St. Peter City Council Unanimously Approves 2026 Budget Amid Discussions on Public Funding and Employee Wages

Overview: During its recent meeting, the St. Peter City Council approved the 2026 budget and tax levy, discussed potential increases in employee wages, and examined policy adjustments for the Paid Family Medical Leave Act. The council’s agenda included a variety of topics, but the primary focus was on financial matters, including the approval of a 6.9% increase in the city levy, which will lead to a modest rise in property taxes for local homeowners.

Easthampton City Council Faces Debate Over Finance Committee Appointments Shift

Overview: In a recent Easthampton City Council meeting, discussions centered around proposed changes to the town’s finance committee structure, the transfer of funds to address rising health insurance costs, and land acquisitions aimed at conserving local spaces. The council addressed the urgency of funding for health insurance, debated the merits of transitioning the finance committee from elected to appointed positions, and reviewed land acquisitions for recreational and conservation purposes.

Norton School Committee Urges Massachusetts Students to Leverage Free Community College Program with FAFSA Guidance.

Overview: The Norton School Committee meeting recently focused on the significance of the Free Community College Program available for Massachusetts students, emphasizing the necessity of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access financial aid. Concerns about the FAFSA’s detailed requirements, including income, property disclosures, and social security numbers, were discussed. Students and their families were encouraged to overcome any hesitations to ensure eligibility for valuable grants like the Pell Grant. The committee underscored the importance of filing the FAFSA annually to maintain access to financial assistance, highlighting its sections that require input from both students and their guardians.

Brainerd City Council Explores Multifamily Housing Development and Mitigation Strategies Amidst Budget Concerns

Overview: The Brainerd City Council meeting on December 4th, 2025, focused on a proposed multifamily housing development in Southeast Brainerd and the Washington Street Mitigation Plan, with discussions highlighting potential economic impacts, funding strategies, and community engagement initiatives. The council also approved the launch of a property listing portal and addressed property development agreements.

Boston City Council Allocates $3.9 Million to Combat Youth Violence through ASSIST Y Program

Overview: The Boston City Council meeting, chaired by Councilor Henry Santana, focused on the allocation of substantial grant funding to address youth violence in the city. The most notable announcement was the $3.9 million grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services dedicated to the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (ASSIST Y), aimed at reducing firearm violence among high-risk youth aged 17 to 24. This initiative, administered by the Boston Police Department in collaboration with the Boston Public Health Commission, will use the funds to implement public health and safety strategies targeting youth involved in or at risk of involvement in shooting violence.