New Bedford Committee on Finance Meeting - March 16, 2026

The Committee on Finance held a meeting on March 16, 2026, at 7:01 PM in City Council Chambers, chaired by Councilor Joseph Lopes. The agenda included a review of a $12.6 million capital improvement loan order, a proposal to lower the senior tax exemption eligibility age from 70 to 65, a fund balance management policy update, and several free cash transfers. All items were discussed and voted on.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was made.

Discussion Items

• Senior Tax Exemption Eligibility Age Reduction: Councilor Oliver introduced a motion to review lowering the age from 70 to 65. Ms. Parker from the Assessor's Office explained that only Clause 41C allows an age change, and currently 292 applicants receive the exemption. The city foregoes about $300,000 annually. Councilor Oliver tabled the motion to consult legal counsel.
• Capital Improvement Loan Order ($12,610,194): The order covered numerous projects across city departments. Key sub-items included:
  • Zeiterion Theater Renovation ($750,000): Executive Director Rosemary Gill explained cost overruns due to unforeseen issues (Eversource relocation, ledge, contaminated soil, sewer work). The project is complete but needs gap funding. Councilors discussed the city's contribution ($5M ARPA, $150K CIP, $50K CPC) vs. private fundraising ($16M). Councilor Burgo highlighted the economic impact and the nonprofit's role. Councilor Gomes requested documentation. The item was supported.
  • Assessor's Office Renovation ($480,000): Jen Viera explained the need for ADA compliance and design costs.
  • City Hall Deferred Maintenance ($541,476): Includes roof plans, repointing, elevator replacement (9-month outage). Councilor Burgo raised logistics.
  • Hillman Street Complex Building 3 Improvements ($1,560,818): Phase 1 includes assessment and ADA ramps. Councilor Carney questioned prioritization of ADA. Councilor Baptiste and Abrew argued for no more band-aids.
  • Roadway Reconstruction ($3,000,000): Commissioner Jamie Pond discussed pavement condition, pothole repairs, and coordination with utility work. Councilors expressed desire for more funding. Christina Connolly noted the administration is open to future increases.
  • McCoy Turf Field Replacement ($1,764,000) and Walsh Field Lighting ($496,000): David Flynn explained the aged turf at McCoy (20 years old) and unreliable lights at Walsh. Councilors supported the projects, emphasizing safety and economic impact. Councilor Abrew suggested a tarp for longevity.
  • Zoo Harbor Seal Habitat ($150,000) and Zoo Deferred Maintenance ($180,000): Veterinarian Emmy Buddhist and assistant director Christy Caterley described critical needs for shade structure, chillers, seal holding upgrades, and bison medical chute. Councilor Abrew raised concern about AZA language but it was resolved.
  • Airport Markings ($225,000): Commissioner Service explained FAA compliance for faded markings.
  • Public Safety Communications ($250,000): John from MIS requested funds for tower construction (Duchesne Blvd).
  • Computer and Switch Replacement ($140,000): John explained aging infrastructure.
  • Backup Power Supply Replacement ($100,000): John noted failing UPS in City Hall basement.
  • Cisco Call Management System Replacement ($462,000): John described obsolete system.
  • Airport Aqueous Film Forming Foam ($30,000): Scott requested funds to replace PFOS-containing foam.
  • Vehicle Acquisitions (various departments, total ~$2.4M): Included police, fire, EMS, fleet, school department vehicles. Councilors discussed need, maintenance, and lifecycle planning.
• Fund Balance Management Policy Update: CFO Bob Extram proposed shifting 15% of free cash from stabilization to pension assessment, keeping 10% in stabilization. Council approved the change.
• Free Cash Transfers: Multiple orders to transfer funds to cable access, public infrastructure, waste collection, tourism, recreation, MIS, and audit. All were approved and referred to full council.

Key Outcomes

• Senior Tax Exemption: Motion tabled (Councilor Oliver, second by Abrew). Unanimous.
• Capital Improvement Loan Order: Approved unanimously (12-0) to refer to full City Council for adoption.
• Fund Balance Policy: Approved unanimously to accept proposed changes.
• Free Cash Transfers: All items (3 through 10) approved to refer to full council. Specific transfers: $5,037,282 to cable access stabilization; $60,386 to public infrastructure; $175,000 to waste collection; $84,700 to tourism; $70,000 to recreation and parks (for demolition of the Coffin Howland House); $63,662 to MIS; $17,610 to audit.
• Items 11 and 12: Waived readings and reported to full council for no further action.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:48 PM.