Beverly Mayor Unveils 2024 Budget of $157 Million, Marking a 4.6 Percent Rise

"The budget will now be conveniently accessible online through a link on the municipal website, marking its debut in digital format this year. With full assurance, I affirm that this budget has been meticulously crafted with a focus on future years. It will strengthen our city government and uphold our commitment to providing exceptional, top-tier services to our residents." - Mayor Mike of Beverly

During a Special City Council meeting on Thursday night, Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill introduced a 2024 budget of $157 million for the city. The budget not only entails a 4.6 percent rise in expenditures but also includes the recruitment of new positions within the police and veterans services departments. This presentation marked the commencement of the month-long public budget process in Beverly, MA.

For the first time this year, the budget will be available digitally to all residents through a link here and one on the city's website.

During Thursday night's session, Cahill offered a concise summary of the budget, highlighting key points such as a $3.3 million augmentation for Beverly Public Schools and a $2.1 million allotment for road paving. Cahill further emphasized that by combining the operating budget line item, $1.1 million in state Chapter 90 funding, and a forthcoming free cash request to be submitted to the City Council, a total of approximately $3.8 million will be allocated to road repairs in 2024.

Included in the budget are additions such as a fresh position within veterans services, a new police patrol position, and the acquisition of a new fire pump apparatus. The mayor explained that a significant portion of the increases are classified as "non-discretionary" as they pertain to contractual commitments, mandated pension contributions, and escalating health insurance obligations.

"As I present this budget for the upcoming year of 2024, I am well aware that the choices made within this budget, as well as any other, have long-lasting implications that need to be considered," expressed Cahill. "With complete assurance, I affirm that this budget has been developed with a forward-looking perspective. It will enable our city government to thrive and uphold its commitment to providing exceptional, world-class services to our valued residents.”

"Simultaneously, it will place us in a favorable position to sustain robust local economic growth in the years ahead, as well as effectively accomplish the significant capital projects we have collectively identified as crucial for our community's enduring prosperity."

City Council President Julie Flowers announced that the public hearing phase of the budget process will commence with a Property and Finance Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., to be held in the City Council chambers.