to the Police Department by a 7–3 vote. The funds support about $600,000 for body-worn cameras and related equipment and just under $500,000 for seven cruisers. Police officials said the camera arrangement covers 225 cameras and 60 tasers, includes storage and transport-wagon cameras, and provides camera replacements under a five-year contract; no vendors were identified. The CFO said $3.4 million would remain in the building-improvement appropriation after the transfer. Councilors debated the timing and budget process, but the transfer was presented as a one-time expense with no effect on the tax levy.

The council unanimously approved a separate $1.5 million FY2027 supplemental appropriation to support hiring 14 firefighter recruits; the administration said it expected to fit the amount within the projected levy, though the effect on overtime and staffing remains to be assessed. Members also approved a $180,430 transfer from PEG access and cable-related funds for technology improvements, including public-safety technology and supplemental support for LTC; an effort to reduce the transfer before approval failed. Other relevant discussion included a proposed $60,000 exercise-equipment addition at Father Maguire Park, with CPA, CDBG, and capital funding identified as possible sources but no purchase approved, and UMass Lowell’s planned RFI/RFQ/RFP process for redevelopment of the ICC. No vendor selection or contract award was made at the meeting.