# District 1 Listening Session with Mayor Arata-Fratta 9-24-26

Fitchburg District 1 community listening session with Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta, September 24, 2026. The mayor discussed the proposed 2027 budget and the 10-year capital improvement plan, approved in July. The plan anticipates about $11 million for fire vehicles and equipment, $6 million for police vehicles and equipment, $40 million for underground infrastructure, and $51 million for roads and streets. The proposed budget includes a 3.45% property-tax levy increase and adds a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, 300 firefighter overtime hours for wellness days, one police officer, and funding for ambulance coverage. A major 2027 project is renovating City Hall after the police department moves to its new facility, planned for April 2027. No specific construction contract awards or purchasing votes were reported.

The fire chief described a new fire-department training center being converted from an unused wellhouse with TIF funding, expected to be completed within a few months, and potential fire/EMS consolidation with five other agencies. A state program could provide a 25% match for consolidated budgets; a third-party consultant is assessing options, and the city is also pursuing other competitive grants. The session also covered staffing needs, infrastructure and park projects, and public concerns about transit, development, and license-plate-reader technology. An amendment to end the city’s contract for three Flock cameras had been introduced, but no outcome was stated; police officials described evaluating alternatives, including Axon, and the mayor said the city was considering continuing with some form of license-plate-reader system.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Sources
- [District 1 Listening Session with Mayor Arata-Fratta 9-24-26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1fnDLSMwkc) - FACTv City of Fitchburg