Mayor Pritchett presents New Bedford's FY26 proposed budget to city council

The New Bedford City Council held a special meeting on May 14, 2025, primarily to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Councilor Naomi Carney, and was attended by various council members, including Council President Shane Burgo.

The meeting's main agenda item was the submission of the fiscal year 2026 budget by Mayor John Renee Pritchett. The mayor emphasized that the proposed budget aims to maintain essential services for residents while ensuring that taxpayers are not unduly burdened. This budget presentation is a critical step in the city's financial planning process, as it outlines the spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

Following the mayor's introduction, the council moved to receive and file the communication regarding the budget meeting, which was unanimously approved. The council's approval is a necessary procedural step before further discussions and deliberations on the budget can take place.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess, allowing councilors to engage with the mayor regarding the budget details. This session marks an important moment in New Bedford's governance, as the budget will shape the city's financial landscape and service delivery for the coming year. Further discussions and public input will likely follow as the council reviews the proposed budget in detail.