New Bedford City Council Meeting - June 25, 2026

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:07 PM, with 10 members present (later joined by Councillor Carney). The meeting concluded at 7:44 PM. Key actions included the adoption of several ordinances, approval of financial transfers, and discussion of paid family leave and a petition opposing the closure of Fire Station 9.

Mayor's Papers (Financial Transfers)

• M1: Transfer of $1,728,450 from wastewater free cash to special projects fund. Adopted 9–1 (Councillor Burgo opposed).
• M2: Transfer of $2,842,750 from water free cash to Water Stabilization Fund. Adopted unanimously.
• M3: Transfer of $334,000 from Stabilization Fund to debt service. Adopted unanimously.
• M4: Transfer of $250,000 from City Utilities Purchase of Services to debt service. Adopted 6–4 after debate. Councillor Lopes criticized the mayor for calling the council’s budget cut “frivolous” while the administration raised an excess. Councillor Burgo noted the transfer was responsible for FY26.
• M5: Transfer of $177,033 from various departments to debt service. Adopted 10–0. Councillor Burgo clarified this was not the same situation as the previous budget dispute.

New Business: Ordinances (Final Adoption)

All six ordinances were adopted unanimously (10–0):

1. Ordinance amending Chapter 9, Section 4100A relative to municipal facility conversion.
2. Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Section 10-86.1 for voluntary electronic email delivery of tax bills.
3. Ordinance amending Chapter 19, Section 19-7.2 for temporary delay of step increases in FY2027.
4. Ordinance amending Chapter 19, Section 19-7D suspending annual COLA for Unit C Management positions for FY27.
5. Ordinance amending Chapter 19 relative to paid family leave. Councillor Burgo spoke in support, noting it was three years in the making and would allow employees to bond with newborns without using earned leave. He emphasized it does not create new departments or significant taxpayer burdens.
6. Ordinance amending Chapter 19, Section 19-7, Article 1 relative to personnel.

Reports and Orders

• Items 7–8: Private livery licenses for Sister Express Transport and Grass' Solutions Transportation approved unanimously.
• Item 9: Ordinance amending wastewater rate setting flexibility passed to second reading.
• Item 10: Wastewater rates for FY27–28 adopted.
• Item 11: Loan order for $20.4 million for CSO control plan passed to second reading.
• Item 12: Tax exemption eligibility changed from age 70 to 65.
• Items 13–16A: Multiple transfers from stabilization fund and other adjustments adopted 8–0 (Councillor Carney not recorded voting). Councillor Burgo criticized the administration for deficits in the mayor’s office and mismanagement, but voted yes to fund them, warning it would not be allowed next year.
• Items 17–18A: Waived reading and no further action taken.

Motions and Communications

• Item 19: Councillor Gomes motion to establish an ordinance regulating electric bikes, scooters, and mini-bikes, citing safety concerns. Referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
• Item 20: Renewal of private livery license for Portillos Transportation granted.
• Item 21: Adoption of CPI increases for various tax exemptions as submitted by Board of Assessors.
• Item 22: Petitions opposing closure of Fire Station 9 received and placed on file. Councillor Burgo stated the council is listening to residents and will continue fighting for Ward 1.

Tabled Items and Adjournment

• Tabled items were taken up and adopted on consent.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM. Councillor Burgo noted the start of Cape Verdean Heritage Month and upcoming events.