Finance Committee discusses FY2027 budget impacts on city services
The Finance Committee held the first of its in-depth FY2027 budget discussions with city department heads on May 12. Police Chief Glenn Cronin warned that the loss of three cadet positions would result in slower response times; overtime has risen 63 percent since 2019.
City Council · Meeting of May 12, 2026
MALDEN — The Finance Committee held the first of its in-depth FY2027 budget discussions with city department heads on May 12. Police Chief Glenn Cronin warned that the loss of three cadet positions would result in slower response times; overtime has risen 63 percent since 2019. Fire Chief Stephen Froio reported that losing supervisory dispatch positions would leave staffing below recommended standards, with overtime up 114 percent since 2019.
Mayor Gary Christenson said operating-cost cuts alone would misrepresent the budget. Committee Chair Carey McDonald structured the review with paired department presentations focused on impacts and improvement ideas. Other departments facing staffing losses include DPW, Cemetery, and Parking.
Further budget discussions are scheduled with the same departments.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 377 words
Source: the City Council meeting of May 12, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Checked against the official minutes.
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