Council closes FY2027 budget hearing after hearing personnel and infrastructure demands
Northampton closes FY2027 budget hearing as five departments present staffing and infrastructure demands. Fire Chief Andy Pelis reported 9,240 calls in 2025, with 6,900 medical emergencies, justifying eight new firefighter positions added in 2026; the department remains five short of full strength.
City Council · Meeting of June 2, 2026
Northampton closes FY2027 budget hearing as five departments present staffing and infrastructure demands. Fire Chief Andy Pelis reported 9,240 calls in 2025, with 6,900 medical emergencies, justifying eight new firefighter positions added in 2026; the department remains five short of full strength. Police Chief John D.
Cartledge reported 30,216 calls for service, up 2,200 from 2024, with 605 arrests and a 91 percent detective clearance rate. Director Donna LaScaleia warned that Department of Public Works debt service on wastewater upgrades increased roughly $500,000 over the previous year and will continue climbing for 20 years, calling stabilization-fund transfers unsustainable.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 433 words
Source: the City Council meeting of June 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Northampton meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Northampton who follows town government? Share Townbrief Northampton: they can sign up free.