Warning of layoffs, Wu moves to reverse city council cut to transportation staff in $4.9 billion budget plan

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu expanded most Council amendments to her $4.9 billion budget but opposed the council’s move to slash the transportation department’s personnel budget, warning it would force layoffs across divisions. Wu proposed relocating $1.4 million from other areas to fund personnel while absorbing the cut in contracted services through adjusted service levels, returning the issue to the City Council ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start. The council’s 12-1 vote to restore funds for grant programs preceded Wu’s revision, and nine of 13 councilors must agree to override a veto. Transit advocates warn the changes could jeopardize safety projects and grant eligibility.