New Bedford Faces “Stark Fiscal Realities” With FY16 Budget

The New Bedford City Council Chambers were filled with city department heads Wednesday night as Mayor Jon Mitchell presented his FY16 budget proposal of $297 million. 

Mitchell says the city is facing a tough economic year due to mandated spending, but it must continue "to weather the financial storm."

Despite an increase in economic growth, property values haven't caught up.

The mayor says tax increases are likely, but it is too early in the budget process to determine what those increases will look like.

Included in the budget is the proposed $118.8 million for the School Department and a $3 million increase in public safety spending. Federal "SAFER" funding is scheduled to expire mid-way through the fiscal year, and the city must pick up the costs of 31 firefighters.

The City Council will open up budget hearing with department heads over the next month before approving a final budget prior to July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.