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Haverhill Today
By the People, for the People
Haverhill Council Seeks State Funding to Address $5-6M Budget Shortfall
City leaders urge state legislators to provide additional aid and allow collection of unpaid motor vehicle excise taxes.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:03am
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The Haverhill City Council voted to send a letter to the city's state legislative delegation, asking for help in closing an anticipated $5-6 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. The council also voted to add a new beer and wine beverage license and declared March as Women's History Month.
Why it matters
Haverhill, like many municipalities, is facing significant budget challenges due to rising costs and limited revenue sources. The city is looking to the state government for additional funding and policy changes to help address the shortfall and maintain critical public services.
The details
The council voted to send a letter to state senators and representatives, as well as legislative leaders, requesting increased state aid and support for an initiative that would allow the city to report motor vehicle excise tax scofflaws to the state Registry of Motor Vehicles. This would enable the state to 'mark' licenses for non-renewal until the taxes are paid. While some councilors expressed concerns about the impact on low-income residents, the majority voted to include this provision in the letter.
- The Haverhill City Council voted on the letter during its meeting on March 10, 2026.
- The $5-6 million budget shortfall is expected to begin on July 1, 2026, the start of the next fiscal year.
The players
Thomas J. Sullivan
An at-large Haverhill city councilor who wrote the letter to state legislators based on a template provided by the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
Melinda E. Barrett
The mayor of Haverhill, who supports the council's initiative and agrees with the estimated budget shortfall.
Barry R. Finegold
A state senator representing Haverhill.
Pavel M. Payano
A state senator representing Haverhill.
Andy X. Vargas
A state representative serving Haverhill.
What they’re saying
“I understand the trickiness of collecting, but I also understand that if people can't get to work, that has a real impact on our economy here and on our community across the boards.”
— Devan M. Ferreira, Ward 3 Councilor
“Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett said she supports the initiative, calling Sullivan's estimate of a budget shortfall 'spot on.'”
— Melinda E. Barrett, Mayor
What’s next
The Haverhill City Council's letter will be sent to the state senators and representatives, as well as legislative leaders, in the coming days. The city will await a response from state officials on potential funding and policy changes to address the anticipated budget shortfall.
The takeaway
Haverhill's budget challenges highlight the ongoing financial pressures facing many municipalities across Massachusetts. The city's efforts to seek additional state support and policy changes demonstrate the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in addressing local funding gaps and maintaining critical public services.
