A presentation by the City CFO, Richard Visk, on the 2025 budget took center stage, as it revealed a balanced budget of $294.8 million in revenues and expenses. Visk’s detailed breakdown included notable changes such as the inclusion of two new uniformed officers for both the police and fire departments and the allocation of grant funds to staff the Point of Pines fire station.

The imminent expiration of OPA funds at the end of 2024 added to the financial constraints, with Visk urging the exploration of options to increase revenues and manage expenses effectively.

However, the reliance on various funding sources, including ARPA, CDBG, and Mass Gaming Commission grants, prompted a discussion on the budget’s sustainability post-ARPA funds.

The City Solicitor presented their budget with an emphasis on the removal of the Assistant Solicitor position and the allocation of $25,000 for settlements each year. The City Solicitor’s budget prompted questions from council members about the variability of settlement costs, a concern that remained only partially addressed.

Legal services funding was scrutinized due to the potential for increased litigation and the use of outside counsel for specialized areas. The budget for the Election Commission was also a topic of discussion, focusing on the modifications necessary for the presidential election and the possibility of centralized voting to reduce costs. Notably, the decision to discontinue notary services through the election department was briefly mentioned.

The meeting also touched on the recent road paving projects and the $108,000 increase in permanent salaries due to the movement of a position from the Department of Public Works to the Engineering department. The implications of not renewing the existing paving contract, leading to a rise in costs, were discussed alongside the rebidding of the senior center stairs project.

The need for road repairs in Beachmont and the city’s tree planting initiatives were acknowledged, as well as the increase in the assistant city clerk’s salary. The City Clerk’s achievement of becoming a certified municipal clerk, and the assistant city clerk’s appointment as a Justice of the Peace were celebrated by council members.