GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A motion to amend the Greenfield School budget for FY26 by adding $350,000, failed to pass at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. The vote would have required a supermajority or two-thirds approval to pass.
After lengthy discussion over fiscal transparency and use of existing funds, in what has been a very challenging budget season across the city, councilors ultimately voted against the request made by the School Committee in the form of a resolution.
Former Mayor Roxann Wedegartner spoke during public comment on how the Mayor’s proposed budget, which decreased the school’s budget by $254 from the current fiscal year’s budget, was essentially “defunding” the schools.
Councilors’ discussion centered around balancing support for the schools and responsibility towards the city’s taxpayers and fiscal future, with a strong desire to continue work on collaboration between the schools and the city.
When asked by Councilor Bullock, Mayor Ginny Desorgher did say she would put forth a supplemental budget if emergency needs arose in the schools through the year.