By Katie Trojano, Reporter Staff
January 27, 2021
Walsh s departure date remains unclear
Pressure is mounting on the Boston City Council to set aside a special election that would be triggered by the city charter if Mayor Walsh vacates his seat before March 5, a scenario that appears likely as Biden cabinet nominations are moving through US Senate confirmation hearings at a quick pace.
On Tuesday, a Home Rule Petition that would override the requirement for a special election was largely embraced by councillors and citizens who logged on to testify during a virtual hearing of the council’s Committee on Government Operations. The panel’s chair, District 1 Councillor Lydia Edwards, confirmed that there will be a vote on the petition during next week’s (Feb. 3) regular meeting, following a working session scheduled for this Friday at 2 p.m.
City of Boston Added Jobs, Avoided Layoffs During Pandemic The city has not laid off or furloughed any workers since the crisis began, according to budget director Justin Sterritt By Meg McIntyre •
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Back in June, when the City of Boston was wrestling with its fiscal 2021 budget under the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Marty Walsh made a declaration: municipal layoffs were off the table.
Now, six months later, Walsh has apparently stayed true to his word.
Despite making roughly $65 million in cuts to its original budget proposal, the city has not laid off or furloughed any workers since the crisis began, according to budget director Justin Sterritt. In fact, the city s total headcount is expected to increase from about 17,700 employees in January 2020 to approximately 18,030 employees in January 2021.