The Leominster City Council convened on July 28, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a petition for a local initiative and a proposed increase in compensation for school committee members.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on Petition 1-26, which received unanimous support from the Leominster Police Department and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Council members expressed their agreement, leading to a roll call vote. The petition was granted with a decisive 9-0 vote, reflecting strong consensus among council members.

Following this, the council turned its attention to item C-94, which involved a request from Mayor Dean Jay Mezzarella for a $1,000 increase in pay for school committee members, along with an annual cost of living adjustment based on the consumer price index. This proposal had been previously discussed during a public hearing on July 14 and was intended to take effect at the start of the next term.

During the discussion, council members highlighted confusion regarding the proposed amount. Mayor Mezzarella clarified that he believed a $2,000 increase had been initially agreed upon, but later communications indicated a consensus for a $1,000 increase. Council President Mark Bonanza supported this clarification, noting that discussions had taken place to gauge the school committee's appetite for a raise.

Despite the mayor's proposal, council members expressed concerns about potential miscommunication regarding the agreed-upon figures. They emphasized the importance of clarity and consensus before proceeding with a vote. The council ultimately decided to defer the vote on the school committee pay increase to ensure all members were aligned on the proposal.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to transparency and collaboration, particularly regarding compensation matters affecting local governance. The next steps will involve further discussions to resolve the discrepancies before any final decisions are made on the school committee pay increase.