Special City Council Meeting — September 15, 2026

The New Bedford City Council convened a special meeting on September 15, 2026, to discuss the future of Fire Station Number 9 and Engine 9. Council President Ryan J. Pereira called the meeting specifically to speak directly with Mayor Jon Mitchell regarding proposed cuts and the potential layoff of 26 firefighters. Mayor Mitchell did not attend, and while the Fire Chief was present to represent the administration, Council President Pereira declined to take the Chief's testimony, stating that the policy decisions and lack of communication were the sole responsibility of the Mayor.

Billy Sylvia, President of the New Bedford Firefighters Union Local 841, addressed the City Council and provided five documents detailing the timeline of events, unfair labor practice filings, safety concerns, and past fire incidents during apparatus blackouts. Sylvia highlighted that while State Senator Mark Montigny secured a $500,000 state appropriation, the administration had maintained zero communication with the union until just days prior, despite the City Council previously identifying funding within the tax levy to cover the remaining $1.3 million needed to keep Engine 9 in service. Councillors voiced strong frustration with the Mayor's absence and raised safety concerns regarding staffing levels, extended response times, mutual aid strains, and rising insurance costs for residents.

The Council instructed City Clerk Dennis Farias to contact the Mayor's office to request two alternative dates to reconvene the meeting. The Council also unanimously passed a motion introduced by Councillor Shane A. Burgo requesting that Mayor Mitchell explain to the City Council, the Fire Department, and the public his plans for the nearly $2 million available in the tax levy and justify why those funds are not being appropriated to maintain operations at Station 9.

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