By Kolby LaMarche

Last night, the Burlington’s City Council gave overwhelming approval Monday night to Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s $112.6 million budget for fiscal year 2027, passing the plan on a 10-1 vote with one absence. 

The measure marks the latest step in the city’s multi-year effort to address structural deficits while preserving essential services and directing resources toward downtown revitalization, public safety, and housing.

The budget closes an approximately $11 million structural gap — roughly 10 percent of the overall plan — through a combination of expense reductions, targeted revenue measures, and efficiencies. It represents the third consecutive year the Mulvaney-Stanak administration has tackled such imbalances. 

NNE Democrat Councilor Evan Litwin was the sole no vote.

Officials project that sustained work has brought the General Fund workforce back to levels last seen about a decade ago.

No layoffs of filled positions are required, the city said. Savings, as previously reported, will come from eliminating 13 vacant positions, delaying the hiring of 14 others, and implementing a voluntary furlough program. 

At the same time, the plan protects wages and benefits for city employees, including cost-of-living adjustments intended to help offset inflationary pressures.

For a median home valued at $353,000, the estimated municipal tax increase amounts to $191 for the year. City leaders described the adjustment as modest and tied it directly to voter approval in March of a five-cent increase to the Police and Fire Tax, which passed with about 70 percent support. 

That revenue helped limit broader impacts on the workforce and community services.

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak highlighted the collaborative nature of the process. The administration began budget preparations earlier, engaged councilors more frequently, and worked closely with department heads and the Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad – CAO since the time of Former Mayor Miro Weinberger.

“This marked the conclusion of a rigorous and collaborative budget process,” the mayor’s office noted in a statement following the vote. The plan continues efforts to right-size the city government while making strategic investments.

Public safety receives notable attention. The budget funds 10 new police officer positions, bringing the department toward 69 officers — still below pre-2020 levels of 92 but part of a methodical rebuilding effort. It also includes resources for new police cruisers, an ambulance, two additional firefighter positions, and a snow plow and sidewalk plow. 

Signing bonuses for police recruits increase to as much as $20,000.

The plan earmarks funding for law enforcement training on the Fair and Impartial Policing Policy and related immigration policies as well. 

Revitalization efforts feature $1 million dedicated to downtown and waterfront initiatives. The budget supports strategic housing programs aimed at addressing long-term affordability challenges in the Queen City. 

“Closing a structural budget gap requires both reducing ongoing costs and making targeted investments because the imbalance is built into the system,” the mayor said. 

This year’s plan builds on prior progress. In FY26, many residents saw lower municipal tax bills, and the city earned a credit rating upgrade from Moody’s, signaling improved financial stewardship and potentially lower future borrowing costs.

The budget process itself showed evolution. Under the city charter, the mayor must submit a balanced proposal by mid-June, with council approval required before the fiscal year begins. This cycle featured earlier engagement, including presentations to the Board of Finance and opportunities for public input.

Council deliberations leading up to the Monday vote included discussions on departmental needs and overall fiscal strategy. 

As covered yesterday, The city recently updated its livable wage threshold, setting rates at $20.62 per hour with health insurance and $22.91 without, plus paid time off. These standards apply to the city’s own workforce and to contractors receiving qualifying city funds, continuing a policy first enacted in 2001.

Department heads and administrative staff played key roles in identifying efficiencies and preparing detailed proposals, the mayor noted. She also publicly thanked Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad and others for their contributions to what she described as a strong, balanced plan.

The $112.6 million total reflects a roughly 4 percent increase over the prior year, driven largely by personnel costs, public safety enhancements, and targeted revitalization spending rather than across-the-board expansion.

Residents will see the effects starting July 1. Tax bills will incorporate the approved rates, while new hires and equipment roll out according to departmental timelines. Downtown and waterfront projects funded in the budget are expected to contribute to seasonal activation efforts this summer and beyond.