Framingham City Council Passes $398 Million FY27 Budget 6-5

FRAMINGHAM — June 16, 2026 — Framingham City Council narrowly approved a $398.2 million fiscal year 2027 budget by a 6-5 vote Tuesday night, rejecting a companion amendment to restore school positions. The budget, built on a 3.5 percent property tax levy increase and a $10 million free cash draw, passed after more than two hours of debate; Councilors Long, Ward, Feeney, Cannon, and Alexander voted no. A motion by Councilor Brandon Ward to add $957,082 to the school department's $187.4 million allocation — reinstating SAGE positions, three middle school restoration interventionists, and half of proposed ESL teacher cuts — fell 5-6, short of the two-thirds required under the state special act. The council separately voted 9-1 to recommend the mayor use the state formula grant, which carries a reported $464,000 FY25 surplus, to reinstate the director of aging services position eliminated in a reorganization placing elder services under the library director. Councilor Stefanini moved unanimously adopted, non-binding requests for three park staffing positions at the $40 million Mary Denison Park opening in August. The council also voted unanimously to recommend extending liquor license hours by one hour for FIFA World Cup games.