Council refers free cash, enterprise orders to Finance

Select Board · Meeting of January 15, 2026

Northampton's City Council referred two free cash financial orders to its Finance Committee. Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said revenues over projections generated $5.8 million in fiscal 2025, or 92.5 percent of certified free cash. The council voted 7-2 to end debate, then reversed itself on reconsideration so Director Lascalia could present order 26.004, including $1.4 million in water retained earnings for relocating a 20-inch transmission main.

Councillors moved three school-related orders, including $251,025 for the special education stabilization fund, toward the consent agenda. The council also approved a revised 2026-2027 meeting schedule over an objection from Councillor Stratton, who said "we need to be present in doing our jobs."

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Northampton's community access TV: City Council meeting, January 15, 2026
• The complete report: 776 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of January 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.