Mayor To Propose $91M Budget For Melrose

MELROSE, MA — The mayor on Monday will propose a $91 million operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a nearly 3 percent increase over the last following what he said was a feared economic downturn that never materialized.

The FY22 budget carries a total price tag of $91,000,522.33. That's $2.6 million more than FY21.

"One year ago, I submitted a proposed budget which had been authored under the assumption that our City would face dire economic conditions," Mayor Paul Brodeur said in a letter to the City Council and community. "I am both proud and relieved that thanks to our careful financial planning and the wealth of talent in our City government, we can say this harrowing forecast did not come to pass."

The biggest proposed bumps are in the School Department, which is seeking a $1.1 million increase, employee benefits and public safety.

The proposal reveals some changes in Brodeur's office. The chief of staff position is out, to be replaced by a director of strategic initiatives and communications, which is expected to be officially filled soon. The office also includes the mayor's administrative and communications coordinator.

The city launched an interactive budget tool to help you wade through the dollars and cents.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook