WORCESTER—On Tuesday, April 29, the Worcester City Council straps in with a particularly robust agenda that features a detailed rebuttal from the Worcester Police Department to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) scathing December 2024 report, as well as updates on city finances and upcoming seasonal job opportunities.
When the DOJ unleashed its report last year, it accused the WPD of systemic excessive force, unconstitutional stops, and discriminatory practices following a multi-year investigation. The WPD’s official response, now spanning dozens of pages, disputes these findings, arguing that the DOJ omitted key context and evaluated incidents “in hindsight and in a vacuum.”
Police Chief Paul Saucier delivers the department’s analysis during Tuesday’s meeting. According to a communication submitted to the council, the WPD contends that the report “does not reflect WPD’s current practices,” particularly reforms implemented since 2022. The analysis defends officers’ actions in four high-profile incidents cited by the DOJ and asserts that force was used only after de-escalation attempts failed.
The city manager’s office has forwarded Saucier’s report to the council, noting that the WPD remains committed to promoting “fair, safe, and unbiased policing” and will update as the city addresses DOJ recommendations.
The council also gets two financial reports from Chief Financial Officer Timothy McGourthy, covering the first seven and eight months of Fiscal Year 2025. McGourthy’s updates indicate that property tax collections and local receipts remain stable, with revenues and expenditures on track compared to the prior fiscal year.
As of February 28, 2025, revenues are at 69% of the FY25 budget, while expenditures are at 64%. McGourthy noted no significant financial concerns and confirmed that Free Cash has been certified at $25.2 million. The city’s enterprise funds, including water, sewer, and Green Hill Golf Course operations, are also reported to be stable.
Councilors will also receive some info about the city’s summer employment initiatives. A report from Chief Human Resources Officer William Bagley outlines plans to hire between 107 and 122 seasonal employees for the Division of Youth Opportunities’ Recreation Worcester programs this year. The Department of Public Works & Parks is also aiming to hire approximately 100 seasonal workers, an increase from last summer, to support park and aquatic site operations and Green Hill Golf Course staffing. The city’s Human Resources Department is further working to expand summer internship opportunities across municipal departments.
In addition, the council reviews the FY2024 Annual Report for the Worcester Jobs Fund. The program, which connects residents with living-wage jobs through training and recruitment efforts, served 84 low-income residents this past year. Of those participants, 84% were people of color and 58% were women. The average wage of program graduates was $25.29 per hour, marking a nearly $8 increase from the previous year. The fund delivered an estimated 878% return on the city’s investment, according to the report submitted by Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn.
Other highlights on the agenda
- Pedal Power: Resident Karin Valentine Goins is asking that the city proclaim May 2025 as “bike month” in Worcester, celebrating biking’s positive impact on health, the environment, and transportation. The resolution also honors cycling legend Marshall “Major” Taylor and promotes bike events throughout the city such as “bike to work day” and more.
- New faces in key places: Council reviews and approves the appointments of Anthony Dell’Aera to the planning board and Kristen Livoti to the historical commission, as recommended by the city manager.
- Unpacking a merger: And now, in “did anyone even realize this was a thing?” news: City Manager Eric Batista submitted a detailed report explaining the 2003 merger of the Parks Department and the Department of Public Works — a move originally made to avoid layoffs during a fiscal crisis. More than two decades later, the city is considering undoing the merger, with a recommendation now on the table to separate the departments once again to improve efficiency and oversight.
- Wired for a greener future: An update on the Green Worcester ElectriCITY Municipal Aggregation Program highlights major environmental and financial wins. According to a report submitted to council, since 2020, the program has prevented more than 223 million pounds of CO₂ emissions and saved customers nearly $3.5 million compared to National Grid’s basic rates.
- Funding the future: The council votes to accept several grants and donations, including $50,000 from MassPort for a Summer Youth Employment program and funds for memorial tree plantings from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Fletcher Tilton PC, and Reliant Medical Group. Another $13,300 grant is recommended under the FY25 SAFE/Senior SAFE fire safety program.
- Playground plans in motion: Councilor George Russell, a champion of playground improvements, is once again turning his attention to Blithewood Playground. At the last few city council meetings, Russell has been vocal about his frustrations with the delay in revitalizing the playground. He’s been advocating for action on Blithewood for what he says has felt like “years.” To make sure residents are well-prepared for the inevitable closure, he’s requesting advance signage to inform the community about upcoming surface reconstruction, as well as provide alternatives for play during the closure. Not one to be outdone, Councilor Jenny Pacillo, a consistent advocate for parks and recreation issues, has requested a report on the renovation timeline for Elm Park’s playground, questioning why improvements weren’t made earlier to ensure the park was ready for peak summer usage.
- Privacy in the trash? Russell has also requested a report from Batista about the protocols surrounding random inspections of residents’ trash, seeking clarification on how privacy is protected during such research activities. Who knew this was even an issue?
Worcester City Council meets Tuesday, April 28, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
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