Brockton Finance Committee Unanimously Backs New City Auditor Gonzalez

BROCKTON — October 24, 2025 — Brockton's Finance Committee unanimously recommended Juan Pablo Gonzalez as city auditor and cleared more than $1.19 million in grants at its October 24 meeting. Mayor Robert Sullivan personally appeared to back Gonzalez, a Brockton native serving as acting auditor, warning the committee the city would "lose him without question to another municipality" without the appointment. CFO Dr. Troy Clarkson reported FY25 closed in a surplus, the city's bond rating was upgraded by S&P, and FY26 spending stands at 32 percent through the first quarter, slightly above pace due to front-loaded debt. Clarkson disclosed a roughly $1.6 million residual deficit tied to the former Brockton Redevelopment Authority that must be covered by a Council free-cash vote before the tax rate can be set in December. Brockton Housing Authority Executive Director Thomas Thiebaud told the committee Phase 1 of the Campello high-rise replacement — 144 units at 1362 Main Street financed through a Santander tax-credit deal at $0.94 on the dollar — is expected to close in December and break ground in January, with the full three-phase redevelopment projected to bring approximately $5 million more per year in federal operating funds to the city.