Ways & Means Subcommittee Approves FY25 Budget

By Barbara Taormina

After three nights of grilling department heads on details of city services, the City Council Ways & Means Subcommittee voted to refer the 2025 budget proposal to the Committee of the Whole which meets on June 24.

Wednesday night’s hearing included presentations from the big-ticket departments, Police, Fire and Public Works.

Fire Chief Chris Bright described the new equipment in the pipeline for the Revere department. He also mentioned the need for improvements and upgrades at the Freeman Street Station. Several councillors wanted to know if the department was able to handle fires from electric vehicles which Council President Cogliandro said can burn under water. Bright said the EV’s are a concern that’s being looked at.

The Public Works presentation was divided into slices and councillors had no questions until the Highway and Signs presentation.

Self-proclaimed sign king, Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky asked about missing veterans signs and worn and dangling street signs which DPW Superintendent Chris Ciaramella said are getting attention.   Ciaramella also said more tree work is planned and the department continues to search for a solution to the drainage problem at McMackin field.

Police Chief David Callahan said the police department has “replenished the patrol force and hopes to hire seven to ten new officers this year.

“It takes a long time,” said Callahan who added five candidates are now at the police academy and he expects them to come to Revere in six months.

Callahan said the Behavioral Health Unit has been successful in dealing with the surge of mental health related problems seen over recent years. And he said officers have received a lot of training, such as anti-bias training that teaches them to think differently and to interact with residents.

Although this was a budget hearing, there was little actual talk about money, and no highlighted figures or numbers. Instead, councillors repeatedly expressed appreciation and support for city workers.   Committee Chairman Councillor Marc Silvestri called the fire department a class act with top notch crew.  Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky praised everyone, police, fire fighters, inspectors, parking officers, crossing guards, for the work they do for the city.