Beverly City Council Budget Meeting 06/09/2026

The Beverly City Council held a budget meeting on June 9, 2026, focusing on the fiscal year 2027 budget proposals for the Planning Department and the Fire Department. The Planning Department presented a reduced budget of $577,221, down from $784,000 the previous year, reflecting a staff reduction and a pause on new grant applications to reassess current projects and future planning priorities. Council members discussed the impact of staffing cuts on service delivery, board and commission vacancies, and the discontinuation of the KADA shuttle service due to federal funding issues, with plans to notify residents and explore alternative transportation options. The Fire Department outlined its budget with 94% allocated to staffing 64 line personnel across three stations, noting an increase in overtime and shift coverage costs to maintain minimum staffing levels. The department highlighted challenges such as the loss of a full-time training officer position, upcoming changes in turnout gear regulations affecting costs, and the importance of grants in funding equipment and staffing. Council members expressed concerns about maintaining training and safety standards amid budget constraints and acknowledged the department's efforts to manage resources effectively. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming budget discussions for other city departments.