Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan has submitted a municipal budget to the city council for FY 2026, totalling $516 million.
“Through this Budget we reaffirm our continued commitment to education, public safety, and serving the needs of the citizens of Fall River.” wrote Mayor Paul Coogan in a letter accompanying the spending plan. “This Budget represents a collaboration between all City Departments and our Finance Team to review budgetary requests and maintain an increase in the Tax Levy of not more than 2.5%.”
The general fund appropriation is 6.9% ($31.4 million) higher than FY 2025.
Mayor Coogan calls the increase in spending “significant,” while exercising zero-based budgeting practices to limit the possibility of unexpended funds being turned back at the end of the year.
“The total General Fund increase can be attributed to a few very specific categories: State-mandated Net School Spending requirements, Solid Waste expenses, the Diman Regional Debt Assessment, Health Care, the annual Pension assessment, and base wage increases,” the mayor wrote.
Local revenue is expected to increase by 4.8% while State Aid is anticipated to increase by 10.4% over last year.
The mayor touted the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the city’s rainy-day stabilization fund. He is hopeful that $24 million will be available at the end of the year while keeping an eye on potential budget reductions coming from Washington, DC.
“Given the level of uncertainty surrounding Federal funding, that would also impact State funding local municipalities, the Administration and Finance team is committed to leaving the current General Fund Stabilization balance at this level, only utilizing the funds as a last resort option.”
The city council will soon be setting up budget hearings with department heads, with a vote to approve, reject, or reduce the spending plan by the end of June. The new budget takes effect on July 1.
