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Record of Proceedings

Framingham Finance Subcommittee Meeting - May 27, 2026: Budget Discussions and Reorganization Proposal

City Council — Wednesday, May 27, 2026

BodyFramingham, Massachusetts

SessionCity Council

DateWednesday, May 27, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:42:45

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

The finance subcommittee of the City Council is comprised of five council members and considers any or all questions appropriate for the purpose of considering the budget, including the creation of new positions to the payroll, changes to the employee classification plan, or any matters pertaining to increasing the City of Framingham employee headcount.

0:21

The following City Council Finance Subcommittee meeting coverage is brought to you by the government channel, a service of the City of Framingham.

0:53

Will come to order.

0:55

First order of business is public participation.

0:57

If you're gonna publicly participate on an item that's on our agenda, we ask that you wait for the agenda item.

1:02

If you're here for something that's not on the agenda, we're more than happy to hear from you.

1:06

Um Miss Clitch, are you gonna uh you signed in?

1:09

But are you gonna is that aren't you guys on the agenda?

1:12

Yeah, I'm speaking uh for myself, actually, not for the library.

1:17

Right, but we gotta you're gonna do that when we're on the library discussion.

1:20

Is that okay?

1:20

Okay.

1:21

And then I know this folks from the Callahan Center.

1:23

Mr.

1:23

Kid, do you guys want to speak?

1:24

Yeah, if you want to.

1:26

Well, it's I guess it's part of the library.

1:29

Well, not yet it isn't, is it?

1:31

Whenever you want us.

1:32

Um you know what?

1:36

Specifically, it's not yet, so why don't you can you can speak?

1:40

Okay.

1:41

I'm gonna say you folks can speak.

1:46

Thank you, folks.

1:47

Um, before I start, I just want to introduce two people.

1:51

Mary McGill, president of the Friends of the Callahan, and Bruce Bruce Warren, one one of the vets.

1:58

In any case, my name is Steve Kivia, and I'm a member of the Friends of the Callahan Senior Center.

2:02

The Friends of the Callahan, with its president Mary McGill, is a nonprofit part of the Callahan that helps raise money for the center's programs.

2:10

I am more than pleased to be part of this outstanding board.

2:14

I found out last evening that there are plans underway that would combine the Callahan Center with the vet services in the library.

2:20

I feel that this is a fan fantastic idea, and I want to applaud Mayor Sizitsky for having the courage to make this difficult decision.

2:29

All three of these departments have one goal in mind to work with the citizenry of Framingham to learn and to grow with a with our community.

2:37

The Callahan Center is a very special place where our seniors can visit and take part in many wonderful programs and activities that specialize in their needs.

2:46

The vets have a place in the library where they can meet and discuss their own concerns.

2:50

It's our fervent wish that as members of the Callahan Center, the vets will have the opportunity to become part of a vital part of the senior center community.

2:59

And of course, the offerings that our library makes available to all of these people in Framingham are exemplary.

3:06

Having these three departments under one roof will allow the expansion of many programs in place now while affording the new group the ability to work together to forge a department that is the envy of the entire state and maybe beyond our borders.

3:20

Change can be difficult at times.

3:22

It creates uncertainty.

3:24

However, the personnel in our existing departments more than is up to the task.

3:29

While Dawn's responsibilities will increase, she will have the support of all of us.

3:34

The Callahan Center will be fine staffed the way it currently is.

3:37

Veteran Services will have both the Callahan Center and the library to work with for their needs.

3:43

And the volunteers for all the divisions will remain valuable assets.

3:47

There's so much room for growth on this new arrangement that our opportunities will be limited only by our imagination.

3:54

I urge the councilors to approve this new structure so that we can take our citizens to the future that we can all be proud of.

4:00

Thank you.

4:01

Thank you very much.

4:02

Anyone else for public participation?

4:03

Please raise your hand.

4:05

If not, we'll move on to our agenda.

4:07

Oh, wait a um Zoomland, I apologize.

4:11

Mr.

4:12

Bloomfield.

4:14

Three minutes, sir.

4:17

Mr.

4:18

Chairman, can you hear me?

4:19

I can hear you, sir.

4:21

All right, try to be uh framework with me here.

4:24

I'm a little bit confused sometimes that uh that's how to get an older.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Budget Equity Analysis████████████████████████████28%

Fiscal Sustainability██████████████████████████26%

Library Services██████████████████████22%

Personnel Matters█████████████13%

Public Engagement█████5%

Affordable Housing██2%

Solid Waste Management█1%

Veteran Services█1%

Procedural█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Framingham Finance Subcommittee Meeting - May 27, 2026: Budget Discussions and Reorganization Proposal

The Finance Subcommittee of the Framingham City Council met on May 27, 2026, to continue discussions on the FY2027 operating budgets, focusing on the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the library. The subcommittee also considered a proposal from Mayor Sizitsky to reorganize the library, Callahan Senior Center, and Veterans Services under a single director. Public comments addressed the reorganization, budget transparency, and community engagement.

Public Comments & Testimony

Steve Kivia (member of Friends of the Callahan Senior Center) expressed strong support for the mayor's proposal to consolidate the Callahan Center, Veterans Services, and the library under one roof, calling it a "fantastic idea" and urging council approval.
Jerry Bloomfield raised concerns about declining commercial property values, the impact of debt service on the budget, the need for transparency regarding the sustainability fund and rainy day fund, and suggested shifting health insurance costs from a 75/25 to a 50/50 split, asking for legal confirmation on collective bargaining constraints.
Duana Kilcoin commented that public participation often feels ignored and that council members repeat themselves, discouraging citizen engagement.

Discussion Items

DPW Budget Update

Mayor Sizitsky reported that new tipping fee proposals for trash and recycling disposal came in significantly lower than current year costs, allowing the administration to reverse proposed cuts: the recycling center will remain open, and leaf/brush pickup in the fall will be restored. The proposal to require condominiums to pay for their own trash pickup remains unchanged (saving ~$324,000).
CFO explained a vacancy management strategy for police, fire, and DPW: based on historical turnback averages of $1.1 million over three years, the budget reduces salary lines by $350,000 per department, placing $550,000 into a salary reserve account to mitigate risk if vacancies do not materialize as projected. Councilors questioned legal implications and risk management; CFO expressed comfort with the approach.
Councilor Stefanini asked for multi-year projections; CFO indicated such analysis would be ready within 10 days.

Library Budget and Proposed Reductions

Library Director Dawn Delasanta presented a plan to reduce non-contractual hours to save ~$27,000–$32,000: closing the McAuliffe Branch on Saturdays for eight summer weeks and on Sundays during fall until stabilization. She emphasized that this avoids layoffs and preserves broad service, noting that Saturday usage data (Wi-Fi, computer use, circulation) informed the decision. The main library remains open. She cited precedent under a previous director (Tom Gilcrest).
Councilors discussed alternatives, including cutting the $18,000 MMA membership dues; councilor Cannon argued the $32,000 is minimal compared to the $398 million budget and should be restored. Discussion also touched on staff levels, automation (self-checkout), and the library's expanded role.
Heather Clish (Chair, Board of Library Trustees) spoke as a private citizen, expressing concern that the trustees learned of the reorganization proposal indirectly and had not yet met to discuss it, stressing the need for meaningful consultation per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 78 and the city charter.

Reorganization Proposal (Library, Callahan Center, Veterans Services)

Mayor Sizitsky proposed merging the library, Callahan Senior Center, and Veterans Services under a single director (Dawn Delasanta). Councilor Stefanini and Cannon supported the concept but requested a detailed operational plan before voting, especially regarding transition, accountability, and impact on the well-functioning Callahan Center. Councilor King expressed confidence based on the director's capabilities and the proven model of consolidation.
Councilor Stefanini highlighted the need for a clear point person and decision-making structure. Dawn Delasanta acknowledged the complexity and committed to convening stakeholders quickly to develop a plan. Councilor Cannon noted the Callahan Center is experiencing record attendance and expressed concern about disrupting a successful operation.

Debt Service, Health Insurance, and Retirement

CFO presented a debt service analysis showing $144 million in outstanding principal, with 39% of principal expected to be amortized over the next five years. The proposed FY2027 capital budget is $71 million, with $36 million from general funds. Discussion included using debt exclusion for major projects and reviewing authorized but unissued debt to improve bond ratings.
On health insurance, CFO outlined a longer timeline (potentially FY2029) for transitioning from GIC to a self-insured plan, involving extensive analysis with Cook & Company. Councilor Stefanini requested periodic updates.
Regarding retirement, CFO reviewed the PARAC letter suggesting extending the pension funding schedule beyond 2030. Councilors Stefanini and King strongly opposed, noting only four years remain, and that extending would not yield the claimed $5 million savings. CFO clarified that as a multi-member system (including Framingham Housing Authority and MetroWest RTA), any extension would require agreement and is not a simple fix. Councilor King advocated for directing future levy capacity freed by pension payoff into OPEB trust funds.

Key Outcomes

DPW services (recycling center, leaf/brush pickup) restored due to lower tipping fees; condo trash policy unchanged. Vacancy management plan approved in concept with risk monitoring.
Library reduction plan (closing branch on summer Saturdays and fall Sundays) presented, but several councilors expressed preference to find the ~$32,000 elsewhere (e.g., MMA dues) to keep full hours. No final decision; continued discussion expected.
Reorganization proposal received conceptual support but will require a detailed operational plan before a vote. Library trustees requested formal consultation.
Council requested: 1) multi-year budget projections (CFO to provide within 10 days); 2) accounting of all special revenue accounts and checkbook spending by department; 3) review of MMA membership value; 4) analysis of authorized but unissued debt for potential rescission.
No meetings scheduled for next Monday; schedule to be discussed at next full council meeting.
Meeting adjourned at approximately [not specified] with a motion passed 4-0.

Meeting Transcript

The finance subcommittee of the City Council is comprised of five council members and considers any or all questions appropriate for the purpose of considering the budget, including the creation of new positions to the payroll, changes to the employee classification plan, or any matters pertaining to increasing the City of Framingham employee headcount. The following City Council Finance Subcommittee meeting coverage is brought to you by the government channel, a service of the City of Framingham. Will come to order. First order of business is public participation. If you're gonna publicly participate on an item that's on our agenda, we ask that you wait for the agenda item. If you're here for something that's not on the agenda, we're more than happy to hear from you. Um Miss Clitch, are you gonna uh you signed in? But are you gonna is that aren't you guys on the agenda? Yeah, I'm speaking uh for myself, actually, not for the library. Right, but we gotta you're gonna do that when we're on the library discussion. Is that okay? Okay. And then I know this folks from the Callahan Center. Mr. Kid, do you guys want to speak? Yeah, if you want to. Well, it's I guess it's part of the library. Well, not yet it isn't, is it? Whenever you want us. Um you know what? Specifically, it's not yet, so why don't you can you can speak? Okay. I'm gonna say you folks can speak. Thank you, folks. Um, before I start, I just want to introduce two people. Mary McGill, president of the Friends of the Callahan, and Bruce Bruce Warren, one one of the vets. In any case, my name is Steve Kivia, and I'm a member of the Friends of the Callahan Senior Center. The Friends of the Callahan, with its president Mary McGill, is a nonprofit part of the Callahan that helps raise money for the center's programs. I am more than pleased to be part of this outstanding board. I found out last evening that there are plans underway that would combine the Callahan Center with the vet services in the library. I feel that this is a fan fantastic idea, and I want to applaud Mayor Sizitsky for having the courage to make this difficult decision. All three of these departments have one goal in mind to work with the citizenry of Framingham to learn and to grow with a with our community. The Callahan Center is a very special place where our seniors can visit and take part in many wonderful programs and activities that specialize in their needs. The vets have a place in the library where they can meet and discuss their own concerns. It's our fervent wish that as members of the Callahan Center, the vets will have the opportunity to become part of a vital part of the senior center community. And of course, the offerings that our library makes available to all of these people in Framingham are exemplary. Having these three departments under one roof will allow the expansion of many programs in place now while affording the new group the ability to work together to forge a department that is the envy of the entire state and maybe beyond our borders. Change can be difficult at times. It creates uncertainty. However, the personnel in our existing departments more than is up to the task. While Dawn's responsibilities will increase, she will have the support of all of us. The Callahan Center will be fine staffed the way it currently is. Veteran Services will have both the Callahan Center and the library to work with for their needs. And the volunteers for all the divisions will remain valuable assets. There's so much room for growth on this new arrangement that our opportunities will be limited only by our imagination. I urge the councilors to approve this new structure so that we can take our citizens to the future that we can all be proud of. Thank you. Thank you very much. Anyone else for public participation? Please raise your hand.

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