Lowell City Council - May 26, 2026

The Lowell City Council meeting on May 26, 2026, primarily focused on the approval and detailed discussion of the FY2027 budget, including departmental appropriations and staffing concerns. Significant attention was given to the fire department budget, with a motion passed to approve an $800,000 transfer for firefighter overtime to maintain staffing levels at 203 uniformed firefighters, reversing proposed layoffs. The council also debated budget allocations for various city departments such as MIS, purchasing, finance, and the city clerk's office, with questions raised about professional services, advertising costs, and staffing reductions. Concerns were expressed about the impact of budget cuts on public services and historic preservation, notably the layoff of the Lowell Historic Board administrator. The meeting included discussions on revenue projections, including fee increases in the city clerk's office and challenges with tax title collections. Cybersecurity funding and staffing within MIS were also topics of interest, with assurances given about the city's preparedness and recovery from past cyber incidents. Motions to cut certain budget items, including a $30,000 DEI initiative, were proposed but did not pass. The council agreed to continue budget deliberations in a subsequent meeting. Overall, the meeting involved multiple votes on budget appropriations, staffing, and departmental expenditures, reflecting a focus on balancing fiscal constraints with maintaining essential city services.