Cut-heavy Budget Approved In Melrose

MELROSE, MA — The City Council voted to approve the city’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026 at its latest meeting.

The $107,575,802 budget was put together by Mayor Jen Grigoraitis. It includes $4 million in spending cuts that stem primarily from staffing cuts throughout the city. The budget outlines the cutting of eight positions in the fire department, five department of public works positions, two positions within the police department, one library position, and a position in the solicitor’s office. In addition, it also eliminates the emergency management director position and cuts half of veterans’ services staff.

The budget does not include funding for groups such as the Commission on Women, the Human Rights Commission, and the Disability Commission.

According to Grigoraitis, the cuts were made to offset spending increases for areas employee health insurance, utility bills, and pension obligations.

“Although the FY 2026 Budget is not ideal for what I would like to see for the future of Melrose, the law requires us to pass a balanced budget,” Councilor Mark Garipay said.

Grigoraitis expressed gratitude toward the council for approving the budget. The new fiscal year begins on Tuesday, July 1.