Mayor Beauregard Moves to End Furloughs, Boost School Funding
METHUEN — Mayor D.J. Beauregard announced legislation Tuesday evening to eliminate unpaid employee furloughs and increase funding for public education, even as the city continues to help residents get around amid the ongoing MeVa transit strike.
TOWN HALL
Mayor Beauregard announced legislation Tuesday to eliminate unpaid employee furloughs for city workers while boosting investment in public education, according to the city's News Flash announcement. The move comes despite a separate FY2027 budget plan that already has City Hall and most administrative offices closing on Fridays through Labor Day as part of a temporary furlough program, a step the city says is needed to manage its finances this year.
Separately, the Department of Public Works Water Division carried out emergency repairs to the water distribution system on Burnham Road at Riverside Drive on Wednesday, July 8, addressing an issue in that area of the city.
With the MeVa transit strike still underway, the city is directing residents who need transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, or the Social Security office to contact the Mayor's Office for assistance while the work stoppage continues.
In other city business, Mayor Beauregard and Methuen Public Employee Committee President Kara Blatt jointly announced a health insurance agreement that will transition city employees, retirees, and their families to the state's Group Insurance Commission plan, according to the city website. Free Summer Eats meals also remain available at four Methuen locations for children and teens 18 and under, with no registration or proof of income required.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The city's Cultural Council meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13, has been cancelled, per the city calendar. Residents are also being pointed toward the Methuen Independence Day Fireworks Celebration this coming Saturday, one of the summer's larger community gatherings.
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COMING UP
The Methuen Independence Day Fireworks Celebration takes place Saturday, July 11. A Circle of Hope Family Support Group meeting is set for Monday, July 20. The Conservation Commission meets Thursday, July 16, followed by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday, July 22, and both the Methuen Retirement Board and the Historic District Commission on Thursday, July 23. City administrative offices begin their Friday closures this week, starting July 10, running through Labor Day.