Mayor Ballantyne’s “level service budget” resonates with some members of the City Council, while others favor differing approaches.

By Jeffrey Shwom

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is currently evaluating a level service FY2026 budget with no increases or decreases to current programs, staffing, and services, except for inflation and fixed cost adjustments (like utilities or pension payments).

She suggests the city will continue to leverage income sources, like taxes from commercial zones like Assembly and Union Square, and a strong AAA bond rating to keep pressure off residents and keep Somerville financially strong in the context of an uncertain federal and state economic climate. The three Mayoral candidates in this fall’s bi-annual election had varying opinions about previous and future budgeting.

Currently, the city receives $19 million annually in combined state and federal funding for the city and its schools ($11.5 of which comes via the state). City spokesperson, Denise Taylor, told us the “funding source that has been expressly threatened is funding via the Department of Justice, which averages $25 – $40K annually.” Mayor Ballantyne added, “If we want to talk about budget impacts, the more pressing question is why municipalities across the country can’t count on federal stability and support.

Cities like Somerville are on the front lines of delivering essential services, supporting working families, and driving economic growth. We should not have to go to court to ensure that federal decisions around city funding are lawful, but that is what we are stepping up to do with the joint federal lawsuit we filed with Chelsea.” Lawyers for Civil Rights is representing the city pro bono / at no charge.

On another front, Mayor Ballantyne knows new growth is slowing down (As previously reported by the Times). “Fortunately, Somerville has planned carefully for fluctuations in the market and is in a strong financial position, but we must still be strategic in this economic and political climate. Keeping taxes reasonable while still delivering quality services is core to my administration’s mission.” She further touted her “broader, more comprehensive approach to funding (Somerville’s) needs and priorities while controlling taxes,” including things like one of the State’s highest residential property tax exemptions (35%).

Jake Wilson, Chair of the Finance Committee and City Councilor At-Large, shared optimism in the City’s court case and uncertainty about expected Federal and State revenues. “I’m optimistic the courts will backstop the Constitution and the rule of law, but you still plan for the worst and hope for the best. The city should have contingency plans in place for a variety of scenarios, both in advance of the adoption of an FY26 budget and during the next fiscal year.

Uncertainty is a killer when constructing a budget, so having question marks surrounding approximately five percent of our expected revenues for next year makes for rough circumstances for the budget creation process. We do rely on federal funding for school lunch, special education, homelessness service, public safety, street safety, and prevention efforts with our youth. The Administration’s commitment to a level service budget is admirable under these circumstances, though this will require creativity and likely some very tough decisions.”

Willie Burnley Jr, also a City Councilor At-Large, agrees with Mayor Ballantyne “that we need partners at the federal level that we can work with to find innovative funding solutions. As someone who has worked for both Senators Warren and Markey, I feel confident in my ability to seize opportunities to pull federal dollars to Somerville.” However, he pointed to what he says is the mayor’s inability to “rein in the spending, in particular, our police budget is already about $100,000 over what they were originally allocated with a third of the year to go.” He went on to say, “At a time when our federal funding is in jeopardy, it is incredibly important for our departments to operate within the means that the council – and by extension, our residents – have approved.”

Jason Mackey, a startup founder and entrepreneur, was a bit more stark. “Let’s be clear: it’s not a question of if the Trump administration will cut our federal funding, it’s a matter of when – and Somerville must be ready. As mayor, I’d aggressively protect education, safety, and social services, pursuing new revenue streams, and driving greater efficiencies across all departments. I’d personally lead transparent community budget sessions, openly discussing challenges and solutions with everyone.” Moreover, he stated, “Our city deserves proactive leadership, not reactive budgeting” and that Mayor Ballantyne’s level service budget “is inadequate given the severity of the crisis we’re facing.”