Ways & Means FY27 Budget: Capital Budget Overview, Assessing, Auditing, Treasury on May 26, 2026

The Boston City Council's Ways & Means Committee held a budget hearing on May 26, 2026, focusing on the fiscal year 2027 operating budgets for the assessing, auditing, and treasury departments, as well as the FY27 capital budget and the FY27-31 capital plan. Key procurement-related discussions included the management and oversight of capital projects, with emphasis on project planning, execution, and transparency. The committee explored how capital investments are allocated across neighborhoods and citywide, addressing concerns about equitable distribution and project delays, such as the Jackson Mann Community Center. The capital planning process, bond authorizations, and debt management strategies were discussed, including the flexibility in debt repayment schedules to maintain fiscal responsibility. The auditing department highlighted its role in approving procurement documents and processing vendor payments, while the treasury division discussed efforts to modernize payment systems and maintain financial controls. Several councilors raised questions about property assessments, abatements, and the impact of underassessments on city revenues, with the assessing department explaining their valuation methodologies and data challenges. Public testimony addressed concerns about community center funding disparities and EMS infrastructure needs. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of departmental professionalism and a call for ongoing oversight and improved communication regarding capital projects and budget execution.