Select Board hears budget presentations from three major departments
The Select Board held FY2027 budget hearings for Police, Fire, and Public Works. Police Chief Mark Zimmerman presented a budget with $232,748 in personnel increases and a new $83,014 School Resource Officer position; the department is short three officers but hired two for academy training in May.
DocumentCenter · Meeting of March 9, 2026
NORTH READING — The Select Board held FY2027 budget hearings for Police, Fire, and Public Works. Police Chief Mark Zimmerman presented a budget with $232,748 in personnel increases and a new $83,014 School Resource Officer position; the department is short three officers but hired two for academy training in May. Fire Chief Donald Stats requested $348,550 for four additional firefighters as part of a long-term 12-position expansion to address aging population-driven EMS demand.
Public Works Director Joseph Parisi outlined potential trash fee increases from $75 to $150 per quarter and a 12 percent water rate increase. Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto noted that staffing additions will require cuts elsewhere due to revenue constraints.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 336 words
Source: the DocumentCenter meeting of March 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every North Reading meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in North Reading who follows town government? Share Townbrief North Reading: they can sign up free.