FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICOPEE – Mayor Richard J. Kos today announced the proposed budget for the City of Chicopee, requesting $195,833,669.33 to finance both City and School operations.

The budget calls for a 3.6% increase in spending, or an additional $6,781,332.24 in comparison with the 2018 fiscal year.

The budget that will be presented to the City Council for approval prior to June 30, 2018, allocates for $86,438,458.00 for the School Department which exceeds last year’s budget by $4,089,341.00 in an effort to bridge the gap in their budget deficit. The additional commitment from the City reflects the budget recommended by Superintendent Rege and approved by the School Committee.

“With the assistance of the City’s contribution to this year’s school budget, we will be able to address and provide for the educational needs of our students.  It is a tight budget but one that works for the School Department,” said Superintendent Rege.

The budget increases were mainly attributed to increased education and health insurance costs.

The City’s budget continues to fully fund the Police and Fire Departments which, because of the continued commitment of the City Council, are at the highest complement of personnel in the City’s history.

“This budget reflects continued efforts in balancing the present and future needs of our City, helping address school department shortfalls, while taking into consideration our ability to pay,” said Mayor Kos. “With the Council’s assistance, we will continue to provide for the level of services that we have come to enjoy in our City while always respecting the taxpayer. I look forward to reviewing this budget with the Council.”

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