Municipal budget season is beginning in Massachusetts.
The city council in Springfield will have an unprecedented two months to review the budget proposed by Mayor Domenic Sarno before the new fiscal year starts on July 1st.
City Council President Mike Fenton said he’ll schedule four public hearings.
"I am pleased that the mayor and the administration have gotten us the budget so early this year," said Fenton. " In the past we have found it difficult when the budget comes to us late in the process. So, we are grateful for that."
The mayor is recommending a $616.8 million budget that will increase the number of police officers and firefighters in Springfield.
Sarno said his proposal maintains core city services without tapping into cash reserves to balance the budget.
