City Council hears FY27 budgets for schools, police, fire, and harbormaster.
City Council budget hearing examines four FY27 departmental proposals. Superintendent Elizabeth McAndrews presented the Amesbury Public Schools budget, which reserves funds for contract negotiations but raises concerns about the School Choice account's viability; Councilor Maryann Welch warned
City Council · Meeting of May 27, 2026
AMESBURY — City Council budget hearing examines four FY27 departmental proposals. Superintendent Elizabeth McAndrews presented the Amesbury Public Schools budget, which reserves funds for contract negotiations but raises concerns about the School Choice account's viability; Councilor Maryann Welch warned insufficient funding could force staff losses. Police Chief Craig Bailey detailed increases in consulting, vehicle maintenance, and communications costs, while resisting AI use for report writing.
Fire Chief Robert Serino cited a cut in the training budget due to only one paramedic student instead of two, though he stated a goal of implementing an intern program. Police Chief Bailey also presented the Harbormaster budget.
In the full story:
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Source: the City Council meeting of May 27, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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