THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 Page 3 City braces for a tight 2021 budget By Barbara Taormina L ike other cities and towns, Revere is facing municipal budget challenges brought on by unanticipated costs and a loss of revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Finance Director Richard Viscay presented an overview of Revere’s fi nances this week to the City Council. The city is facing a $2 million shortfall for the rest of this year and uncertainty about the 2021 budget. “We want to try and close this year without a defi cit,” Viscay told the council, adding that the city implemented a budget freeze at the beginning of the month. According to Viscay, local revenues are off by about $2 million compared to last year at this time. Some of that decrease is due to decisions to defer interest payments on local taxes. And some is due to a decline in revenue from taxes on rooms and meals, which is expected to drop signifi cantly during the fi nal quarter of this fi scal year. “We anticipate the city will use some of the money from the stabilization fund to balance the current year out and avoid any cuts in services,” said Viscay. Revere has $8.5 million in its general stabilization fund and $7.2 million in the water and sewer stabilization fund. Federal and state emergency funds are also expected to cover some of this year’s shortfall. But the 2021 budget is a different story, and Viscay is waiting for some numbers on local aid from the state, which is bracing for a $4 to $6 billion reduction in revenue. “We are anticipating the 2021 budget will be very lean, but it will be balanced,” he said. However, in order to balance SUPPLIES | FROM PAGE 2 next year’s budget, Viscay said, everything is on the table, including a reduction in force or cuts to the police, fire, public works and inspectional services departments. The city may also be forced to consider cuts in services, elimination of programs, debt and pension obligation restructuring and health insurance modifi cations. The city hopes to avoid those options and move forward with a business-as-usual budget. Viscay said contingency plans are being discussed and the city has ample stabilization accounts to meet unforeseen events. “We don’t want to get into the habit of balancing budgets with onetime revenue, but I’m sure we can all agree it’s a rainy day fund, and it’s raining now,” said Viscay. Mayor Brian Arrigo’s offi ce will deliver the 2021 budget to the council at their next meeting on June 8. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma We’re Keeping You Moving in Stoneham and now Malden CURBSIDE TAKEOUT Call In Your Order: 781-629-3798 Hours: Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday 2:00 p.m. - 8;00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 405 Pearl St., Malden, MA 02148 It’s time to get back to the things you love. At Agility Orthopedics our commitment to keep you moving is more than just three words, it’s a promise to help you experience life in the ways that matter most to you. Appointments for the following services are now available at our Malden location: • Joint Replacement • Sports Medicine • Hand Surgery • Shoulder Surgery • Pain Management • Regenerative Medicine: PRP/Stem Cell Schedule an appointment at our Malden location (781) 279-7040 • agilitydoctor.com The Marina Clambake Available to Go! The Clambake includes Lobster, Steamers, Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Chowder & Salad Call Your Order In Advance: 781-629-3798 BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION WITH US * GIFT CARDS AMPLE FREE www.marinaatthewharf.com 543 North Shore Rd. Revere 781-629-3798 PARKING Many happy dads were in attendace. e-mail info@WEEWomen.org. According to Event Organizer Olga Tacure, who is WEE’s executive director, the grant also includes distribution of 17,600 gift cards, ranging from $50 to $300 per household, based on income. “Although residents donated some food and baby formula, there’s still a great need,” SUPPLIES | SEE PAGE 5 Maricela Taborda with her items. AMAZING WATER VIEWS
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