By Andrew Firestone

In a move expected from the outset, the Somerville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to approve the proposed $169.7 million budget for the fiscal year 2012 last Thursday, June 23. While a quiet affair, there were still a few dissenting opinions regarding the methods of bridging the budget gap, which include increasing ticket and parking fees. These concerns were overshadowed by the relief many aldermen had for the lack of contention, or cutting of services.

“We are a $169 million business and that we have been able to balance our budget while improving services rather than making debilitating cuts is a credit to the Mayor, the Board, the department heads and everybody who works for this City,” Said Alderman-At-Large Jack Connolly. “We do not live in a perfect world, but we are in a better place because we continue to make the right choices instead of the easy choices.”

While maintaining an operating budget of $182 million, the City will eliminate only nine jobs, with three of these being actual lay-offs. In debate following the original budget presentation by Mayor Joseph Curtatone, aldermen cut only $60,000 in total, with only a few reallocations of funds.

In past years, the budget debate has been heart-felt and contentious, mostly due to the rising costs of healthcare combined with drastic reductions in state-aid, causing Somerville to become overly reliant upon their residential tax-base. While development is in the works to stem this problem and add more commercial tax base, these projects will not be fully implemented for years.

“Since 2002, our net cut in state aid is about $28 million,” said Alderwoman Maryann Heuston, Ward 2. “Even though we all got a sigh of relief that we didn’t have to make draconian cuts this year, that we didn’t have to reduce services, that we didn’t have to make compromises other cities and towns are making, the $28 million is still an astounding figure. Yet we’ve weathered those storms and we’re still standing. Not only are we still standing, we’re standing pretty strong.”

The budget still increase $4.2 million from 2011.In addition, the Mayor touted expanded school curriculum, including biotech and music programs, as well as more computers for classrooms and a high-school dropout prevention program. There will also be free breakfast universally for students pre-K through grade 12.

“It is a competitive world out there and, because we have rallied together, Somerville is now surging into a leadership position,” Curtatone said. “We offer more in our schools. We run better city services. This budget is a reflection of a city that has kept its focus squarely on making itself a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

President of the BOA Rebekah Gewirtz said she voted with a heavy heart, as she found the increased fees “regressive” – however she voted to approve all the same.