We have been hearing and reading about shortage in funds to meet our budget requirements, while at the same time the Mayor push his request (letter) dated December 29, 2025 asking for your approval for $25,895,000 million dollars for City hall, as well as requested a transfer of $2 Million from the City debt stabilization fund. What did I miss?
I would remind the council and advise the new members of the council to push for a Five-year capital funding request from the mayor for the people of Beverly. It should highlight and explain what and how the project is funded.
In addition, I would recommend strongly that the council require a Statement of Work on all Projects in motion and ones in the planning stage from the administration. I would suggest securing a monthly updated status on each project. This should have a schedule, and funds spent year to date, with a narrative on any changes to project that will create an over-run-in funds, or delay in time.
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May I request the council consider delaying spending on City Hall for at least 3 years while selling the Dollar Store and secure a better financial position in terms of reducing debt.
I encourage you to explore other alternatives. There is an alternative to consider selling City Hall property, move grade K to the five elementary schools, while making McKeown School into the Beverly City Hall. It has space and parking , and we own it, which avoiding spending 27 million on Cabot Street. Sell and put it on the property tax roll.
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Spending 27 million dollars while carrying over 150 plus million in debt expense is not sound finances. The community is concerned, the state is short of money, and the taxpayer of Beverly has been impacted by the non-stop spending coming from City Hall for the past 10 plus years. Enough is enough, the Taxpayer won’t be willing to go along with an override caused by poor financial management. Don’t fall for the narrative that Debt is good for cities. Debt is never good, because it limits your options. Its time for the Mayor and with council help, backoff the capital spending to avoid an override where the hardworking taxpayer would be expected to shell out additional funds they don't have. Taxpayers have to live within their means, now time for Cities do the same.
Jim Modugno
Beverly MA 01915
