Mayor Loredo Listening Session - Ward 2 - September 15th, 2026

This was a public listening session held by Mayor Loredo and Superintendent Anna Nolan of Newton on September 15, 2026, focused on community concerns and city operations. Key procurement-related discussions included the city's plan to purchase the former Davis School building for approximately $3 million to temporarily house the police department during a planned new police station feasibility study. The city is also planning feasibility studies for renovations of several school buildings, including Newton South, Warden, and Underwood schools. Budget discussions highlighted the challenges of funding operating expenses for schools, police, and fire services amid rising costs, with the mayor indicating potential future operating overrides and ongoing efforts to manage health care costs and pension obligations. The session also addressed staffing challenges for crossing guards, emphasizing that positions are budgeted but unfilled due to recruitment difficulties. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were announced, but the meeting reflected active capital planning and budgetary considerations affecting future procurement activities.