Boston Council Scrutinizes FY26 Spending as Police, Fire Overtime Surge Past 44 Percent

BOSTON -- November 17, 2025, Boston City Council's budget oversight panel examines $1.3 billion in first-quarter FY26 spending against a $4.84 billion annual operating budget. Committee Chair Julia M. Mejia convened the virtual hearing Monday on docket 1446, joined by Councilors John FitzGerald, Henry Santana, and Brian Worrell, with Chief Financial Officer Ashley Groffenberger, Budget Director Jim Williamson, and City Auditor Scott Finn presenting for the administration. Police overtime had consumed 44 percent of its annual allocation and fire overtime exceeded 50 percent, both through September 30 alone, while several equity-focused departments remained far below the 25 percent first-quarter benchmark, including the Human Rights Commission at just 2 percent. Groffenberger said no expenditure slowdown directives have been issued but cautioned that "the picture is murkier than ever" heading into FY27 planning, citing rising health benefit costs and potential federal grant reductions as the most significant forward pressures. The city did not execute a planned bond refunding in spring 2025 due to unfavorable market conditions, though the council's authorization remains in place.