Chelsea Council Hears FY27 Budget, Housing Complaints Soar
Chelsea City Council reviewed fiscal 2027 department budgets as officials disclosed a roughly 5,000 percent jump in housing complaints. The council's second budget hearing of the cycle covered the treasury, assessing, human resources, inspectional services and other departments.
City Council · Meeting of May 19, 2026
Chelsea City Council reviewed fiscal 2027 department budgets as officials disclosed a roughly 5,000 percent jump in housing complaints. The council's second budget hearing of the cycle covered the treasury, assessing, human resources, inspectional services and other departments. Inspectional Services Director Mike McAteer said a new online permitting system now flags unpaid taxes before building permits are issued, surfacing debts residents sometimes didn't know they owed.
City Treasurer Patrice Bonifusco reported $6.1 million in investment income for the year and said the city dropped a $12,000-a-year walk-in payment kiosk because it had gone unserviced. Human Resources Director Denia Romero said the city negotiated its proposed health insurance increase down to 12 percent from an initial 27 percent quote by cutting coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Councilor Sanagate called the housing complaint spike "astounding." No votes were taken.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 686 words
Source: the City Council meeting of May 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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