Council approves FY'27 budget with school program cuts
The City Council approved the FY'27 municipal budget totaling $226.4 million in the general fund with significant school program cuts, while rejecting the Greater Lawrence Technical School budget on a 7-2 vote. The Methuen Schools budget of $114,076,970 passed 7-2 after the city committed $100,000
City Council · Meeting of May 26, 2026
METHUEN — The City Council approved the FY'27 municipal budget totaling $226.4 million in the general fund with significant school program cuts, while rejecting the Greater Lawrence Technical School budget on a 7-2 vote. The Methuen Schools budget of $114,076,970 passed 7-2 after the city committed $100,000 in new growth, $200,000 in tipping fee savings, and roughly $2 million from Free Cash, allowing restoration of the band program, reading specialists, and STEM programming. The Greater Lawrence Technical School budget of $6,419,035 failed but remains in effect under state law, as three of four member communities approved it.
Councilor Drew objected that Methuen pays 57 percent of the foundation assessment despite 25 percent enrollment, while the vocational school adds positions as Methuen cuts 44 staff.
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Source: the City Council meeting of May 26, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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