The Melrose Messenger

Early Voting for State Election Begins!

In-person early voting for the state election will begin on Saturday, October 17th at City Hall. Residents may also vote by mail or in person on Tuesday, November 1st.

Competing Visions For Memorial Hall Come to a Head in City Council

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, better known as Memorial Hall, set off a new round of discussion at this week’s City Council meeting when members voted not to reappoint longtime board member Michael Margolis, indicating their frustration with the status quo in Memorial Hall’s management.

Ranked Choice Voting Proponents Launch Campaign to Alter Municipal Voting In Melrose

As the upcoming midterm elections generate discussion of voting systems, a group of Melrose residents wants to bring ranked choice voting to Melrose’s municipal elections.

State Primary Election Results: Lipper-Garabedian, Migliorelli Win

Melrose voters saw a number of contested races in the state primary election this year, and we have the results of those races here.

Tree On Melrose Common Playground Identified As Hazard And Removed Prior To Playground Renovation

The large, beloved scarlet oak tree at the Melrose Common playground was removed this week when, during routine tree work ahead of a planned playground renovation, the city’s Tree Warden identified the tree as an immediate danger.

Three Democrats Contend for Open State Senate Seat

In the primary election on September 1st, Melrose voters will choose among three Democrats for our state senate seat: current state representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian or current Malden city councilors Carey McDonald and Ryan O'Malley.

Read our profiles of each candidate here.

Massachusetts Teachers Association Drops Higgins Endorsement Following Melrose Override Comments

City Council Approves St. Mary’s Parking Lease

In this week’s City Council meeting, councilors reversed the decision they had made during the Appropriations and Oversight Committee meeting earlier this month, and voted to renew the city’s parking lease with St. Mary’s of the Annunciation Parish.

Two Democrats Face Off In September Primary For Melrose’s State Representative

Melrose voters will see a competitive race in the Democratic primary election for state representative this fall, although the seat will be uncontested in the general election in November. Two Democrats - former Melrose City Council President Leila Migliorelli and Congressional staffer Jay Higgins - will be facing off in the Democratic primary.

City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The City Council wrapped up its annual budget process this week by approving the city budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27, which begins on July 1st) and a number of free cash expenditures from last year’s budget.

New Teacher Contracts Approved: District Will See Higher Wages and Budget Stability

After months of negotiations, the Melrose School Committee and the Melrose Educators Union this week approved new three-year contracts for teachers and paraprofessionals and a one-year contract for secretaries.

City Council Clashes Over Free Cash Requests

At Thursday evening’s lengthy budget hearing, the City Council voted quickly to approve a number of department budgets, while a few free cash items became unusually contentious.

City Council Budget Hearings: The Quick Version

The City Council officially began its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget process last week - and we're here to give you the highlights!