Melrose Mayor Discusses Financial Future

MELROSE, MA — Mayor Jen Grigoraitis recently spoke about upcoming financial obstacles the city faces during the Creative Alliance Arts Summit.

Grigoraitis thanked her Chief of Staff Lauren Grymek for her efforts in securing multiple grants that helped fund artistic initiatives within the city in an effort to minimize the spending coming from the city-wide budget.

“Although City finances are extremely constrained this year, I intend to request another $20,000 transfer to the Cultural Council to continue to support their great work,” Grigoraitis said during the event. “My office was also able to use $3,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to support outstanding Messina Fund grant applications to ensure a seamless transition and not leave any program without the promised funding.”

She soon transitioned to the topic of school district funding and predicted more cuts coming to that field as it makes up the largest portion of the fiscal budget.

“When cuts come, we often have little choice but to draw back electives and extracurriculars— realms that nearly always include the performing and visual arts,” Grigoraitis said.

Grigoraitis expressed her plans to seek a tax override in the November election to help fund the district. In 2024, voters rejected the proposition.