Somerville's Proposed FY 2018 Budget: Where Will The Money Go?

SOMERVILLE, MA – The mayor presented his proposed 2018 budget this month as the current fiscal year nears its end. The "near level-service" budget places an emphasis on current spending responsibilities and initiatives, as opposed to new investments, and allots the lion's share of funding for municipal departments and its workers.

The proposal calls for a budget of $233,065,084, a slight increase from $222,598,887 in the 2017 financial year. Increases in expected revenue of fines, permits and fees are also included, which contribute over $21 million to the proposed budget. The actual fees will not increase. State aid and taxes account for the bulk of the revenue, making up $48,884,378 and $153,472,717, respectively.

As it has in years past, the school department would receive the largest portion of spending at over $68 million. The second-largest share would be $42 million to Public Safety, and $40 million would be allotted to fund pension and fringe payouts.

A new addition to this year's budget is the Fleet Management division, which would receive $461,000 under the proposal. The newly created division will be responsible for maintenance of city vehicles and equipment, as well as integrating hybrid vehicles into the fleet.

There is a 14 percent overall increase in funding for the Communications and Community Engagement Department, which includes a 9.9 percent increase in personal services and 31 percent increase in ordinary spending.

According to the city, this is due to an increase in subscriber fees for Somerville's mass notification service, the cost of replacement of the audio system in the Board of Aldermen chambers and necessary website development and maintenance costs.

The Somerville Finance Committee will meet tonight at 6 p.m. to discuss the proposed budget.

Editor's Note: This story has been amended to reflect expected revenue versus proposed budget, as well as the correct increase in funding for the Communications and Community Engagement Department.

Photo Credit: Eric Kilby via Flickr