Council approves $1.04 billion FY27 budget 10-3

Select Board · Meeting of May 28, 2026

Springfield's City Council approved a $1.039 billion FY27 budget 10-3 after rejecting a motion to delay the vote. Mayor Dominic J. Sarno's budget, a 5.4 percent increase over FY26, includes nearly $709 million for schools and $330 million in city-side spending, with reserves at $94.4 million. Councilor Govan's motion to postpone the vote, seeking a firmer commitment on using free cash for tax relief, failed 3-10; CFO Cathy Bunnell estimated this year's free cash at only "around $8 million," down from $18 million and $21 million the prior two years.

Superintendent Dr. Sonia Deneau told councilors the schools face a projected $20 million FY28 shortfall and said the district "will always center student need over all other needs." The council also approved $1,138,168 in DPW Solid Waste retained earnings and a $13,962,617 enterprise fund operating budget.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Springfield's community access TV: City Council meeting, May 28, 2026
• The complete report: 1,036 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of May 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.