The Pittsfield City Council will weigh a proposed $145 million budget for fiscal 2016 Tuesday night. The spending plan is up nearly three percent from the previous one.Mayor Dan Bianchi says city expenses are increasing due to debt service, rising energy costs and public safety contracts. The school department’s budget is also up nearly $2 million from the previous year’s. The city council has suggested adding $1 million in street improvements to Bianchi’s capital projects budget bringing it to $11.1 million.
We have capital needs in our schools that will enhance security but also some infrastructure work in the schools such as replacing boilers and windows,” said Bianchi.
A public hearing on the budget will be held during the city council meeting. It begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday.