Boston City Council Budget Rejection Motion Dies on 6-6 Tie Vote

BOSTON — May 20, 2026 — Boston City Council split 6-6 Wednesday on a procedural vote to reject Mayor Michelle Wu's proposed $4.9 billion fiscal year 2027 operating budget, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed. Councillor Brian Worrell moved to suspend Rule 24, which would have allowed a floor vote to send the budget back to the mayor, arguing the charter gives the council that power independent of its 2021 amendment authority. Ways and Means Chair Ricardo Ariel Webber countered that rejection would be "a gesture just with potentially serious consequences," warning that drawing further on reserves could erode the city's triple-A bond rating at a moment when the FY26 budget is already $70 million in deficit requiring a reserve drawdown. Councillors Flynn, FitzGerald, Culpepper, Mejia, Murphy, and Worrell voted yes; Councillors Braden, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, and Webber voted no. The council separately rejected 9-3 a resolution by Councillors Murphy and Flynn calling for elected officials to rescind a 2022 salary increase — which raised council pay to $125,000 — and redirect savings to essential services, with only Murphy, Flynn, and Culpepper in favor. Budget amendment working sessions are scheduled to begin May 28.