The fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, representing a 4.24% increase over the previous year, was a key topic. The proposal was referred to the finance committee. This budget aims to enhance public services, and its review will be critical in ensuring financial transparency and community engagement.

In utility discussions, the council addressed several public hearing petitions from Mass Electric and Verizon for the installation of new utility poles on city property. A pole installation on Hudson Street was approved after addressing technical questions regarding equipment support, with the city engineer’s conditions integrated into the approval process. Other proposals for pole installations on Farm Road and another section of Hudson Street were postponed to the May 18 meeting due to the absence of petitioners.

The council also approved grant acceptances totaling $8,289.41 from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, earmarked for fire education and awareness programs for students and seniors. This approval underscores the city’s dedication to enhancing public safety education.

In appointments, the council referred the nomination of Tiona C. Brown to the conservation commission to the personnel committee for further review. Additionally, reappointments to the community development authority and the council on aging were approved.