Woburn council approves chief of staff position after budget concerns, 7–2

The Woburn City Council voted 7–2 on April 2 to adopt an amendment to the municipal code adding an assistant to the mayor — described in the measure as a chief of staff — and to set the base salary sections for the new position.

The ordinance, charter and rules committee recommended the change. Supporters said the position previously existed under an earlier mayor and would help the mayor’s office manage daily functions and improve communication with department heads and the council. "I will completely support this, and I do believe that this is going to help you tremendously and help the city council," one councilor said in support of the measure.

Opponents pressed for more fiscal detail and said they preferred packaging the new position proposal with the upcoming municipal budget. "I do respectfully have concerns over the budget that's upcoming," Councilor Popolato said, adding he did not have "enough information to support it moving forward" that night and therefore could not support the measure.

After debate, the council conducted a roll-call vote. Councilors Campbell, DeMearns, DeMambro, Ferullo, Toro, Viola and President Dillon voted yes; Councilors Marce Bruin and Popolato voted no. The motion passed 7–2.

Councilors who supported the change framed it as an efficiency measure that would allow the mayor to delegate lower-level issues and maintain continuity across city business; those opposed asked that the position and its salary be considered as part of the budget process to allow fuller financial review.

The council adopted the committee report; members agreed the position could be revisited during the budget review period if fiscal priorities change.