2023 State of the City - Fall River City Council

The Fall River City Council convened on February 28, 2023, beginning with a joint session with the School Committee to receive Mayor Paul E. Coogan's 2023 State of the City Address. Mayor Coogan outlined the city's fiscal health, reporting $8.5 million in stabilization funds and $2.6 million in free cash alongside remaining ARPA allocations. He discussed plans to petition the state to reform net school spending calculations to potentially free up $11 million, while pledging ARPA revenue-loss funds to cut the taxpayer burden for the Durfee High School bond in half. Additional focal points included expanding police and fire staffing, launching a body-worn camera program, addressing homelessness through a new drop-in center, private housing development, waterfront revitalization along Route 79, and South Coast Rail service commencing by late 2023.

Following a public hearing on several residential curb removal applications, the Committee on Finance heard public comment regarding the Bank Street Armory, education quality, crime statistics, and neighborhood revitalization along Pleasant Street. Chief Financial Officer Bridget Almon addressed council questions concerning mid-year salary adjustments and retirement buyouts totaling $183,000 from the operating reserve, as well as a $1,144,000 transfer from the EMS stabilization fund for department salaries and operating expenses.

During the regular council meeting, members adopted both financial transfers, referred the proposed FY 2024 water and sewer division budgets and rate ordinances to committee, and approved an additional $6,004.56 in Bristol County ARPA funds for infrared road repair equipment. The Council also voted to refer an inquiry regarding the city's 10-year cable contract to the Finance Committee and passed a resolution supporting a $50,000 Bristol County ARPA application for The Veteran's Kitchen. Seven curb removal orders, street acceptances, drain layer licenses, and an auto repair renewal were approved, while a disputed curb removal on McGowan Street was referred to committee.

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