How the Simulator Works

Educational tool only. The numbers in this simulator are estimates and projections. They do not represent actual budget figures or line items from the City of Fall River. This tool is for educational purposes only.

Quick Start

Set the growth rate

The slider at the top projects how much costs will rise. Default is +2%. Watch the deficit appear immediately.

Try closing the gap

Increase the tax levy (up to 2.5%), add free cash, or adjust state aid assumptions on the revenue side.

Make the hard choices

If revenue isn't enough, cut departments. Each -0.1% has a real impact — fewer teachers, slower road repairs, reduced library hours.

Balance it

The bar at the top turns green when revenue matches spending. That's the legal requirement — and the hard part.

The Goal

This simulator lets you experience the same math that Fall River's Mayor and City Council face every spring: how do you balance a $452.6M budget when costs rise faster than revenue?

The Challenge

Pension (+6.8%/yr) — Set by the Retirement Board. The city council has no vote.
Health insurance (+3%/yr) — Set by contracts and carriers.
Charter school tuition (+5%/yr) — The city pays ~$16K per student who chooses a charter. No control over enrollment.
Property tax capped at +2.5% — Prop 2½ is the law. Going higher requires a voter override.
State aid is uncertain — 60% of revenue comes from the state. The city lobbies but doesn't decide.

This means elected officials start every budget season already behind. The choices aren't "what should we invest in" — they're "what can we afford to keep."

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