Methuen City Hall to close Fridays through Labor Day under new furlough plan
METHUEN — City Hall and most municipal offices will close every Friday through Labor Day starting today, part of a temporary furlough program tied to Methuen's fiscal 2027 budget, even as Mayor D.J. Beauregard announces separate legislation aimed at ending unpaid employee furloughs and boosting school funding.
TOWN HALL
Beginning Friday, July 10, City Hall and most city administrative offices will be closed every Friday through Labor Day as part of the city's FY2027 budget, according to the town's News Flash feed. The closures are described as a temporary furlough program affecting municipal operations citywide.
In a related but separate announcement, Mayor Beauregard said he is pursuing legislation to eliminate unpaid employee furloughs going forward while increasing investment in public education, according to the News Flash. The mayor's office did not specify a timeline for when that legislation would take effect relative to the current furlough closures.
The mayor's office also announced a landmark health insurance agreement, jointly revealed by Mayor Beauregard and Public Employee Committee President Kara Blatt, that will transition city employees, retirees and their families to the state's Group Insurance Commission (GIC), per the News Flash.
Separately, the city is offering transportation assistance to residents affected by the ongoing MeVa strike. Methuen residents who need rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, or the Social Security office can contact the Mayor's Office for help while the strike continues.
The city is also recruiting poll workers for the September 1 and November 3, 2026 elections. Interested residents can call 978-983-8515 to apply. Additionally, free Summer Eats meals remain available for children and teens 18 and under at four Methuen locations this summer, with no registration, ID, or income proof required.
Residents should also note the Transfer Station will be closed Tuesday, July 14.
SCHOOLS
Methuen Public Schools' FY26 approved budget and its 2025 District Report Card remain posted on the district site as reference documents for families. No new district-specific announcements were issued in this coverage window beyond the mayor's stated intent to boost public education investment as part of the furlough-related legislation.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Methuen Independence Day Fireworks Celebration is set for Saturday, July 11, per the city's community events calendar. A Circle of Hope Family Support Group gathering is scheduled for Monday, July 20.
Meanwhile, the Cultural Council meeting planned for Monday, July 13 has been canceled, according to the city calendar.
COMING UP
- Saturday, July 11: Methuen Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. - Tuesday, July 14: Transfer Station closed. - Thursday, July 16: Conservation Commission Meeting. - Monday, July 20: Circle of Hope Family Support Group. - Wednesday, July 22: Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting. - Thursday, July 23: Methuen Retirement Board Meeting and Historic District Commission Meeting.