SouthCoast Buzz

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

A state report faults the Fall River School Committee for overstepping its authority and having meetings that resemble a 'circus.' See link below ⬇️

📸 HERALD NEWS/COLIN FURZE

06/18/2026

SCHOOLS DECIMATED - Is Your Town Budget at a Breaking Point?
What happens when a town reaches a financial crossroads?

In this powerful clip from Joe Pires Unplugged, Finance Committee member Mike Boucher describes what he calls a “PERFECT STORM” of rising costs, increasing assessments, and difficult budget decisions that many communities are now facing.

The discussion focuses on a troubling reality: while towns work tirelessly to balance budgets and fund essential services, some local schools have been forced to make significant cuts. At the same time, officials are grappling with rising costs and concerns about how future obligations could impact taxpayers and municipal budgets.

One of the biggest questions raised in this conversation is simple:

What happens next year?

As assessments increase and operational costs continue to climb, many residents are wondering how communities can continue to fund schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other essential services without placing additional pressure on taxpayers.

This isn’t just a discussion about today’s budget. It’s a conversation about long-term sustainability and the difficult choices communities may face in the years ahead.

Watch this short clip and hear the discussion for yourself.

Want the full story?
Watch the complete episode of Joe Pires Unplugged featuring Finance Committee member Mike Boucher as we discuss taxpayer concerns, municipal budgeting, school funding, project costs, state funding, and the financial challenges facing communities throughout our district.

https://youtu.be/BwwNb5GtLlc?is=ouVq7BHewN1xhiku

The decisions we make today can have a lasting impact on our communities tomorrow. Make sure you have the facts before heading to the polls.

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Taxpayers Say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Something unprecedented is happening across Massachusetts.

More communities than ever are turning to Proposition 2.5 overrides, asking taxpayers to shoulder even more of the financial burden at a time when many families are already feeling stretched to the limit.

In this eye-opening clip from Joe Pires Unplugged, Finance Committee member Mike Boucher and I discuss the growing trend of tax overrides and why so many residents are beginning to question whether taxpayers have reached a breaking point.

Property taxes are rising. Utility costs are rising. Insurance costs are rising. The cost of everyday living continues to climb.

For homeowners, retirees, and families living on fixed incomes, the question isn’t whether services are important—it’s whether the current pace of spending and taxation is sustainable.

As voters prepare to make important decisions about the future of their communities, understanding the bigger financial picture has never been more important.

Watch this short clip and hear the discussion for yourself.

Want the complete picture?

Watch the full episode of Joe Pires Unplugged featuring Finance Committee member Mike Boucher as we discuss taxpayer concerns, project costs, state funding, enrollment trends, and the financial realities facing residents throughout our district.

https://youtu.be/BwwNb5GtLlc?is=ouVq7BHewN1xhiku

The conversation isn’t just about one project. It’s about affordability, accountability, and the future of our communities.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Your Town Priced Out? The Shocking Truth About School Expansion!

As housing costs, insurance premiums, utilities, and everyday expenses continue to rise, many residents are asking a difficult question:

At what point do increasing taxes and costs begin to push people out of the communities they’ve called home for decades?

In this powerful clip from Joe Pires Unplugged, Finance Committee member Mike Boucher and I discuss the financial realities facing many residents throughout our district—particularly seniors, retirees, and families living on fixed incomes.

For some, this conversation goes beyond the proposed Old Colony building project. It’s about affordability, sustainability, and ensuring that long-time residents can continue to live in the towns they helped build.

As voters prepare to make an important decision, many are weighing not only the benefits of expansion, but also the long-term financial impact on taxpayers and the community as a whole.

This is a conversation that deserves careful consideration.

Watch this short clip and hear the discussion for yourself.

Want a deeper understanding of the issues being discussed?

Watch the complete episode of Joe Pires Unplugged featuring Finance Committee member Mike Boucher as we explore taxpayer concerns, project costs, enrollment questions, state funding, and the potential long-term impact of the proposed Old Colony building project.

https://youtu.be/BwwNb5GtLlc?is=ouVq7BHewN1xhiku

The best decisions are made when voters have access to the facts, the data, and the full conversation.

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Government Access Channel 97 broadcasts ALL Formal New Bedford City Council Meetings as well as committee meetings. Here is the broadcast schedule for the regular meetings. For the full schedule of committee meetings check out www.nbcablenetwork.com