HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-27 SB Packet - ReleasedSELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
Select Board Meeting Room, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 - Hybrid Participation*
6:30 PM
AGENDA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1.Exemption 6: To Consider the Purchase, Lease, Exchange, Value of Real Property -
Parcel 68-44 Located on Lowell Street
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are allowed for up to 10 minutes at the beginning of each meeting. Each speaker is
limited to 2 minutes for comment. Members of the Board will neither comment nor respond, other than to
ask questions of clarification. Speakers are encouraged to notify the Select Board's Office at 781-698-
4580 if they wish to speak during public comment to assist the Chair in managing meeting times.
SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
1.Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
1.Town Manager Weekly Update
CONSENT AGENDA
1.Approve: Common Victualler License
Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc. - 197 Massachusetts Avenue
2.Approve: Battle Green Permits - Lexington Minute Men
Rehearsal of Reenactment of the Civilian Evacuation - Saturday, March 29,
2025
Rehearsal of the Annual Battle of Lexington - Saturday, April 5, 2025
3.Approve: Patriots Day 2025 Requests
Lexington Historical Society/Lexington Minute Men: Reenactment of the
Arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes - April 18 - 19, 2025
Lexington Minute Men: Civilian Evacuation, Annual Reenactment & Parker's
Revenge - Saturday, April 19, 2025
Town Celebrations Committee: Patriots Day Parade - Saturday April 19, 2025
Lexington Lions Club: 111th Annual Patriots' Day 5-Mile Road Race
- Saturday April 19, 2025
4.Approve: Battle Green Permit - Historical Society: Annual Children's Reenactment
Annual Children's Reenactment - Saturday, April 26, 2025
5.Approve: Battle Green Permits - William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps
Lexington Tattoo - Friday, May 2, 2025
Lexington Muster Parade - Saturday, May 3, 2025
6.Approve: One-Day Liquor Licenses - Galaray House: First Friday(s), After Hours
Wine Night
'First Friday' Monthly Art Shows - February 7, 2025, March 7, 2025, April 4,
2025, May 2, 2025 and June 6, 2025
After Hours Wine Night - February 27, 2025
7.Approve: One-Day Liquor License - Historical Society: Annual Tavern Night
Tavern Night - Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
8.Review and Approve Response to Liquor License Compliance Check
Bermans 55 Massachusetts Avenue
Vinebrook Bottle Shop 131 Massachusetts Avenue
9.Approve Select Board Committee Appointment - Fund for Lexington
Lester Savage as the Trustees of Public Trusts Member
10.Approve New 5-Year Lexpress Contract with M&L Transit
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1.Liquor License Package Store Transfer Application - Neillio's Wine and Spirits: 55
Bedford Street
6:55pm
2.Approve Land Disposition Agreement for Parcel 68-44 Located on Lowell Street 7:10pm
3.FY2026 Town Manager's Preliminary Budget & Financial Planning 7:25pm
4.FY2026 Fee Schedule for Recreation & Community Programs 7:45pm
5.Update on Bedford/Hartwell 25% Design 7:55pm
6.Approve and Sign 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant 8:15pm
7.Presentation - 2025 ATM Warrant Article - FY26 Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) Operating Budget and Projects
8:20pm
8.Presentation - 2025 ATM Warrant Article - (Citizens Petition) Accurate Reporting
on the Negative Aspects of Lithium-Ion Batteries
8:40pm
9.Discussion - 2025 ATM Select Board Article Presenters, Discussion and Positions 8:50pm
10.Discussion - Special Town Meeting 2025-1 and STM Article 2 - Amend Section 7.5
of the Zoning Bylaw to Reduce Multi-Family Dwelling Unit Capacity
8:55pm
ADJOURN
1.Anticipated Adjournment 9:10pm
Meeting Packet: https://lexington.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/
*Members of the public can attend the meeting from their computer or tablet by clicking on the
following link at the time of the meeting:
https://lexingtonma.zoom.us/j/82013535294?pwd=mGvKYC9PHOT8ByUHHa0a18jNRhRXpf.1
iPhone one-tap: +13017158592,,82013535294#,,,,*848540#
Phone +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 820 1353 5294
Passcode: 848540
An Act Relative to Extending Certain State of Emergency
Accommodations: https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Select Board will be held on Monday, February 3,
2025 at 6:00pm via hybrid participation.
Hearing Assistance Devices Available on Request
All agenda time and the order of items are approximate and
subject to change.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Exemption 6: To Consider the Purchase, Lease, Exchange, Value of Real Property - Parcel
68-44 Located on Lowell Street
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
E.1
SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move that the Select Board go into Executive Session under Exemption 6: To Consider the Purchase, Lease,
Exchange, Value of Real Property - Parcel 68-44 Located on Lowell Street and to reconvene in Open Session.
Further, as Chair, I declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the
Town.
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
LR.1
SUMMARY:
Under this item, Select Board Members can provide verbal updates, make announcements, as well as comment
on any additional points or concerns. There are currently no written updates or announcements for the January
27, 2025 meeting.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Town Manager Weekly Update
PRESENTER:
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
ITEM
NUMBER:
TM.1
SUMMARY:
Under this item, the Town Manager can provide verbal updates, make announcements, as well as comment on
any additional points or concerns.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
1-10-25 Backup Material
1-17-25 Backup Material
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420
Town of Lexington
Town Manager’s Office
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager
Tel: (781) 698-4540
Fax: (781) 861-2921
To: Select Board
From: Steve Bartha, Town Manager
Date: January 10, 2025
Subject: Weekly Update
TOWN MANAGER
On January 6th, Cathy Severance sent out the first Weekly Update of 2025, which included a snazzy staff
newsletter (hat tip to Jonas and the crew of contributors!). The email also included a note about a change to
what Jim Malloy had been doing, which was a change to what Carl Valente had been doing. This note elicited
some questions from staff that I wanted to address here.
First some context. As I understand it, Carl would send weekly updates to the Select Board and Senior
Managers regarding business related updates that might be technical in nature, time sensitive, or responsive
to ongoing board discussions or objectives. When Jim came on board, in an effort to communicate more
broadly, the scope of the updates was expanded to include more general (and important) information from
departments across the organization, including awards, projects, milestones, upcoming events, etc.
In short, Carl used the updates to communicate timely and/or technical business info to the board that he
deemed necessary for them to know; Jim used the updates to inform the board (and staff) on what is
happening in departments, featuring people, projects, milestones, events, etc.
My intent is to marry the two (or, perhaps, an amicable separation is a better bad analogy 😉).
Moving forward, the weekly updates to the board will be reset to what they were under Carl, and the monthly
communications newsletter that debuted last week will continue to capture and communicate all of the
information that helps deepen staff connections and understanding across departments, celebrate
accomplishments, share information on upcoming events, and spotlight the people and projects and make
Lexington special.
SUSTAINABILITY
Lexington was recently accepted into Mass Save’s Community First Partnership program! CFP provides funding,
resources, training, and support to participating communities to increase participations in the Mass Save
programs, with a special focus on reaching renters, landlords, low- and moderate-income households,
customers who speak languages other than English, and small businesses. Through the award, Lexington has
been approved for a 2025, 2026, and 2027 annual award of $44,750 to hire a part time Energy Advocate.
Lexington will join 23 returning communities and 17 new communities in the program.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420
LAND USE – HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development/Visitors’ Center:
Attached is a report created by our intern using the Visitors Center Log Book. We had around 94,000 visitors
enter the VC last year and this report highlights the 1900-plus entries in our log book. Please let us know if you
have questions or comments on the findings and make suggestions.
This week Lexington was featured in the New York Times as one of the 52 must-see destinations in 2025.
Lexington was also featured in The Telegraph (online - UK) - "25 Places You Must Visit in 2025" - Dec 28, 2024 -
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/the-25-best-places-to-visit-in-2025/ - Lexington, MA is
noted as one of the places to visit in 2025 with focus on the 250th! This was a result of the Inn at Hastings and
the Lexington Visitors Center hosting travel writer Linda Laban in Sept. 2024.
This article also ran in-print - circ. 317,817. The Telegraph is a daily newspaper published in
London, distributed in the United Kingdom and internationally, and is considered one of "the big
three" newspapers of record in the UK. The online version garners 25,077,548 unique
visitors/month.
So far, the Economic Development Office has been able to reach 15 million folks worldwide with some
significant marketing and advertorial efforts to promote the 250th celebrations.
Planning:
On the last day of 2024, Planning and Engineering staff, in coordination with consultant VHB, Inc., submitted
the Bedford St & Hartwell Ave Complete Streets Application to be considered for the FFY 26-30 TIP
(Transportation Improvement Program), the Boston MPO’s 5-year capital plan. The Boston MPO is the conduit
through which federal transportation funds are prioritized and allocated across the Boston metro area to
improve roadway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Over the course of the next few months, staff
will be busy advocating for this project’s placement on the TIP to receive construction funding in ~2030. Staff
are reaching out to elected officials, property owners, and nearby communities to request their support via
speaking at a MPO meeting or providing letters of support. Staff will be seeking the Select Board’s
endorsement of the 25% design at the end of January. Any questions please reach out to Meghan McNamara
or Ross Morrow.
On January 15, 2025 – The Planning Board will re-open the continued public hearing for mixed-use village
overlay proposal for 3-4-5 Militia Drive.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420
RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES AND POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Recreation, Human Services and Police Departments would
like to announce our latest collaborative effort; Comfort Dog
Office Hours! This will be taking place on the first Thursday of
every month from 10-11am in the Community Center Lobby.
Maisey and Watson will be there to provide a calming,
supportive presence for anyone in need of stress relief or
emotional comfort. This program is a great community
engagement opportunity to get to know members of our
community and for them to ask questions about three active
departments in town government. Jonas Miller will be
advertising the program. Come and join us! Town staff are
encouraged to attend the office hours!
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420
Town of Lexington
Town Manager’s Office
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager
Tel: (781) 698-4540
Fax: (781) 861-2921
To: Select Board
From: Steve Bartha, Town Manager
Date: January 17, 2025
Subject: Weekly Update
TOWN MANAGER’S OFFICE
The Senior Management Team met this past Monday with Mark Fougere and Jeffrey Donahue, the consultants
hired to assist the Town with a study to determine the impact on municipal services by residential
development. The ninety-minute session kicked off what should be an eight-week project that will involve:
department-level data collection from across the organization, careful examination of existing residential
developments and a sampling of single family neighborhoods, and discussions with each of the developers
proposing projects under the new zoning to ensure that the resulting analysis is useful to Lexington based on
actual data, projects, demographics, and service demands in Lexington.
HUMAN SERVICES
Transportation:
The Town has agreed to a new vehicle/service contract for Lexpress. Rate for FY26 remains at current hourly
rate, minus fuel, which we will purchase through Town contract. New vehicles will hopefully arrive in 8-10
months. Current vehicles are well past their useful life.
The Governor’s Transportation Funding Task Force issued their report yesterday. You can read about the plan
and get the full report online. In short, the MBTA shortfall will be filled, there will be more investments for
public transit, and 50% more for Chap. 90 funds to municipalities.
We have set an ambitious array of spring/summer programming once again, with an array of bike education
classes for people of all ages, bike maintenance clinics, flat tire workshops, Transit Explorers, and events such
as Breakfast on the Bikeway and more. We are still working out a few more programming details and will have
all this updated on our website shortly.
RECREATION & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Capital Updates
The Lincoln Park Athletic Field #2 project is expected to go out to bid in the coming weeks. The project will
mobilize in June with substantial completion expected to be September 1, 2025.
The Pine Meadows Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation bid results came in favorable. This project is expected
to mobilize sometime in February with substantial completion in July/August.
The department web page is updated with new information on all projects as it becomes available and can be
found here - https://www.lexingtonma.gov/527/Capital-Projects
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Common Victualler License
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.1
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Alberto Benitez now owns and operates Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc. at 197 Massachusetts Avenue.
This new Common Victualler reflects the name change of the owner.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Motion to approve a Common Victualler License for Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc, 197 Massachusetts
Avenue.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Battle Green Permits - Lexington Minute Men
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.2
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Lexington Minute Men:
The Lexington Minute Men are requesting the use of the Battle Green on the following dates and times for their
events in preparation of Patriots' Day 2025:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 for a dress rehearsal of the Civilian Evacuation Event from 12:00pm to
6:00pm
Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a dress rehearsal of the Battle of Lexington Reenactment from 10:00am to
5:00pm (Rain Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00pm)
The Police Department, Department of Public Works, and Fire Department have no objections to these
requests.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the Lexington Minute Men requests for the use of the Battle Green on the following dates and
times for their events in preparation of Patriots' Day 2025:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 for a dress rehearsal of the Civilian Evacuation Event from 12:00pm to
6:00pm
Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a dress rehearsal of the Battle of Lexington Reenactment from 10:00am to
5:00pm (Rain Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00pm)
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Patriots Day 2025 Requests
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.3
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-making
Historical Society/Lexington Minute Men - request for road closure Bedford Street from Massachusetts
Avenue to Hancock Street and Hancock Street to Adams Street and abutting street entries be closed to all but
emergency traffic from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18th to no later than 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19th.the
reenactment of the arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes
Lexington Minute Men:
The Lexington Minute Men are requesting the use of the Battle Green for their participation in Patriots' Day
2025 events on the following dates and times:
Saturday, April 19, 2025 for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington from 1:00am to 1:00pm.
While referenced in the letter, a rain date is not being voted upon tonight. If a finalized rain date is
determined, the rain date will come back to the Board at a future meeting for a vote.
3:00am - 4:30am - 4-6 men patrol the Common and Buckman Tavern grounds.
5:05am - 5:15am - Small company of minutemen drill on the Common. No firing.
5:15am - 5:30am - Civilian Evacuation – Civilians to be staged at the Lexington Visitors Center
and near the Common and will exit across Harrington Road.
5:30am - 5:55am - Capt. Parker sends Thaddeus Bowman (on horseback) down Mass Ave to
scout for British Regulars.
5:55am - 6:00am - Thaddeus Bowman returns to warn of the British Regulars approach.
6:00am - 9:00am - British Regulars arrive and the battle commences.
9:00am - 9:45am - The Lexington Minute Men gather on the Green to listen to Reverend Clarke
and prepare to march off to Parker’s Revenge
Lions Club of Lexington, Inc.:
The Lions Club of Lexington, Inc. requests permission to hold the 111th Annual Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road
Race on Saturday, April 19, 2025 with an awards ceremony on the Battle Green at the conclusion of the road
race from approximately 9:15am to 10:15am. They are requesting use of the Battle Green from 9:15am to
10:15am, where the road race will start and end. They are requesting that Massachusetts Avenue from the Battle
Green to Marrett Road to Lincoln Street and back to the Battle Green be closed to all but resident emergency
traffic from 8:00am to approximately 10:15am for the road race.
Town Celebrations Committee:
The Town Celebrations Committee requests Select Board approval for the closure of Massachusetts Avenue
from Marrett Road to Worthen Road, Bedford Street to Harrington Road and midway down Harrington Road
to the Battle Green to all but emergency traffic for the Patriots’ Day morning parade on Saturday, April 19,
2025. They are requesting the closure of Massachusetts Avenue from approximately #409 (Lexington Toyota)
westerly to Bedford Street, Bedford Street to Harrington Road, Harrington Road to Worthen Road, and
Worthen Road to the Town Pool parking lot for the afternoon parade. This is an annual request.
The Town Celebrations Committee has also requested permission to use the Battle Green on Saturday, April
19, 2025 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm for the purpose of holding Patriots' Day-related ceremonies following the
morning parade.
The Police Department, Department of Public Works, Town Manager's Office and the Fire Department have
no objections to this request.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
to approve the Town Celebrations Committee, Lexington Historical Society, Lexington Minute Men and Lions
Club of Lexington Battle Green Permit and road closure requests for their respective Patriots’ Day events, as
follows:
Historical Society/Lexington Minute Men - Approve the request for road closure Bedford Street from
Massachusetts Avenue to Hancock Street and Hancock Street to Adams Street and abutting street entries be
closed to all but emergency traffic from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18th to no later than 12:00 a.m. on Saturday,
April 19th.the reenactment of the arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes.
Lexington Minute Men:
The Lexington Minute Men use of the Battle Green for their participation in Patriots' Day 2025 events on the
following dates and times
Saturday, April 19, 2025 for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington from 1:00am to 1:00pm.
3:00am - 4:30am - 4-6 men patrol the Common and Buckman Tavern grounds.
5:05am - 5:15am - Small company of minutemen drill on the Common. No firing.
5:15am - 5:30am - Civilian Evacuation – Civilians to be staged at the Lexington Visitors Center
and near the Common and will exit across Harrington Road.
5:30am - 5:55am - Capt. Parker sends Thaddeus Bowman (on horseback) down Mass Ave to
scout for British Regulars.
5:55am - 6:00am - Thaddeus Bowman returns to warn of the British Regulars approach.
6:00am - 9:00am - British Regulars arrive and the battle commences.
9:00am - 9:45am - The Lexington Minute Men gather on the Green to listen to Reverend Clarke
and prepare to march off to Parker’s Revenge
Lions Club of Lexington, Inc.:
The Lions Club of Lexington, Inc. to hold the 111th Annual Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race on Saturday,
April 19, 2025 with an awards ceremony on the Battle Green at the conclusion of the road race from
approximately 9:15am to 10:15am. Massachusetts Avenue from the Battle Green to Marrett Road to Lincoln
Street and back to the Battle Green be closed to all but resident emergency traffic from 8:00am to
approximately 10:15am for the road race.
Town Celebrations Committee:
for closure of Massachusetts Avenue from Marrett Road to Worthen Road, Bedford Street to Harrington
Road and midway down Harrington Road to the Battle Green to all but emergency traffic for the Patriots’ Day
morning parade on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Closure of Massachusetts Avenue from approximately #409
(Lexington Toyota) westerly to Bedford Street, Bedford Street to Harrington Road, Harrington Road to
Worthen Road, and Worthen Road to the Town Pool parking lot for the afternoon parade.
Use of the Battle Green on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm for the purpose of holding
Patriots' Day-related ceremonies following the morning parade.
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Historical Society_LMM_ Letter Paul Revere Ride Road Closure Backup Material
LMM Patriots Day Letter 2024 Backup Material
TCC Email 2025 Patriots Day Parade_Redacted Backup Material
Lions Club Event Letter Backup Material
The Lexington Minute Men, Inc.
POST OFFICE BOX 1775 LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
CAPTAIN COMMANDING Stephen D. Cole, Jr.
October 16, 2024
Board of Selectmen
1625 Mass. Ave.
Lexington, Mass. 02420
Re: LMM Spring 2025 Use of Battle Green
To the Honorable Board:
The Lexington Minute Men Company respectfully request the use of the Battle Green
on Saturday April 19, 1am - 1pm for the Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and the
Annual Reenactment of the Lexington Minute Men regrouping on the Battle Green before heading to
Parker’s Revenge. These Battle Reenactment has been held nearly every year since 1971, the
Reenactment includes musket firing on the Green during the Battle, after a single shot from Buckman
Tavern initiates the action.
For the Reenactment of the Lexington Minute Men regrouping on the Battle Green before
heading to Parker’s Revenge, there will be no musket firing on the Green. The men are simply
gathering and preparing to march off to Parker’s Revenge. Proceedings on the Green last
approximately 30 minutes, followed by a short march up Mass Ave to St. Brigid’s Church where we
will meet the busses that will transport us to the Minute Man National Historical Park for the Parker’s
Revenge Event. The Company wishes to register its continuing thanks for this annual service by the
Lexington Police Department.
5,000+ participants and spectators expected.
See below for timeline.
3:00-4:30am – 4-6 men patrol the Common and Buckman Tavern grounds.
5:05-5:15am – Small company of minutemen drill on the Common. No firing.
5:15-5:30am – Civilian Evacuation – Civilians to be staged at the Lexington Visitors Center and near
the Common and will exit across Harrington Road.
5:30am – Capt. Parker sends Thaddeus Bowman (on horseback) down Mass Ave to scout for British
Regulars.
5:55am – Thaddeus Bowman returns to warn of the British Regulars approach.
6:00am – British Regulars arrive and the battle commences.
9:00am – 9:45am – The Lexington Minute Men gather on the Green to listen to Reverand Clarke and
prepare to march off to Parker’s Revenge
Saturday, April 26, 1am - 1pm Provisional “rain date” for the April 19h reenactment.
We will be in contact with the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public
Works, Town Celebrations Committee, and Visitors’ Center to coordinate the Reenactment and other
events with them. We are grateful for the strong support always offered by the Selectmen and hope
that this request will be granted. It is always an honor and a pleasure to be of service, continuing to
keep alive the traditions of Lexington and the memory of the town’s first casualties in the War for
Independence.
On behalf of CPT Stephen D. Cole Jr., our unit’s 78th and present commander, I do remain
Yours in Liberty,
2LT Bruce J. Leader, Adjutant
Lexington Minute Men
1
Samantha Lino
Subject:FW: TCC - Initial plan for Patriots’ Day PM Parade for Select Board review
From: Town Celebrations Committee
Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2024 11:18 AM
To: Suzie Barry; Kim Katzenback
Cc:
Subject: TCC - Initial plan for Patriots’ Day PM Parade for Select Board review
Suzy, Kim - this is TCC’s initial plan for the Patriots’s Day 2025 PM Parade. This plan is coordinated
with the Lex250 Commission. This plan addresses preferences expressed by Police Chief McLean.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade:
- Sponsors are Town of Lexington, Lex250 Commission and other sponsor organizations
- Location/Route: Start at Tower Park, proceed along Mass Ave through Town center, past Battle
Green to Worthen Rd (parade will either stay on Mass Ave (Minuteman statue to right) or go left at
Harrington Rotary on Bedford St (Minuteman statue to left) but is still TBD, Left on Worthen Rd to LHS
parking lot. Parade start and assembly will include Mass Ave along Tower Park, Seasons Four parking
lot (to be negotiated), Community Center/Scottish Rite parking lot (to be confirmed), and Child
Development parking lot along Tower Rd (to be negotiated)
- Outline Schedule, Patriots’ Day Parade, Saturday April 19, 2025:
- 12:00pm Units begin to arrive at LHS parking lot and Parade Start
- 12:15pm Buses begin to ferry parade participants from LHS parking lot to Parade Start
- 2:00pm Parade kicks off
2
- 4:30pm Parade concludes
- 5:30pm Parade cleanup complete
Best,
- Glen
Geetha Padaki & Glen Bassett
Co-Chairs
Town Celebrations Committee
When writing or responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email
is a public record and, therefore, may not be kept confidential.
THE LIONS CLUB OF LEXINGTON, INC.
P.O. Box 71, Lexington, Massachusetts, 02420
“Birthplace of American Liberty”
www.lexingtonlions.org January 21, 2025 Town of Lexington
Select Board
1625 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, MA 02420 Dear Board Members;
The Lexington Lions Club will be sponsoring the 111th Annual Patriots Day 5-Mile Road Race on Monday, April 19, 2025 We are requesting the use of the Battle Green for the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the Road Race. The awards ceremony begins at approximately 9:15AM and will last approximately 15 minutes.
Thanks for your consideration of this request. If you have any questions, please contact me at 17 Vine Brook Rd, Lexington, MA 02421; Cell Phone: (781) 424-4007. Very truly yours,
Douglas M. Lucente Treasurer and Road Race Co-Chair
See attached: Road Race Route & Details cc: Town Manager
Lexington Lions Club – 111th Annual Patriots Day 5-Mile Road Race
Road Race Details: Date, Time & Location:
• Monday, April 19, 2025
• Race Starts at 8:00am (By Lexington Minutemen firing muskets) NEW TIME
• Adjacent to the Battlegreen, Lexington, MA
• (1900 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA—for mapping purposes) Registration:
Please Visit the "HOW TO ENTER" Registration Page at www.lexingtonlions.org Race Packets:
Runners who have pre-registered may pick-up their race packets on race day at registration beginning at 8:00am Timing Chip:
Your timing chip is included in your race packet and must be placed on the top of your shoe and securely weaved/tied through your shoelaces. In order to receive an official time for the race you must be wearing the chip as you cross both the Start and Finish lines. Age Group Awards & Other Trophies:
• Currier Cup* - 1st Place Overall Finisher
• Team Competition - 1st Place Team
• Sgt Norman Carlson Award - 1st Lexingtonian
• Age 12 & Under - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female
• Age 13 – 19 - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female
• Age 20 – 29 - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female
• Age 30 – 39 - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female
• Age 40 – 49 - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female
• Age 50 – 59 - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female
• Age 60 & Up - 1st & 2nd Place Male, 1st & 2nd Place Female *Currier Cup Trophy: The Currier Cup is a Special Silver Cup that is presented to the first place finisher of the race by the family of the first Place finisher of the First Patriots Day Road Race in 1914 Ralph “Curlie” Currier. Fees: Mail-in and On-Line Pre-registration is $25. Day of Race registration is $35. Water Stops:
There are 4 water stops along the race route. Close to each mile marker. Refreshments:
Refreshments and fruit are served at the end of the race.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Battle Green Permit - Historical Society: Annual Children's Reenactment
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.4
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Lexington Historical Society:
The Lexington Historical Society has requested permission to use the Battle Green on Saturday, April 26, 2025
from 10:00am to 2:00pm for the purpose of their annual Children's Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington.
The event will run in two groups at 10:00am and 12:30pm, beginning at Buckman’s Tavern and ending with a
reenactment on the Battle Green. There will be intermittent use of the Battle Green between the times of
11:00am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 2:00pm.
The Police Department, Department of Public Works, and the Fire Department have no objections to this
request.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the request of the Lexington Historical Society to use the Battle Green on Saturday, April 26,
2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for the purpose of their annual Children's Reenactment of the Battle of
Lexington.
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Childrens_Reenactment_Schedule Backup Material
Children’s Reenactment Schedule
Session 1
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Check-In
Participants arrive and register at Buckman Tavern
10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Enlistment
Participants are sorted into two camps (American Militia or British Regular)
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Drill
Participants practice marching and drilling with their assigned guides
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Reenactment
Participants reenact the battle followed by free interaction with the reenactors
Session 2
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Check-In
Participants arrive and register at Buckman Tavern
12:50 PM - 1:00 PM
Enlistment
Participants are sorted into two camps (American Militia or British Regular)
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Drill
Participants practice marching and drilling with their assigned guides
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Reenactment
Participants reenact the battle followed by free interaction with the reenactors
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Battle Green Permits - William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.5
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Annual Lexington Tattoo & Parade on Massachusetts Avenue:
The William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps is requesting permission to hold the annual Lexington Fife
and Drum Tattoo on the Battle Green on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The event itself will
begin at 7:00pm and will include the Lexington Minute Men presenting Colors, the National Anthem by the
William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps and musical performance by four Fife and Drum Corps
members as part of the Lexington Muster weekend.
Lexington Muster Line Up & Parade on Massachusetts Avenue:
The William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps is requesting permission to use the Battle Green on
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11:00am to 12:30pm for the purpose of Corps Members lining up for the
Lexington Muster Parade. Parade participants will gather on the Battle Green at the corner of Harrington Road
and Massachusetts Avenue prior to parading down Massachusetts Avenue towards Hastings Park, where the
Lexington Muster will be taking place. The first group will step off of the Battle Green to begin the parade at
12:00pm. Please see the attached map for the parade route.
The Police Department, Department of Public Works, Fire Department and the Town Manager's Office have
no objections to this request.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the request of the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps to use the Battle Green on
Friday, May 2, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm for the annual Lexington Fife and Drum Tattoo as part of the
Lexington Muster weekend, and to further approve the Parade Corps to march down Massachusetts Avenue
towards the Battle Green for the annual Lexington Fife and Drum Tattoo starting at 7:00pm.
To approve the request of the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps to use the Battle Green on
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from approximately 11:00am to 12:30pm for the purpose of lining up for the Lexington
Muster Parade, and to further approve Corps Members parading down Massachusetts Avenue towards
Hasting Park for the Lexington Muster starting at 12:00pm.
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
2025_Muster_Parade_Route_map Backup Material
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: One-Day Liquor Licenses - Galaray House: First Friday(s), After Hours Wine
Night
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.6
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Galaray House:
Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, is requesting 6 One-Day Liquor Licenses to serve wine for the
purpose of their 'First Fridays' Event, a monthly exhibit showcasing art from local residents, being held on
February 7, 2025, March 7, 2025, April 4, 2025, May 2, 2025, and June 6, 2025, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, as
well as for an additional event, 'After Hours Wine Night,' scheduled for February 27, 2025, from 6:00 pm - 9:00
pm.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve 6 One-Day Liquor Licenses for the Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, to serve wine
from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, March 7, 2025, April 4, 2025, May 2, 2025, and June 6,
2025, at their 'First Fridays' Event showcasing art from local residents, and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on
Thursday, February 27, 2025, for their 'After Hours Wine Night' event.
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: One-Day Liquor License - Historical Society: Annual Tavern Night
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.7
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Lexington Historical Society:
The Lexington Historical Society is requesting a One-Day Liquor License to serve beer and wine at Buckman
Tavern, 1 Bedford Street, for the purpose of "Tavern Night" (a social and historical education event) on
Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. All drinks will be served and consumed inside of
Buckman Tavern.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Lexington Historical Society to serve beer and wine at
Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford Street, for the purpose of "Tavern Night" on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from
5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Move to approve the consent.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Department.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Review and Approve Response to Liquor License Compliance Check
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.8
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
On December 17, 2024 and December 18, 2024 the Lexington Police Department conducted alcohol
compliance checks on a total of 28 liquor licensed establishments. The purpose of the compliance checks is to
ensure that establishments who hold liquor licenses obey the laws pertaining to the sale/service of alcohol.
On December 18, 2024 the following establishments were found in violation of either selling or serving a minor
during the compliance check.
Berman’s 55 Massachusetts Avenue
Vinbrook Bottle 131 Massachusetts Avenue
Attached is a copy of the Select Board's Regulation regarding Alcoholic Beverages Enforcement. In
accordance with this regulation, a written warning will be sent to each of the above establishments informing
them of the actions that need to be taken regarding the liquor license violations found as a result of the
December 2024 compliance checks conducted by the Lexington Police Department.
The Board is being asked to approve the letters to be sent to these establishments.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
to approve and authorize the Select Board Chair to sign the letters to be sent to Berman and Vinebrook Bottle
Shop, informing them of the actions to be taken regarding the liquor license violations found during December
18, 2024, compliance checks conducted by the Lexington Police Department.
Move to approve the consent
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
1st Offense Letter - Bermans Backup Material
1st Offense Letter - Vinebrook Bottle Shop Backup Material
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
SELECT BOARD OFFICE
DOUGLAS M. LUCENTE, CHAIR
JOSEPH N. PATO
SUZANNE E. BARRY
JILL I. HAI TEL: (781) 698-4580
MARK D. SANDEEN FAX: (781) 863-9468
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE · LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
e-mail selectboard@lexingtonma.gov
Berman’s
55 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
January 27, 2025
Dear Mr. Alex Bluhm,
On December 17, 2024 Alcohol Compliance Checks were conducted on establishments in Lexington that sell
or serve alcoholic beverages. Officers advised you of the incident that occurred at Berman’s and that there
would be a follow up from the Select Board to the incident.
Sale or delivery of alcohol to under age persons is a violation of Massachusetts General Laws and the
Lexington Alcohol Licensing Board. See enclosed copy of the Alcoholic Beverages Enforcement
Regulation. The following course of action will be taken upon violations occurring within 3 years: 1st
offense – written warning placed in the licensing file and required training for personnel; 2nd offense –
hearing before the Select Board to determine any action, including suspension and revocation of license.
Extenuating circumstances may necessitate more serious consequences on any violations.
For your 1st offense you must have all personnel and managers complete a new off-premise alcohol
selling awareness training using a recognized awareness training organization such as TIPS. You
must provide the Select Board Office, by February 24, 2025, a list of all the employees and managers
and along with a copy of the new training certificate(s) for each. If there is a second violation of any
violation of any kind, Berman’s will be required to have a hearing before the Select Board to discuss the
consequences.
The Lexington Select Board and Police Department share with you, as business owners/manager and
members of the Lexington community, the common goal of consistent responsible sales of alcohol.
Sincerely,
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
SELECT BOARD OFFICE
DOUGLAS M. LUCENTE, CHAIR
JOSEPH N. PATO
SUZANNE E. BARRY
JILL I. HAI TEL: (781) 698-4580
MARK D. SANDEEN FAX: (781) 863-9468
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE · LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
e-mail selectboard@lexingtonma.gov
Vinebrook Bottle Shop
131 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
January 27, 2025
Dear Mr. Viren Patel, ,
On December 17, 2024 Alcohol Compliance Checks were conducted on establishments in Lexington that sell
or serve alcoholic beverages. Officers advised you of the incident that occurred at Vinebrook Bottle Shop
and that there would be a follow up from the Select Board to the incident.
Sale or delivery of alcohol to under age persons is a violation of Massachusetts General Laws and the
Lexington Alcohol Licensing Board. See enclosed copy of the Alcoholic Beverages Enforcement
Regulation. The following course of action will be taken upon violations occurring within 3 years: 1st
offense – written warning placed in the licensing file and required training for personnel; 2nd offense –
hearing before the Select Board to determine any action, including suspension and revocation of license.
Extenuating circumstances may necessitate more serious consequences on any violations.
For your 1st offense you must have all personnel and managers complete a new off-premise alcohol
selling awareness training using a recognized awareness training organization such as TIPS. You
must provide the Select Board Office, by February 24, 2025, a list of all the employees and managers
and along with a copy of the new training certificate(s) for each. If there is a second violation of any
kind, Vinebrook Bottle Shop will be required to have a hearing before the Select Board to discuss the
consequences.
The Lexington Select Board and Police Department share with you, as business owners/manager and
members of the Lexington community, the common goal of consistent responsible sales of alcohol.
Sincerely,
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve Select Board Committee Appointment - Fund for Lexington
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.9
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Appointment:
Fund for Lexintgon Board
The Select Board is being asked to appoint Lester Savage as the Trustees of the Public Trusts Member on
the Fund for Lexington Board.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
to appoint Lester Savage as the Trustees of the Public Trusts Member on the Fund for Lexington Board
Move to approve the consent
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve New 5-Year Lexpress Contract with M&L Transit
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.10
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
MGL c. 30B allows Towns to enter into contracts for a period up to three years, unless a longer term is authorized
by Town Meeting. In 2016, Town Meeting voted to authorize longer contract terms for several different types of
contracts, with a stipulation that the Select Board must approve any contract term that exceeds three years. We are
prepared to award the new Lexpress contract for a guaranteed five-year term with two optional one-year
extensions to M&L Transit (the incumbent vendor).
SUGGESTED MOTION:
to approve the award of the Lexpress contract for a five-year term with two optional one-year extensions to
M&L Transitand further to authorize the Town Manager/Comptroller to execute any associated contract
documents.
Move to approve the consent
FOLLOW-UP:
Town Manager/Comptroller
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Lexpress RFP Cover Memo
M&L written proposal Cover Memo
M&L fee schedule Cover Memo
Contract for Execution M& L Transit Backup Material
1 | P a g e
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LEXPRESS Bus Service: Operations,
Maintenance, and Fleet Sourcing
RFP #: 25-57
RFP
Deadline: Thursday, December 12th, 2024 12:00 PM
Delivery
Address: Lexington Town Offices- Purchasing Office
1625 Massachusetts Ave.
Lexington, MA 02420
Contact
Elizabeth Mancini, Purchasing Director
v: 781-698-4628
f: 781.861.2794
emancini@lexingtonma.gov
2 | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEGAL NOTICE 4
GENERAL INFORMATION 5
1. Overview 5
2. RFP Documents Available 5
3. Questions 5
4. Addenda 5
HOW TO SUBMIT A BID 5
5. RFP Submittal 5
6. RFP Delivery and Opening 6
7. Compliance with RFP 6
8. Form of Bid 6
9. Required Bid Documents 7
10. Modifications to Bids 7
AWARD AND CONTRACT 7
11. Rule of Award 7
12. Interviews 7
13. Timeframe for Award 7
14. Reserved Rights 7
15. Contract 8
BIDDER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 8
16. Performance Capabilities 8
17. Experience 8
18. References 8
19. Subcontractors 9
PRODUCT AND PERFORMANCE TERMS 9
20. “Or Equal” 9
21. Invoicing 9
22. Payment 9
APPENDIX A –SPECIFICATIONS 10
23. A. Description of Transportation
Services 10
24. B. Contractor’s Equipment
Responsibility 13
25. C. Contractor’s Management and
Personnel Responsibility 15
26. D. Contractor’s Equipment
Repair and Maintenance
Responsibilities 19
27. E. Contractor’s Revenue
Collection Responsibilities 20
28. F. Contractor’s Data Collection
and Reporting Responsibilities
21
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29. G. Compensation Due to Vendor
22
30. H. Insurance 23
31. I. Timeline 23
Assurances and Delivery 23
Page Intentional Left Blank 25
MINIMUM AND EVALUATIVE CRITERIA 26
CONTRACT AWARD AND TIMELINE 30
FORM A - GENERAL BID FORM 32
FORM B - STATEMENT OF COMPETENCY 33
FORM C - BID PRICE FORM 34
A. Vehicle Fleet: Information 37
Page Intentional Left Blank 38
FORM D – SAMPLE CONTRACT 39
Appendix B- Lexpress Brochure
Appendix C- Sample AP Warrant
Schedule
Appendix D- Vehicle Accessibility
Checklist
Appendix E- 2025 Town-Observed Holidays
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LEGAL NOTICE
Request for Proposals
LEXPRESS Bus Service #25-57
The Town of Lexington, Massachusetts is a suburban community located 13 miles northwest of
Boston. Lexington encompasses 16.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 34,000. The
Town has operated LEXPRESS, a fixed-route, community public bus service since 1979. LEXPRESS is
open to people of all ages and abilities, including senior citizens, youth, people with disabilities, and other
members of the public.
Sealed proposals for public LEXPRESS public transportation service within the Town of
Lexington, or within the Town of Lexington and designated towns will be received by the Purchasing
Office, Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420 until 12:00
PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
The Town of Lexington is requesting technical and cost proposals from qualified and experienced
Vendors to provide operations and maintenance service for LEXPRESS public bus service, as well as the
sourcing and financing of four cutaway passenger vehicles. The guaranteed duration of the contract is five
(5) years beginning July 1, 2025 (FY25) and ending June 30, 2030 (FY30), with two one-year extensions.
The five-year contract and the extensions each require annual Town Meeting approval of funding and
shall be exercised at the sole discretion of the Town. The anticipated contract start date is July 1, 2025. If
vehicles are not ready by July 1, 2025, the start date of contract will be modified to a mutually
agreeable date when vendor, and new and branded vehicles, will be ready.
Separate PRICE and NON-PRICE Proposals, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws - Chapter
30B, are required.
The proposer agrees that its proposal(s) shall be firm and may not be withdrawn for a period of 45
days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded, after the receipt of the proposals on Thursday,
December 12, 2024. This contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive vendor offering the
most advantageous proposal in accordance with Massachusetts General Law c. 30B s. 6.
Contract documents consisting of General Instructions to Proposers, Specifications for
LEXPRESS Service, Proposal Forms, Contract and other documents may be obtained online at
www.lexingtonma.gov/bids beginning on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:00 PM. The Town
reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all proposals or take whatever other action
may be deemed to be in the best interest of the Town of Lexington.
5 | P a g e
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. OVERVIEW
This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Town of Lexington for public LEXPRESS
transportation service, which has operated since 1979 within the Town of Lexington and other
designated towns.
2. RFP DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
RFP documents will be made available through the following means:
1. By visiting the Town’s website at www.lexingtonma.gov/bids
2. By phone at 781-698-4628. In order to request by phone you must speak to a live person.
Voice mail requests will not be considered official requests.
3. By email to Elizabeth Mancini – emancini@lexingtonma.gov.
RFP documents will be e-mailed unless delivery via U.S. Mail is specified by the requester.
3. QUESTIONS
Direct all inquiries to Elizabeth Mancini, Purchasing Director, via one of the methods listed
above. Responses to inquiries that affect all bidders will be issued as addenda. Please refer to the
schedule on page 23 of this RFP for specific dates/timeline. Non-bidding parties will not be
issued addenda without a public records request for the addenda after the addenda is issued. Non-
bidding parties should not distribute this for use as an official bid document, only the Town will
issue official bid documents. Note: We do not distribute “official” documents to non-bidders nor
do we advertise outside of the newspaper and Government Required Central Register/Goods and
Service Bulletins.
4. ADDENDA
Written addenda issued by the Town of Lexington will be e-mailed to all parties that the Town of
Lexington is aware have requested documents as necessary using the contact information
provided to the Town of Lexington. Absence of “failure” messages electronically transmitted
from addressee’s site will serve as confirmation of delivery of addenda. Bidders should contact
Purchasing via e-mail, or telephone if they believe an addendum has not been received.
HOW TO SUBMIT A BID
5. RFP SUBMITTAL
Separate Price and Non-Price Proposals must be in sealed envelopes and clearly marked:
“Lexpress Bus Service- Contract #25-57 Price Proposal” and
“Lexpress Bus Service- Contract #25-57 Non-Price Proposal”.
On the “Price Proposal Form” the bidder shall specify prices in both words and figures, in ink
or typed. In case of discrepancy between the words and figures, the written words shall govern.
Price Proposal envelopes will remain sealed until the “Non-Price Proposal” has been evaluated.
Please include one (1) hard-copy of the non-price proposal and an electronic version on a flash
6 | P a g e
drive or similar. The electronic copy must be inside the sealed envelope- emailed copies will not
be accepted.
RFPs must be signed as follows:
If the bidder is an individual, by her/him personally;
If the bidder is a partnership, by the name of the partnership, followed by the signature of each general partner;
and
If the bidder is a corporation, by the name of the corporation, followed by the signature of an authorized officer,
whose signature must be attested to by the Clerk/Secretary of the corporation with the corporate seal affixed.
6. RFP DELIVERY AND OPENING
Sealed proposals will be accepted at The Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Ave.,
Lexington, MA 02420 until 12:00 pm on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Specific delivery
instructions are as follows:
RFPs sent via mail or courier should be addressed to Elizabeth Mancini, Purchasing
Director, 1625 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420.
RFPs NOT sent via mail or courier should be hand-delivered to the Procurement
Lock-Box, top floor (outside the Comptroller’s Office) Town Office Building, 1625
Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420. The Lock-Box will be checked for RFPs
at the specific due date and time.
RFPs are not opened publicly. A written register of proposals will be compiled after the RFP
deadline and will be made available for public inspection. The contents of received proposals
remain confidential until a contract award is made.
It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to ensure timely delivery to the location listed above.
Please allow ample time for delivery of bids, late bids will not be accepted under any
circumstance.
Unforeseeable Deterrents - If at the time of the deadline, the designated site is unavailable due
to circumstances beyond the control of the Town of Lexington, the deadline will be automatically
postponed (with or without notice to potential bidders) until 1:00PM at the same location on the
next normal business day. In the event the same location cannot be used to accommodate a
postponement, the deadline will be formally postponed with notification to all parties provided
RFP documents by the Town of Lexington. RFPs will be accepted until any postponement time.
7. COMPLIANCE WITH RFP
Bidders must comply with all requirements of this RFP in order to be eligible for contract award.
Minor informalities will be waived or the bidder will be allowed to correct them. If a mistake in a
bid is evident and the intended bid is clear on the face of the Bid Price Form, the mistake will be
corrected to reflect the intended correct bid and the bidder will be notified in writing. The bidder
may not withdraw such a bid. The Town of Lexington may reject or a bidder may withdraw a bid
if a mistake is clearly evident on the face of the Bid Price Form, yet the intended correct bid is not
similarly evident.
8. FORM OF BID
Price proposals must be submitted on the Bid Price Form (FORM C) provided and must contain all
the required enclosures itemized in Section 9 below
7 | P a g e
9. REQUIRED BID DOCUMENTS
All bids are required to contain the following forms fully completed and signed:
General Bid Form (Form A)
Statement of Competency -- with list of references (Form B)
Bid Price Form (Form C) Please note submission requirements in section 5 above.
Non-Price Proposal Please note submission requirements in section 5 above.
Attachment A- Vehicle Fleet Information
Vehicle Accessibility Checklist (Appendix D)
10. MODIFICATIONS TO BIDS
A bidder may correct, modify, or withdraw a bid by written notice received by the Town of
Lexington not later than the close of business on the day before the RFP deadline. Bid
modifications must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly labeled "Modification No.__." Each
modification must be numbered in sequence, must reference the original RFP and must be signed
by the same person who signed the General Bid Form or a surrogate so authorized in writing.
After the deadline, a bidder may not change any provision of the bid in a manner prejudicial to
the interests of the Town of Lexington or fair competition as determined by the Town of
Lexington.
AWARD AND CONTRACT
11. RULE OF AWARD
An award will be made as follows:
An award will be made to a responsive, and responsible bidder offering the most advantageous
proposal for the goods and/or services that are the subject of this RFP (subject to the Town’s
budget appropriation).
12. INTERVIEWS
Interviews may be conducted with respondents, should the Town deem it necessary.
13. TIMEFRAME FOR AWARD
All bid prices submitted in response to this RFP must remain firm for 45 (forty-five) days
following the bid opening or until a contract is executed, whichever occurs first.
14. RESERVED RIGHTS
The Town of Lexington reserves the right to:
1. Cancel this RFP at any time, with or without notice to prospective bidders. Reasonable
efforts will be made to give timely notice.
4. Accept or reject, in whole or in part, any and all bids as permitted by law.
5. Award contracts as it deems best serves the interests of the Town of Lexington.
6. Waive or adjust non-statutory bid requirements before or after bids are opened in whatever
8 | P a g e
Poor references may be used as a
basis for determining that a
VENDOR is not a responsible
bidder. The Town of Lexington
may act as its own reference.
ways it deems best serves the interests of the Town of Lexington, while also being non-
prejudicial to the interests of fair competition.
15. CONTRACT
A signed contract will result from this RFP. It is the Town’s intent to award the contract to one
vendor to provide project services. The contract will be in effect from July 1, 2025 through June
30, 2030, with two (2) optional one-year extension terms. The Town reserves the sole right to
exercise the extension terms. The start date of the contract may start after July 1, 2025, depending
on when new vehicles are ready and branded for service. The Town shall cancel or modify this
contract if funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of
performance in any fiscal year succeeding the first year.
BIDDER QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
16. PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES
Bidders must be capable of providing the specified goods and services on schedule, in working
order, in an intact and undamaged condition, and providing any support services in a professional
manner.
Time of performance is critical to this RFP. Bidders must reassure the Town of Lexington of their
capacity to perform within the timeframe set out in this RFP.
17. EXPERIENCE
Bidders must demonstrate competency in the business of providing the goods and/or services
specified in this RFP by conformance with the following criteria:
a. Bidders must be, by virtue of experience and education, qualified to provide LEXPRESS
Bus Service
b. Provision of the specified goods/and or services is consistent with normal lines of business.
c. Incorporated to do business in Massachusetts.
d. Receive favorable ratings from references.
e. Vendor shall demonstrate that the products offered are the requested specifications.
f. Bidders that do not meet these minimum qualifications will not be considered.
18. REFERENCES
Bidders must provide a list of all engagements during the past three years where the bidder did
similar or like work as requested in this RFP. Any omission will be considered grounds to
invalidate the proposer’s bid. Use a separate sheet(s) clearly marked "REFERENCES" to provide
the following information for each engagement and/or reference.
1. Customer Name
2. Years as a customer
3. Street
4. City, State, Zip
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5. Contact Person
6. Telephone number
19. SUBCONTRACTORS
□ Proposer must supply a list of sub-contractors used for specialty services. Subcontractors may
be used if approved in advance by the Town of Lexington. The town encourages the use of
minority and women-owned business enterprises.
PRODUCT AND PERFORMANCE TERMS
20. “OR EQUAL”
An item at least equal to one or more that are named or described in the Specifications may be
offered by a Bidder.
The naming of any commercial name, trademark, or other identification shall not be construed to
exclude any item or manufacturer not mentioned by name or as limiting competition, but shall
establish a standard of quality only. An item equal to one or more that are named or described in
the Specifications may be offered by a vendor. An item shall be considered equal to the item so
named or described if (1) it is at least equal in quality, durability, appearance, strength and design,
(2) it will perform at least equally the function imposed by the general design for the use
intended, and (3) it conforms substantially to the requirements of the specifications with only
minor deviations immaterial to the requirements of the preceding conditions (1) and (2). The
name and manufacturer’s published product specifications establishing product equality must
accompany “Or Equal” Bids. Acceptance of “Or Equal” Bids shall be at the sole discretion of
The Town of Lexington whose decision shall be final.
21. INVOICING
Selected Vendors must direct all invoices to the Transportation Services Department.
The Town of Lexington is tax-exempt. Sales taxes and finance charges will not be paid.
Invoices must contain, or be accompanied by, the following information:
Invoice # (+ Purchase Order #, if applicable)
Week of service
# of days of service for that week
# of buses in revenue service for that week
# of revenue hours
Hourly rate
Total amount due
22. PAYMENT
The goods and/or services procured through this RFP are funded by the Town of Lexington on an
indirect payment basis. Invoices detailing work completed on this engagement can be submitted
weekly, however, 10% of the contract cost may be held until the successful completion of this
project. The Town of Lexington will make all necessary effort to expedite payment cycles. A
sample Accounts Payable warrant schedule is included in Appendix C to this RFP. The Town of
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Lexington will not be liable for slow payment cycles.
APPENDIX A –SPECIFICATIONS
PURPOSE OF REQUEST
The work contemplated shall consist of furnishing all motor vehicles, equipment, maintenance, insurance,
labor, uniforms, and training required to operate a public transportation service as described in this
Request for Proposals (RFP) Document. This contract is for a five-year period with two one-year
extensions in accordance with M.G.L. C 30B and annual Town Meeting approval of funding. The start
date will be July 1, 2025.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Lexington is a full-service municipal government located in Middlesex County,
Massachusetts, approximately 13 miles northwest of Boston. It is governed by a five-member Select
Board and Town Manager. Its legislative body is a Representative Town Meeting. The Town employs
approximately 350 permanent employees.
Lexington encompasses 16.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 34,000. The Town has
operated LEXPRESS, a fixed-route, community public bus service since 1979. LEXPRESS is open to
people of all ages and abilities, including senior citizens, youth, people with disabilities, and other
members of the public. Currently, the bus service operates three fixed-routes with flag-stops and
occasional route deviations using three vehicles in revenue service with one additional vehicle as a back-
up. Service currently runs from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. It does not operate on
legal holidays as noted in Appendix E and may have shorter schedules on Christmas Eve and New Year’s
Eve. Last year (FY24; 7/1/23-6/30/24), the actual vehicle revenue hours were 8,892 for a three-route,
three-bus service, and our actual vehicle revenue miles were 129,122 operating in the above manner. Our
service intent is to serve as many riders as reasonably possible of all ages and abilities, with reliable, on-
time service, and to treat each of them with the utmost respect, while offering a safe and pleasant riding
experience.
Vehicles for this contract may be owned or leased, but must meet all vehicle criteria (see Vehicle
Checklist, Appendix D). Vehicles must be able to withstand the type of service and mileage they will be
used for and should be well-maintained throughout duration of contract.
Scope of Work
23. A. DESCRIPTION OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
1. Service Concept
The Lexington bus system, LEXPRESS, is a fixed-route system with FLAG stops and slight route
deviations by request. All routes begin and end in Lexington Center. The basic service currently consists
of three (3) routes of an average 50-minute duration, with each route being served once per hour
throughout the current 12-hour service day by three Lexpress buses. Current additions and variations to
the basic service are described in Specifications, Section 23.A.3. These additions/variations may be
changed by the Town from time to time.
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Fixed route service shall be operated on a schedule established by the Town. This schedule shall be
adhered to with no vehicle operator leaving a posted departure point prior to the scheduled departure time.
Drivers should have accurate, visible timepieces to ensure schedule adherence. There shall be no
departure delay greater than five (5) minutes unless it results from weather, traffic or detours on the routes
during the hours of operation. The LEXPRESS fixed route structure, number of routes, time of departure
and arrival time for the service may be changed, amended or varied from time to time by the Select Board
or its duly authorized representative, provided the Contractor is given ten (10) days advance notice.
2. Service Description
The contract duration shall be five years with an option to extend the contract for two (2) one (1)-year
periods. The contract will start on July 1, 2025. The contract is subject to annual Town Meeting approval
of funding and extension years may be exercised at the sole discretion of the Town.
Service is to be provided Monday through Friday. Current service hours are 7:30AM-7:30PM. Service is
not proposed for Saturdays, Sundays, and the legal holidays as observed in the Town as outlined in
Appendix E. However, the Town reserves the right to schedule additional days and hours of service
including Saturday, Sundays and holidays. The Town is seeking proposals that would continue to offer a
three-bus, three-route service, for 12 hours/day or about 180 hours/week. In the event of extreme weather
and/or road conditions, the Town reserves the right to cancel LEXPRESS bus service until such time as
the Town determines that the weather and/or road conditions are safe. The Town will notify the contractor
at least one hour prior to the regularly scheduled start of the bus service and no compensation will be paid
for service. If the Town cancels the LEXPRESS bus service less than one hour prior to the regularly
scheduled start of the bus service but before three hours of service have been provided, the contractor
shall be compensated for three (3) hours per vehicle. If the town determines that the roads are unsafe for
LEXPRESS bus service more than three hours after the regularly scheduled start of the bus service, the
Town will only compensate the contractor for the hours of service provided.
3. Service Increase or Reduction
The total number of hours of operation may be increased or reduced by the Select Board or its duly
authorized representative, provided the Contractor is given ten (10) days' notice. The Town of Lexington
may add additional operating hours, including but not limited to the following situations:
One of the main fleet vehicles may be asked to participate in the Town’s PARADE on
Patriot's Day.
To pilot additional service
If the Town wishes to utilize the non-fleet back-up vehicle for point-to-point or charter
transportation on a limited basis.
If the Town wishes to utilize the non-fleet back-up vehicle when a specific route
consistently exceeds capacity or during periods of time when extra traffic may be
expected on certain routes such as holiday traffic.
The contractor must provide the main fleet vehicles at the same unit costs as those identified in the
contract. Payment shall be made based only on hours of actual service provided, unless otherwise
specifically identified in the contract.
If funding opportunities arise to expand LEXPRESS bus service in a manner that would require additional
vehicles and drivers, and vendor is agreeable, this contract may cover the additional service provided that
the following four conditions are met (per M.G.L c. 30B):
1. the unit price remains the same or less;
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2. the Town’s procurement officer documents in writing that an increase is necessary to fulfill the
action needs of the local jurisdiction and is more economical and practical that awarding another
contract;
3. the parties agree to the increase in writing; and
4. the cost of the increase does not exceed 25 percent of the contract price.
4. Fare Structures
All fares collected on-board go to the Town via secured fareboxes. Most riders pay with passes. For those
who pay cash fare, current fares are: $2 (age 6-64); $1 (Age 65+ or disabled); FREE (Age 0-5). For
riders who pay with cash and need to transfer, paper transfers are provided on-board for free. Pass sales
are handled by the Town and are sold online (www.lexpress.us) and at select locations.
5. Routes
The brochure included in Appendix B describes the present three-route system, current schedule and
fares. It should be understood that these may be revised in accordance with these Specifications prior to or
during the term of the contract.
6. Coordination
Lexington employs a Transportation Manager who will serve as a liaison between the Contractor and the
Town of Lexington. The Manager will coordinate advertising and promotion, respond to daily user
questions and problems, and be responsible for the daily accounting of revenue and financial records,
monitoring service performance, and meeting periodically with the Contractor's representative. The Town
provides GPS for the vehicles and pays the subscription cost for the bus tracking app available to riders.
7. Garaging
The Town requires that overnight parking and routine maintenance be available within a maximum 45-
minute drive of Depot Square in Lexington Center. The Town can provide the Contractor with non-
secured outdoor parking for the main fleet vehicles and one non-fleet back-up vehicle during service
hours.
8. Facilities for Drivers
Drivers will have access to bathrooms at the Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, along the
Minuteman Bikeway, which is just 0.1 miles from the Depot, or about a 1-2 min walk. Drivers must be
quiet, clean, and courteous when using this space. Additionally, drivers may use bathrooms at the
Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Road (Route C travels to this site), and there is a public library
near our Depot in Lexington Center and an array of businesses drivers may seek out during breaks.
9. Fueling Vehicles
Vendor will be asked to fuel at the Town’s pump located at our Department of Public Works (DPW)
facility at 201 Bedford St, Lexington. Each driver must obtain their own picture ID and key fob to pump
at this facility. Vendor will not be responsible for payment for fuel for LEXPRESS buses fueled at this
facility. If fuel prices at retail pumps drop below the rate the Town pays on contract for its fuel, the Town
Transportation Manager will ask Vendor to pump off-site and bill the Town for fuel. Generally, prices at
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the Town pump will be lower than at a retail location. Fuel usage and rates will be reviewed monthly by
Transportation Manager and other Town staff. Vendor will be trained on how to access and use this
facility. The chosen Vendor for LEXPRESS may only fuel vehicles used for LEXPRESS service at this
facility.
24. B. CONTRACTOR’S EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITY
1. Equipment for Main fleet
The Contractor shall be responsible for providing a main fleet of three buses and one non-fleet back up
vehicle. Preference is that all vehicles be of same model and vehicle wrap/branding, to be recognizable to
riders. New branding will be designed by Town and shared with vendor. The Town is considering
keeping vehicles white, with a simple branding that evokes the LEXPRESS buses of 1979, as this
contract will correspond with the 50th anniversary of the service. All vehicles should meet accessibility
standards noted in Appendix D – Vehicle Accessibility Checklist. Proposers must provide the Town with
detailed specifications for each proposed vehicle.
The Town may require minor changes in the submitted vehicle specifications and any resulting change in
vehicle cost may be passed on or credited to the Town. The Town or its Agent reserves the right to
inspect all proposed vehicles and the facility where they will be maintained and stored. The successful
proposer is expected to maintain the vehicles in good operating condition throughout the course of the
contract. Additionally, installation of any hardware, signs, decals, etc. on the outside or inside of the buses
must be approved by the Town in advance.
The Town will determine the acceptability of the proposed vehicles according to the specifications listed
below, the Vehicle Accessibility Checklist in Appendix D that should be completed, and the Evaluation
Criteria. Proposed vehicles not meeting the following specifications will be eliminated from
consideration. The vehicle specifications listed below are not intended to limit the bidding to a specific
make or model. The main fleet buses proposed must:
Ideally be equal, or superior, in quality to the Glaval Universal bus which is what
has been in use for Lexpress since 2017.
Be of the same vehicle model ideally, but will consider a mix of models if
necessary if they are of equal or higher quality to our outlined specifications
Be no earlier than 2024 model year
Be no longer than 30 feet long
Be 100% compliant with EPA exhaust emission standards
Be guaranteed to last the duration of the contract. Altoona testing specs and
maintenance plan must lend confidence that vehicles will last with minimal
downtime.
Have a mileage reading of less than 5,000 and not have been previously titled for
revenue service
Seat a minimum of 20 ambulatory passengers in the absence of wheelchair
securement and accommodate an additional number of standees up to the legal
limit.
Have lap belts with under seat retractors installed on all passenger seats.
Have LED signage indicating the routes being covered by the bus. These signs
must be in the front and on the right side of the bus. The signs must be easily
changeable to indicate a change in the routes being covered by the bus or to
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indicate that the bus is not in service.
Have overhead hand rails and grab handles on the aisle seats.
Have up-to date certification by the Massachusetts Department of Utilities (DPU).
Be equipped with snow tires in appropriate weather or all-weather tires
Be heated and air conditioned, as appropriate
Comply with the “American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility
Specifications for Transportation Vehicles," 49 CFR Part 38 and include a
provision of a lift or ramp and internal securement area for two wheelchairs. The
universal handicap decal will be affixed to the front, upper boarding corner of
each fleet bus to identify its ADA compliance. (Please complete the Vehicle
Accessibility Checklist in Appendix D)
Be shrink-wrapped in a scheme provided by the Town. This scheme shall be
professionally affixed to the vehicle in accordance with Town specifications.
Please note that the Town will likely not use the current wrap-scheme on new
buses. As the new bus timeline will also intersect with the 50th anniversary of
LEXPRESS, we are considering a simpler wrap and utilizing white buses with
simple striping/text scheme.
Be equipped with standard locked fareboxes in view of the driver that include
removable vaults. There must be a farebox for each main fleet and back-up
vehicle, plus double the amount to allow for daily exchange purposes. (If there are
3 main fleet vehicles and 1 back-up, there should be a total of 8 fareboxes.. The
inside bus configuration must allow the fareboxes to be installed so they are easily
accessible by the boarding passenger. The farebox manufacturer shall mail the
key(s) to the vaults to the Town of Lexington, Transportation Manager, 39 Marrett
Road, Lexington MA 02421.
In the event that the Town of Lexington procures new transit technology to
enhance service, such as Automated Passenger Counters, infotainment systems,
Automated Fare Collection systems, new GPS equipment, etc. the contractor must
provide appropriate accommodation for any and all of these devices, including
mounting, and coordination with the Town’s maintenance provider of such
equipment for necessary repairs.
The contractor must provide appropriate accommodation for Town-owned
automatic vehicle location (AVL) GPS units, including mounting, and
coordination with the Town’s maintenance provider of such equipment for
necessary repairs. Current units are hardwired AVL Pepwaves.
Be equipped with wireless communication devices that can communicate with the
Contractor’s dispatcher, the Lexington Transportation Services Office, and other
LEXPRESS bus drivers and comply with the Hands-Free Law.
Be equipped with adequate interior space to post fare information, flyers and
promotions generated by the Town.There should be a way to affix signs in the
bus. The Town is open to also considering “infotainment” systems to display
information.
Be equipped with a 2-bicycle rack to be mounted on the front of each vehicle.
Security cameras on each vehicle are required. .
The vehicles should offer a smooth ride and allow for easy entry for seniors,
people with shopping carts and mobility devices.
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Passengers should be able to see out the front window directly without having to
bend/tilt their heads.
The Town is willing to work with the selected vendor on the layout of seating to
accommodate passengers with shopping carts or strollers.
EQUALITY — An item equal to that named or described in the specifications may be
furnished by the vendor and the naming of any commercial name, trademark, or other
identification shall not be construed to exclude any item or manufacturer not mentioned
by name or as limiting competition, but shall establish a standard of equality only. An
item shall be considered equal in quality, durability, appearance, strength, and design if
(a) it will perform at least equally the function imposed by the general design for the
purpose being contracted for or the material being purchased; and (b) it conforms in a
substantial way, even with deviations, to the detailed requirements for the item in the
specifications. The name and identification of all materials, other than the one named,
shall be submitted to the Town in writing for approval, prior to the purchase, use, or
fabrication of such items. Subject to the provisions of M.G.L., c.30, s.39J, or other
Statute, approval shall be in writing to be effective, and the decision of the Town shall be
final. The Town may require tests of all materials so submitted to establish quality
standards at the vendor’s expense. All directions, specifications, and advice by the
manufacturer for the proper installation, handling, storage, adjustment, or operation of
their equipment shall be complied with and the responsibility of the proper performance
shall continue to rest with the vendor.
2. Non-Fleet Back-Up Equipment
If at any time during the hours of service there are not three (3) main fleet vehicles available, the
Contractor shall provide a non-fleet back-up vehicle to cover the route(s). In case of a breakdown during
operation, it is expected that the riders on the out-of-service vehicle will be accommodated as quickly as
possible. The back-up vehicle must be in service on the appropriate route within twenty minutes. It is
considered highly advantageous to have the back-up vehicle available in Lexington at least 75% of the
day. When in use, the non-fleet vehicle:
Must meet all the same specifications as described in section 24.B.1 and 24.B.2 including
coming equipped with a Town-owned GPS unit.
o Must be wrapped exactly as the main fleet
o Must prominently identify the vehicle as part of the LEXPRESS system with
professionally made signs, both in front and on the sides.
When the back-up vehicle is filling in for a main-fleet vehicle, the Contractor must provide the back-up
vehicle at the same unit cost identified in the contract with no minimum number of consecutive hours
required. Please note that if all four vehicles (three main fleet, one back-up) are of same make, model, and
wrap, the vehicles can be rotated across routes for even wear and tear.
25. C. CONTRACTOR’S MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITY
1. Personnel Responsibilities
a. The Contractor must provide at its expense duly licensed operators for all
equipment. The Contractor shall exercise good judgement in hiring and
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supervising operators to ensure that operators are mature, honest, and responsible
individuals with good driving records.
The Contractor must provide copies of operators’ commercial driver's license and
DPU certification. Persons with prior felonious convictions may not operate
LEXPRESS buses. The Town reserves the right to instruct the Contractor to
change or remove specific operators whose maturity, honesty, and/or
responsibility is questionable.
b. In light of the fact that the successful bidder will be responsible for transporting
Lexington’s residents, including schoolchildren, the successful bidder shall be
required to work in conjunction with the Town to take all lawful steps necessary
to obtain background information through the criminal offender record
information (“CORI”) system and sex offender registry information (“SORI”)
system, for each individual who will serve as an employee or independent
contractor to drive the bidder’s transportation routes. To the extent legally
permitted, no person with a criminal or sexual offense background will be hired
as an employee or independent contractor to drive for the bidder.
In addition to the requirements that are set forth above, the successful bidder
shall, to the extent permitted by law, ensure that each employee or independent
contractor undergoes a satisfactory medical check and is fit to perform his or her
driving responsibilities. Finally, the successful bidder will be required to furnish
to Lexington the name address, and phone number of each driver who will serve
as an employee or independent contractor of the bidder in the performance of this
contract, and copy of the their driver’s license..
These requirements will be in force throughout the term of this contract, and they
shall apply to all existing employees and independent contractors and all new
employees or independent contractors of the successful bidder who will be
driving the bidder’s transportation routes. The requirements that are set forth
above are mandatory, and they shall not be waived for any bidder for any reason.
c. The Contractor must implement a drug testing policy for drivers in accordance
with Federal law including: Procedures for Transportation Workplace, Drug and
Alcohol Testing Programs (49 CFR Part 40); Prevention of Prohibited Drug Use
in Transit Operations (49 CFR Part 653); and Prevention of Alcohol and
Prohibited Drug Misuse in Transit Operations (49 CFR Part 653 and 654). The
Town of Lexington must be provided with the written policy of the contractor
regarding drug testing. The Town of Lexington may require that the contractor
complete drug testing on individuals if reasonable suspicion exists or after an
accident occurs. The Town may request copies of drivers’ test results.
d. Before a driver covers a route alone, the Contractor shall be required to
adequately teach him or her the routes, proper fare collection methods, proper
ridership tally requirements, customer service techniques, wheelchair lift or ramp
operating procedures, and all other applicable procedures.
e. The Contractor shall ensure that the operators maintain their own person in a
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clean and neat manner. Uniform shirts for all drivers are required to promote a
professional appearance. Drivers must wear nametags that are visible to all
riders. The drivers should relate to the riders in a manner which reflects the
image of a specialized community service. They shall be courteous, helpful, and
friendly. They shall comply with any and all rules and regulations of the Select
Board (contained in this section, SPECIFICATIONS FOR LEXPRESS
SERVICE) applicable to the Lexpress system.
f. Drivers shall not smoke on the buses or within sight of the LEXPRESS bus lane
at Depot Square. Drivers shall not eat while transporting passengers, shall not
take personal calls while driving, and shall not listen to the radio while bus is in
service.
g. The Contractor shall instruct its personnel that no gratuities or tips shall be
solicited or accepted for any reason from any person using the service, and the
Contractor shall be required to enforce said restriction.
h. If a driver violates the regulations contained in Appendix A, Specifications
and/or the General Laws of Massachusetts, said driver may be prohibited by the
Town from operating Town bus services.
i. The driver shall ensure that the regulations for riders are enforced. Rider
regulations are as follows:
All riders are required to present a valid pass, transfer, ticket or cash fare,
unless otherwise directed by the Town.
Within the buses, riders shall not: smoke, eat, or drink any beverage that
does not have a secured lid (no alcoholic beverages allowed); vandalize
the vehicles; use offensive, rowdy behavior.
Any passenger not complying with the restrictions listed may be asked to
leave the bus. Mature judgment should be used in handling the above
situations. Vendor and Vendor’s Driver Supervisor are encouraged to
contact the Town’s Transportation Manager to identify solutions to any
problematic behavior.
Any passenger using an invalid pass or misusing his/her pass shall have
the pass confiscated.
While we do require fare payment, our preference is to not leave riders
stranded, so in the event someone does not have the full fare or pass,
drivers may allow someone to ride in this situation with a warning that
they will need to have fare or pass for future trips. Drivers are
encouraged to give riders the schedule which has fare information and
information on how to obtain a subsidized pass, should someone be
unable to afford the full fare or pass prices.
While COVID restrictions for public transit have been lifted, it is
expected that should this change, the Town and our Vendor will comply
with such changes.
j. The Contractor shall ensure that drivers complete and submit all reports as
required in Section 28.F, Contractor’s Data Collection and Reporting
Responsibilities.
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k. The Contractor shall be required to provide, at his/her expense, an on-site
Supervisor who is available throughout the entire day of service. The Supervisor
will be responsible for daily operations, and their primary responsibility will be
to ensure the system runs on time with properly trained drivers and vehicles that
meet all the contract requirements. The Supervisor, who may also be a driver, is
responsible for ensuring that all drivers are aware of and operating according to
the SPECIFICATIONS contained herein. The Supervisor will maintain daily
contact with the Town and shall be available to address concerns raised by the
Town’s Transportation Manager. The Town communicates frequently each
service day with the Supervisor.
l. The Supervisor will be in Lexington throughout the service day, and will be
responsible for all service operations. When primary Supervisor is off-duty,
another designated Supervisor must be provided.
m. If there is a change of Supervisors, this shall be reported to the Town
Transportation Manager immediately. The Town reserves the right to instruct the
Contractor to change or remove a specific Supervisor whose maturity, honesty,
and/or responsibility is questionable. Operating LEXPRESS service without an
available Supervisor may be cause to withhold pay (see Section 29. G,
Compensation Due to Vendor).
2. Training
The contractor is responsible for training contractor personnel. Drivers must be trained on routes,
customer service, fare collection, and other policies of LEXPRESS service before completing routes on
their own. Supervisors and drivers must also receive training on wheelchair lift or ramp operation and
securement. Town of Lexington requires that drivers actually drive a route confidently in training before
being allowed to cover that route on their own. Drivers should have routine training on wheelchair lift or
ramp operations.
While contractor is responsible for all training of personnel, there may be occasions where the Town
would like to have a meeting with all drivers related to LEXPRESS service. This would happen no more
than three (3) times per year and would only occur if truly necessary. We request an hourly rate for such
meetings be included in the pricing.
3. Scheduling
a. Drivers shall be available at the starting point of route (Depot Square) at least ten
(10) minutes before the start of their routes and shall not leave their posts until
another driver for their bus arrives. They shall meet the time schedules for the
respective predetermined LEXPRESS routes as permitted by traffic conditions.
b. Drivers shall be required to be available at all times to meet time schedules for
their respective routes. All routes must be started within five (5) minutes of the
scheduled time unless affected by traffic or weather conditions along the
LEXPRESS routes. Second and subsequent shift drivers must also start their
service on time. If delayed more than 5 minutes, start time delay and its cause
must be noted on the ridership sheet.
c. Reports of downtime and other scheduling difficulties are to be submitted
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according to Section 28.F, Contractor’s Data Collection and Reporting
Responsibilities.
26. D. CONTRACTOR’S EQUIPMENT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Care of Equipment
a. The Contractor will be required to provide the necessary services for cleaning,
maintaining, and repairing the vehicle exterior and interior passenger area in
accordance with reasonable standards established by the Town.
b. All equipment shall be maintained by the Contractor in a clean, attractive,
working and trouble-free condition in order to encourage ridership and assure
minimum disruption of normal operations. Damage and vandalism to equipment
shall be corrected within one week, unless another repair schedule is agreed to by
the Town.
c. Interiors of vehicles shall be swept daily by the Contractor. Equipment for
sweeping shall be available for necessary clean up during the day. Windows and
interiors of vehicles shall be washed at least twice a week.
d. Vehicle exteriors shall be kept clean and washed at least twice a week.
Additional washing will be necessary in inclement weather.
e. All the above shall be arranged so as not to interfere with operating hours of
service.
2. Vehicle Out-of-Service
In case of a breakdown during operation, it is expected that the riders on the out-of-service vehicle will be
accommodated as soon as possible. The back-up vehicle must be in service on the appropriate route
within twenty minutes. The Contractor shall notify the Lexington Transportation office within ten (10)
minutes whenever a bus is out of service, or whenever the schedule is interrupted in any way. A written
report shall be submitted daily, as specified in Section 28.F.1., Contractor’s Data Collection and
Reporting Responsibilities. The bidder must make available additional vehicle(s) in the event more than
one of the LEXPRESS main-fleet vehicles are out of service. Maintenance and inspections should be
planned to allow use of LEXPRESS branded back-up vehicle when a revenue vehicle is out of service.
3. Vehicle Repairs
The Contractor shall provide at Contractor’s expense all repairs and maintenance of equipment for all
transit vehicles furnished the Town to ensure vehicle safety as well as reliability. This shall be done in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, including preventive maintenance, and in a manner
that will ensure all vehicles used are in reliable operating condition throughout the term of the contract.
4. Fueling of Vehicles
All buses must start the day with a full tank of fuel. Therefore, vehicles must be fueled prior to or after
revenue service hours. Spare buses should be fueled before being placed in revenue service. Fueling
during the revenue service hours may result in downtime penalties. A bus may not be fueled with
passengers on board. Please see section 23.A.9 for a description of how vehicles will be fueled at Town
pumps.
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5. Inspection
The Town reserves the right to inspect all vehicles a maximum of four (4) times a year on the Town's
premises, and to expect cooperation from the Contractor to ensure there is no downtime as a result of
these inspections. Legible maintenance and warranty records shall be delivered to the Transportation
Manager upon request. They shall be dated, show vehicle number, mileage and work performed.
27. E. CONTRACTOR’S REVENUE COLLECTION RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Rider Revenue
The Contractor will be required to receive and collect rider revenue and will be accountable to the Town
for the collection of all revenue in a manner acceptable to the Town and consistent with the following
procedures:
a. The Town will inform the Contractor on the standard charge per ride according
to classifications determined solely by the Town.
b. The Town will provide all transfers, passes or other evidence of paid fares for
riding privileges.
c. The Town will require standard locked fareboxes on each bus to be used in the
collection of fares from riders.
d. The Contractor shall ensure that passengers present the required fare or present a
valid transfer, ticket or pass, unless otherwise directed by the Town. The
Contractor will collect money or its equivalent and shall be held accountable for
such money or its equivalent collected by the operators. An accounting of such
money or its equivalent shall be made by or in the presence of a representative of
the Town according to procedures established by the Town.
e. The procedures outlined in this Section may be modified, amended or changed
by the Town consistent with the general concept of collection and accountability
by the Contractor for all revenue collected from riders.
f. Transfers shall not be accepted unless they are the appropriate color for the
particular day as specified by the Transportation Manager and unless they are
from a route other than the one the bus is covering.
g. Passes shall be checked to ensure that they have not expired.
h. The Contractor shall ensure that the passenger deposits the cash fare or a ticket
into the farebox when a pass is not used unless otherwise directed by the Town.
Drivers must not handle money or provide change.
i. The Contractor shall ensure that transfers are only issued to passengers paying by
cash and/or ticket, and not to passengers using a transfer or pass.
j. The Contractor shall store all used locked farebox vaults and daily ridership
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sheets in a secure location overnight, and deliver them to the Lexington
Transportation Services Office on the next day of service. The farebox vaults
shall be exchanged for empty vaults to be used for the next day's service.
2. Advertising Revenue
a No Contractor advertising signs are to be permitted on the exterior or interior of
the buses unless approved in writing by the Town.
b. No advertising signs are to be permitted on the exterior or interior of the buses
unless approved in writing by the Town. Any advertising will be sold according
to the rate and procedures established by the Town and the proceeds from such
sales, if any, will be paid to the Town. The Town currently does not have an
advertising program for LEXPRESS, but may explore options.
28. F. CONTRACTOR’S DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Contractor shall be required to submit to the Transportation Manager daily
reports on forms supplied by the Town as described in these SPECIFICATIONS.
These forms shall be used to record the following and may be changed at the
Town’s discretion:
Daily ridership by route, time of day, payment type, and age group.
Daily report of mileage, submitted by vehicle.
Each form should include a written description of unusual conditions or
customer service issues and daily records of any issues such as portions
of routes not covered, late starts, and use of non-fleet vehicle(s),
including: route number, time of day, length of time, nature of problem,
back-up vehicle used and seat capacity if different from the main fleet.
Records of vehicle out-of-service or schedule interruptions for reasons
other than breakdown, including nature of problem.
Supervisor should communicate any irregularities of service as soon as
possible to Transportation Manager. This includes information about
unexpected detours, buses running late, taking a bus out of service, or
other unusual conditions. This information should also then be tracked in
writing on the appropriate form.
2. The Contractor shall notify the Transportation Services Office immediately in the
event of an accident and/or injury involving a LEXPRESS vehicle. The
Contractor shall prepare a written report within 24 hours on any accident and/or
injury involving any LEXPRESS vehicle and/or rider. In the event of an accident,
a police report must be completed in the Town where the incident occurred and a
copy must be submitted to the Transportation Services Office. The Town of
Lexington may require the Contractor to complete drug testing of a LEXPRESS
driver as an immediate follow-up to an accident.
3. The Contractor shall submit weekly bills based on the calendar month detailing
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the daily service hours and downtime.
29. G. COMPENSATION DUE TO VENDOR
The Town shall pay weekly bills based on the calendar month according to our warrant schedule
(Appendix C) for actual vehicle revenue hours of service performed, less any penalties as described in
this Section (G.) of the SPECIFICATIONS. A route with its recovery time shall be considered one (1)
hour of service. The Town of Lexington will not pay for downtime.
1. Any route not covered shall be considered one (1) hour downtime, except as
described in G.4 or as directed by the Town.
2. Starting a route more than five (5) minutes late for reasons other than traffic on
the LEXPRESS routes or weather during LEXPRESS operations may be treated
as one (1) hour downtime. Driver Supervisor must alert Transportation Services
if a bus is starting more than five (5) minutes late and this must be recorded on
driver forms.
3. Any route not covered on its first run of the day, other than if requested by the
Town, will be considered two (2) hours downtime. This two hour per route (i.e.
double) downtime shall be in effect until such time as all vehicles are back in
service providing the agreed upon level of full service.
4. Any route on which fares are not collected properly may be treated as one- (1)
hour downtime.
5. Repeated and/or numerous customer service complaints and/or safe driving
complaints (i.e., speeding, running stop signs, near-miss accidents) may result in
route(s) on which the incident(s) occurred being treated as downtime.
6. Fueling of buses during revenue service hours may result in downtime penalties
if regular, scheduled service is interrupted or passenger service is compromised.
7. Fueling of a bus with a passenger on board is prohibited and will be treated as
one (1) hour downtime.
8. Operating without an assigned Supervisor available may be treated as downtime
if issues arise that required the attention of the absent Supervisor.
9. Any time there are more than three (3) consecutive hours of downtime, all
subsequent one (1) hour routes not covered will be considered two (2) hours
downtime until such time as all vehicles are back providing full service according
to schedule.
10. Any time any one of the main fleet vehicles is inoperable for more than fifteen
(15) days, the Town reserves the right to collect liquidated damages of $275 per
day for every subsequent day the vehicle is inoperable. The Town may be willing
to waive such damages or to negotiate an alternative arrangement to assure the
availability of a substitute vehicle, depending on the circumstances. We are
aware of current supply chain issues and our goal is to ensure we can maintain
adequate, accessible service for our riders.
11. In the event it becomes necessary to use a non-fleet back-up vehicle that does not
meet the standards of the main fleet , the Town will pay two-thirds (2/3) of the
normal rate per vehicle hour for every hour, or portion thereof, that the smaller
vehicle is in service. Please note all vehicles used for service must meet
accessibility criteria and DPU operating standards.
12. If any of the vehicles in the main fleet are used in activities other than those
directly related to the operation of LEXPRESS, unless and until specifically
permitted in writing by the Town, the Town reserves the right to collect
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liquidated damages of up to $1,000 per bus per incident per day.
13. For any non-compliance with the provisions of the Contract that does not involve
vehicle downtime, the Town, after twenty-four (24) hours written notice, reserves
the right to collect liquidated damages of $275 per day until such time as the
Town determines that the Contractor has satisfactorily complied with the
Contract provision.
30. H. INSURANCE
The Contractor shall obtain and maintain throughout the term of the Contract the following policies of
insurance written by insurance companies satisfactory to the Town and shall submit a certificate that such
insurance is in force and effect at the time of the execution of this Contract and at any other time at the
request of the Town: Workmen's Compensation as required by the laws of Massachusetts; automobile
liability insurance, including the use of all vehicles owned, hired, leased and non-owned used for the
service herein described, with limits not less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) combined single limit,
no deductible, including both bodily injury and property damage.
31. I. TIMELINE
RFP available: Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Deadline for written questions: Monday, November 25, 2024 by 4:00 PM
Final Addendum Released: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 by 4:00 PM
Deadline for RFP Responses: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Week of December 16, 2024 Inspections of proposed vehicles and maintenance facilities and
interviews, if needed.
Notice of Award will be made no later than January 6, 2025. A contract will be negotiated and signed
within one week of Notice of Award, culminating in a Notice to Proceed.
Contract to begin on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 or soon after when vehicles are ready. Work to be
completed per proposal.
ASSURANCES & DELIVERY
The Town of Lexington, acting through its Transportation Manager or designee, shall inspect the work
and give directions pertaining to the work. The vendor or subcontractor shall notify the Town or its
representative of the time of starting work, interruptions and delays.
The Contractor shall keep the work under its personal control and shall not assign by power of attorney or
otherwise, or sublet the work or any part thereof without notice and clearance by the Town.
All materials, methods of delivery, and staff involved with delivery must comply with all applicable laws,
statutes, policies, and regulations. Ignorance of any law, regulation, policy, or statute is not an excuse for
non-compliance with those laws, regulations, policies, or statutes. This includes but is not limited to
prevailing wage, MGL 30B, MGL 30 39m, and MGL 149.
Accessories & Insurance
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Insurance
Must provide the Town of Lexington with a copy of Insurance certificates documenting
amounts of coverages for:
Public Liability and Property Damage Liability Insurance,
Comprehensive Vehicle Liability and Property Damage Insurance consistent with
Section 30; and
Statutory Workman’s Compensation Insurance.
Evidence of existing workers’ compensation insurance policy must be provided in
accordance with MGL Ch. 152, Section 25C and attached.
Copy of W9 is required and must be attached.
Non-collusion and fraud certification are required, must be signed, and attached.
Warranties
Warranties are encouraged. Failure to provide warranties shall not relieve a bidder of their
obligations to maintain and operate a fleet consistent with the terms of this RFP and the Contract.
Delivery & Delivery Schedule
All materials must be available for delivery as needed by the anticipated contract start date of July
1, 2025. The Town is aware of supply chain issues but requires that the selected vendor
communicate with the Town any delays encountered throughout the vehicle procurement process.
It is imperative for this communication to occur in order to set proper expectations related to the
contract start date. Please note that in order to ensure there are no service disruptions, the Town
may need to extend the contract with the existing vendor until such time that the new vehicles are
ready and service may commence under the new contract.
Deliveries or availability of materials being picked up must be made within 48 hours of notice of
need after that point.
All materials delivered or delivered “in place” must be accomplished with vehicles and
equipment that are in good repair and equipped with all Federal and State required safety devices,
lights, symbols, etc., visible to the traveling public from both front and rear of the vehicles and
equipment, in order that accidents may be prevented.
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MINIMUM AND EVALUATIVE CRITERIA
Each vendor is required to submit a Non-Price Proposal. Each Non-Price Proposal shall first be
reviewed to ascertain whether or not the below Minimum Criteria have been met.
A proposal that does not meet all of the Minimum Criteria shall be deemed non-responsive and shall
not be evaluated further.
Each proposal meeting all the Minimum Criteria shall then be rated by a Selection Committee
according to the Evaluative Criteria. Price Proposals will then be opened to determine the most
advantageous proposal from a responsible and responsive proposer, taking into consideration price
and evaluation criteria as set forth in the RFP. Final decision as to the award of a contract under this
RFP shall be made by the Town Manager based upon a recommendation from the Selection
Committee.
The Town reserves the right to contact sources from whom references were not provided and may use
its own experience as a reference. Evaluations shall also include an inspection of the proposed
vehicles (fleet and non-fleet) and/or an inspection of the proposer's facilities (including maintenance
facilities).
Please provide the following information in approximately the following order so that the Selection
Committee may evaluate each proposal in an orderly, timely and equitable manner. Please ensure
that the information contained in your non-price proposal addresses all minimum and evaluative
criteria. Superfluous information not requested as part of this RFP or its evaluative process will not be
considered.
□ Prospective vendor’s name;
□ Addresses and telephone numbers of all prospective vendor offices;
□ Structure of prospective vendor (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation);
□ Names and addresses of all partners, directors, and owners (if applicable);
□ Names of all persons or entities that will have a financial interest in the contract if awarded;
□ Number of persons employed by prospective vendor;
□ Number of years the prospective vendor has been in business;
□ Names and resumes of principals in prospective vendor;
□ Evidence that the prospective vendor has current professional liability insurance applicable to the
work; and
□ Listing of any actions taken by any regulatory agency or litigation involving the prospective
vendor or its agents or employees with respect to any work performed;
□ References- please include at least three
□ Financials- Balance Sheet and Income Statement (please refer to Evaluative Criteria #6 below).
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MINIMUM CRITERIA
□ Non-Price and Price Proposals submitted separately pursuant to MGL c. 30B s. 6.
□ All required documentation is submitted and signed.
□ Vendor possesses at least three years’ experience operating fixed route bus service.
□ Location of overnight garaging and maintenance facilities within a maximum of a 45 minute
drive from Depot Square in Lexington Center throughout the service day.
□ Presence of a capable Supervisor who is present throughout the service day in Lexington.
EVALUATIVE CRITERIA
1. Service Concept
The successful proposer is expected to provide fixed-route, FLAG service with some limited route
deviations as described in Section 23A. Proposer understands that LEXPRESS serves people of all ages,
abilities, incomes, and diverse linguistic backgrounds, including many vulnerable members of the
community (i.e. seniors, people with disabilities). Please be sure your proposal clearly states how you
intend to provide service according to the needs of the LEXPRESS bus service.
Highly Advantageous: Proposer agrees to provide service as described in Section 23.A.and has
experience operating fixed route public bus service, flag-stop service and service that includes
occasional route deviations. Proposer has experience serving vulnerable populations.
Advantageous: Proposer agrees to provide service as described in Section 23.A.and has
experience operating fixed route public bus service, including flag-stop service. Proper has
experience serving vulnerable populations.
Not Advantageous: Proposer agrees to provide service as described in Section 23.A. and has
experience operating fixed route bus service, which may or may not have been public service.
Unacceptable: Proposer does not agree to provide service as described in Section 23.A.
2. Vehicle Maintenance Program
The successful proposer is expected to demonstrate past experience with and ability to perform vehicle
maintenance in accordance with the requirements of Section 26.D of this document. In addition, the
evaluation criteria includes experience in maintaining proposed vehicles; demonstration of a consistently
well-executed, well-defined maintenance program; availability of a manufacturer's service representative.
Proposal must clearly describe the maintenance program, including preventative maintenance and
repair process from identification through resolution, and please include prior experience with
proposed vehicle types and manufacturers.
Highly Advantageous: Proposer meets the requirements of Section 26.D of this document and
meets all of the above Vehicle Maintenance Program criteria.
Advantageous: Proposer meets the requirements of Section 26.D of this document and meets two
of the Vehicle Maintenance Program criteria listed above.
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Not Advantageous: Proposer meets the requirements of Section 26.D of this document
Unacceptable: Proposer does not meet the requirements of Section 26.D of this document
3. Management and Organization
The successful proposer is expected to demonstrate the management and organizational capabilities
needed to fully perform all the services to be provided, including both operations and administrative
obligations, as described in the Section 25.C, Contractor’s Management and Personnel Responsibilities.
The evaluation criteria include: competent management organization and support staff; facilities for office
and equipment; location of office in Lexington or within a maximum of a 45-minute drive from
Lexington Center throughout the service day; Supervisor available between 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each
day, and availability of a non-fleet back-up vehicle in Lexington at least 75% of the day. Proposal must
clearly describe the management of your organization, how you will manage LEXPRESS and the key
individuals responsible for the contract in addition to the above. Proposal must also include the location
of your main office, maintenance facilities and overnight bus storage.
Highly Advantageous: Proposer meets all of the Management and Organization criteria listed in
a highly professional manner.
Advantageous: Proposer adequately meets three or more of the Management and Organization
criteria listed. A non-fleet back-up vehicle can be stationed in Lexington at least 75% of the day.
Not Advantageous: Proposer meets fewer than three of the Management and Organization
criteria listed above. A non-fleet back-up vehicle cannot be stationed in Lexington at least 75% of
the day.
Unacceptable: Proposer does not have management and organization capabilities in place. A
non-fleet back-up vehicle cannot be stationed in Lexington.
4. Personnel
The successful proposer is expected to demonstrate the ability to provide personnel to operate and
supervise the vehicles; and driver training as described in Section 25.C, Contractor’s Management and
Personnel Responsibility. Proposal must include how you will meet the elements outlined in 25.C and
describe 1) The number of existing drivers in Massachusetts; 2) The driver pay rate range; 3) Benefits and
incentives for drivers; 4) Description of your driver training program; 5) Description of the Supervisor’s
role in your organization; 6) Explanation of the hiring and screening process for hiring capable bus
operators; 7) Provide information regarding driver retention rates for past three years; 8) Description of
how you have secured staffing despite driver shortage challenges and any programs you offer to recruit
and retain drivers, and 9) Should demonstrate that an adequate number of drivers can be trained and
available for LEXPRESS. The evaluation criteria includes demonstration of: hiring capable drivers;
effective driver training program; driver benefits and incentives; employment of capable supervisor with
driving and/or maintenance experience who is present throughout the day in Lexington; demonstration
that an adequate number of drivers can be trained and available for LEXPRESS.
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Highly Advantageous: Proposer meets all of the above evaluation criteria and indicates how
Proposer would address personnel issues in a highly professional manner
Advantageous: Proposer meets at least 3 of the above evaluation criteria and the proposal
indicates how personnel issues would be addressed in a highly professional manner
Not Advantageous: Proposer meets criteria of Section 25.C but proposal does not explain how
proposer would meet all of the evaluative criteria.
Unacceptable: Proposer fails to meet criteria above.
5. Depth and Quality of Relevant Experience
The successful bidder is expected to demonstrate relevant experience, quality and professional experience
in contract work in transportation service. The evaluation criteria include: more than three (3) years'
experience in providing fixed route public bus service; experience with contracts involving more than one
vehicle on more than one route; experience in providing flag-stop service; experience in providing route
deviations; high quality experience in fulfilling contract work; the ability to provide the service without
close supervision of the contractor by the Town; the ability to provide the service without substantial
action by the hiring body to force contract compliance; and respect generated by the proposer's
performance and interaction with the hiring body. Several references will be selected from the complete
list of all current customers who have had a similar bus service installed and operational for at least two
(2) years.
Highly Advantageous: Proposer has experience and meets all of the above criteria. Most sources
indicate that proposer performed contracted work in full compliance with contract requirements
in a professional and exemplary fashion; and there was no more than one source that indicated
action was necessary to force compliance with contract requirements. The work of the proposer is
deemed excellent by almost all of its references and contacts.
Advantageous: Proposer has experience and does not meet all of the above criteria. Most sources
indicate that proposer performed contracted work in full compliance with contract requirements
but some action or close supervision was necessary to obtain such compliance. The work of the
proposer is deemed good or excellent by most of its references and contacts.
Not Advantageous: Proposer has minimal experience, meeting fewer than two of the above
criteria. Sources indicate that substantial action was necessary to force compliance with contract
requirements and/or work was deemed poor.
Unacceptable: No previous experience providing transportation service. Sources indicate
company was unable to obtain contract compliance.
6. Financial Stability
The successful proposer is expected to demonstrate that its assets exceed its liabilities and that it has the
financial resources to perform this contract. Such demonstration shall be made by submitting a most
recent annual audited balance sheet and income statement (if the audited balance sheet is more than six
(6) months old), supplemented and updated by a statement through the end of the most recent available
30 | P a g e
quarter ending, prepared according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Highly Advantageous: Proposer appears to have long-term financial stability.
Advantageous: Proposer appears to be financially stable
Not Advantageous: Proposer's circumstances suggest financial instability.
Unacceptable: Proposer insolvent.
7. Vehicle Appropriateness
It is the desire of the Town to have a fleet of buses that provide high quality, comfortable rides, and meet
the specifications described in Section 24.B.1 and the Vehicle Accessibility Checklist in Appendix D.
The Town intends to make in-person inspections of the proposed vehicles and/or maintenance facilities in
order to accurately rate this criteria.
Highly Advantageous: All proposed main fleet vehicles meet all specifications listed in Section
24.B.1.and all accessibility requirements noted in Appendix D Vehicle Accessibility Checklist and
are equal to or superior in quality to the Glaval Universal, and each vehicle is of the same model
with same vehicle wrap for the main fleet. The back-up vehicle also meets all this criteria.
Advantageous: All proposed main fleet and back-up vehicles meet all specifications listed in
Section 24.B.1 and all accessibility requirements noted in Appendix D Vehicle Accessibility
Checklist, but only one of the additional criteria noted in Highly Advantageous.
Not Advantageous: All proposed main fleet and back-up vehicles meets specifications described
in Section 24.B.1 and all accessibility requirements noted in Appendix D Vehicle Accessibility
Checklist.
Unacceptable: Not all proposed vehicles meet specifications described in Section 24.B.1 and the
Appendix D Vehicle Accessibility Checklist.
CONTRACT AWARD AND TIMELINE
The Town anticipates that a vendor will be selected no later than January 6, 2025 but reserves the
right to extend that deadline. The vendor must be ready to commence the project on July 1, 2025,
or as soon after as supply chain allows, and complete the project within the time frame
established within this RFP.
The Town will make the contract award to the party submitting the most advantageous proposal,
taking into consideration the technical evaluations, references, and price proposal. The Town
expressly reserves the right to make an award to a party other than the one submitting the lowest
price proposal. The Town also reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no award, if it
is deemed in the Town’s best interest to do so.
In the event that the Town and the first ranked proposer are unable to finalize negotiations via a
fully executed contract agreement, the Town may terminate its negotiations with that proposer
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and proceed to enter into negotiations with the next ranked proposer.
The Town of Lexington is an equal opportunity employer.
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FORM A - GENERAL BID FORM
The accompanying Statement of Competency and Bid Price Form are hereby submitted in response to the
RFP cited above. All information, statements and prices are true, accurate and binding
representations of its intentions and commitments in responding to this RFP.
This bid applies to the category(s) of goods and/or services marked with an “X” below.
LEXPRESS Bus Service #25-57
Vendor
Name:
Street:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: e-mail:
Web Address:
Non-Collusion Statement
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid has been made and submitted in
good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the
word "person" shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee,
club, or other organization, entity, or group of individuals.
Taxes Paid Certification
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 62C, §49A, I certify under the penalties of perjury that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, I am/my company is in compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth
relating to taxes, reporting of employees and VENDORs, and withholding and remitting child
support.
For the Bidder:
X
Name:
Title: Date:
Attach certificate of
corporate vote (if required
by Section 7)
33 | P a g e
FORM B - STATEMENT OF COMPETENCY
I hereby certify that the Bidder meets or exceeds the competency criteria set out in this RFP.
I further attest to the following assertions:
1. Bidder must be, by virtue of experience and education, qualified to provide LEXPRESS Bus
Service
2. The Bidder meets all minimum requirements.
3. Provision of the items specified in this RFP is consistent with the Bidder’s normal lines of
business.
4. The Bidder is incorporated, and if required licensed, to do business in Massachusetts.
5. The Bidder will receive favorable ratings from the following references, please attach a
reference sheet as well per the “Reference” requirements.
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, MA
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, MA
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, MA
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, MA
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, MA
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, ___
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, ___
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, ___
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, ___
______________________________________ of ___________________________________, ___
For the Bidder:
X
Name:
Title:
Date:
Page 34
FORM C - BID PRICE FORM1
LEXPRESS Bus Service
The Bidder proposes to provide the following goods and services (and as described in detail in Appendix A,
Product Specifications of the RFP).
Please include Attachment A- Vehicle Fleet Information as part of the non-price proposal.
The Town requires that vehicles meet the specifications outlined in Section 24. B. Contractor’s
Equipment Responsibility and the Vehicle Accessibility Checklist (Appendix D). The Town of Lexington
reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, in part or in whole, and to make an award that is
deemed to be in the best interest of the Town.
Basic Bid (Required) For a three bus service Monday-Friday, approximately 180 hours week, 52 weeks
per year, fourth vehicle available as back-up) for the period of July 1, 2025-June, 30, 2030. Proposer
may propose more than one type of vehicle.
Vehicle Option 1 Vehicle Option 2 Vehicle Option 3
Fleet Cost Per Service Hour
Vehicle Acquisition Costs $ $ $
Vehicle Model
Subtotal: Fleet Cost Per Revenue
Hour
$ $ $
Operations Cost Per Service Hour (Inclusive of ALL operating costs, including but not limited to
operations, maintenance, consumables, insurance, management and overhead. Fuel should not be
included. )
Subtotal: Operations Cost Per
Revenue Hour Year 1
$ $ $
Subtotal: Operations Cost Per
Revenue Hour Year 2
Subtotal: Operations Cost Per
Revenue Hour Year 3
Subtotal: Operations Cost Per
Revenue Hour Year 4
Subtotal: Operations Cost Per
Revenue Hour Year 5
TOTAL COST PER REVENUE HOUR (FLEET & OPERATIONS, fuel not included)
Year 1: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
1 (place in separate sealed envelope marked “Price Proposal”)
Page 35
Year 2: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
Year 3: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
Year 4: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
Year 5: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
Contract Extension 1:
Year 6: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
Contract Extension 2:
Year 7: The sum of __________________________________________________Dollars ($___________) per
vehicle revenue hour.
Hourly rate billed per driver should Town ever host a meeting of drivers, and any minimum number of hours
required.
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 1: _$_________________________________
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 2: _$_________________________________
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 3: _$_________________________________
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 4: _$_________________________________
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 5: _$_________________________________
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
With Contract Extension 1:
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 6: _$_________________________________
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
With Contract Extension 2:
Cost Per Hour Per Driver Year 7: _$_________________________________
Page 36
Minimum # of hours Per Driver for meeting purposes only, if required:_____________________________
The undersigned declares that they have examined all proposal documents (GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO
BIDDERS, SPECIFICATIONS FOR LEXPRESS SERVICE, CONTRACT and APPENDICES) and that he
has satisfied himself fully regarding the services to be provided and conditions pertaining to this proposed
Contract and submits this proposal to cover all expenses incurred in performing specified services described in
the SPECIFICATIONS and CONTRACT
The undersigned also declares that they agree and will comply with the provisions of Section 25.C.1
Contractor’s Management and Personnel Responsibilities.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the following addenda to the Request for Proposals document
(please list number of addenda received):
___________________________________
Date ___________________________________
Name of Bidder (Individual, Company,
Corporation)
___________________________________
Authorized Signature for Proposer
___________________________________
Name and Title of Person Signing [Print]
___________________________________
Address of Proposer
___________________________________
City/Town/Zip Code
___________________________________
Telephone
Page 37
ATTACHMENT A. VEHICLE FLEET: INFORMATION
Provide the following information. The information requested will be used to evaluate your firm's
proposal. Use additional sheets if necessary. Please include this sheet as part of your non-price
proposal.
The Town requires that all main fleet and back up vehicles meet the specifications outlined in
Section 24B. Contractor’s Equipment Responsibility. Please refer to Appendix D for Vehicle
Accessibility requirements.
Vehicle Option
1
Vehicle Option
2
Vehicle Option
3
Vehicle Make
Model type
Model year
Miles at time of proposal
Lifetime (Altoona
testing)
Seat Type
Number of Seats
(ambulatory w/o ADA)
Number of wheelchair
seats
Number of standees
Bus length
Other
specs/measurements
should be indicated on
Appendix D: Vehicle
Accessibility
Attach vehicle specifications and brochures.
Complete Appendix D: Vehicle Accessibility Checklist
Maintenance records may be requested.
Page 38
PAGE INTENTIONAL LEFT BLANK
Page 39
FORM D – SAMPLE CONTRACT
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE
LEXPRESS Bus Service Contract #25-57
* Required entry
ARTICLE 1
CONTRACTING PARTIES
1. THIS AGREEMENT made effective by dated signature of the Parties hereto, by and between the
Town of Lexington, and
* [Vendor],
whose principal office address and state of incorporation are set forth in Section 10.2.
ARTICLE 2
SUBJECT OF AGREEMENT
2. WHEREAS, The Town of Lexington desires to retain the Vendor to provide goods and/or services to the Town,
and the Vendor is willing to accept such engagement, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
including any Additional and Special Terms and Conditions listed in Exhibit C, and the following Request for
Proposal [RFP]:
RFP#: # 25-57 LEXPRESS Bus Service
As it relates to provision of the items specified in Appendix A and as hereinafter set forth.
3. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 3
ENGAGEMENT OF THE VENDOR
3.1 The Town of Lexington hereby engages the Vendor, and the Vendor hereby accepts the engagement, to provide goods
to and/or perform certain services for the Town, as described in Article 2.
3.2 In the performance of service under this Agreement, the Vendor acts at all times as an independent vendor. There is no
relationship of employment or agency between the Town, on the one hand, and the Vendor on the other, and neither party
shall have nor exercise any control or direction over the method by which the other performs its work or functions aside
from such control or directions as provided in this Agreement which the parties view as consistent with their independent
vendor relationship.
ARTICLE 4
SERVICES OF THE VENDOR
4.1 The Vendor will provide the goods and/or services as described in the RFP cited in Section 2 [the Work].
4.2 The Vendor shall report, and be responsible, to the Town or its designee as set forth on Exhibit B.
Page 40
4.3 There shall be no modification to the list of goods, including substitutions of specific products offered in the Vendor’s
bid, or amendment of the scope of services provided for in this Agreement, without the prior written approval of the Town.
The Town of Lexington shall be under no obligation to pay for any goods or services not so authorized.
4.4 The Vendor represents and warrants to the Town of Lexington as follows:
4.4.1 That it and all its personnel (whether employees, agents or independent vendors) are qualified and duly licensed
as required by law and/or local municipal code to provide the goods and/or services required by this Agreement.
4.4.2 That it further agrees to perform services, including manufacturing, in a professional manner adhering to a
reasonable standard of care and in accordance with all applicable State or Federal laws, rules and regulations.
4.4.3 That it will obtain any and all permits, bonds, insurances and other items required for the proper and legal
performance of the work.
4.4.4 That it is not a party to any agreement, contract or understanding, which would in any way restrict or prohibit it
from undertaking or performing its obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
4.4.5 That it does not now, and will not during the term of this Agreement, conduct business with parties located in or
supported by countries identified by the U.S. government as funding, harboring, supporting, promoting or otherwise
facilitating terrorist organizations or activities, nor will it provide goods or services produced under such
circumstances.
ARTICLE 5
TERM
5.1 The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date of its execution by both parties and continue until its purpose
is accomplished and acknowledged by formal acceptance and acknowledgment of the Vendor’s performance by the Town of
Lexington, or until otherwise terminated as provided by this Agreement or the RFP.
5.2 The Vendor agrees to proceed with the Work promptly upon execution of this Agreement and to diligently and
faithfully prosecute the Work to completion in accordance with the provisions hereof. The Vendor acknowledges that time
is of the essence as it relates to performance under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
PAYMENTS TO THE VENDOR
6.1 Compensation due the Vendor shall be paid as specified in section 29 of RFP # 25-57.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION
7.1 Either the Town of Lexington or the Vendor may terminate this Agreement for cause upon written notice given by the
non-defaulting party. For the purposes of this provision, "cause" shall include the failure of a party to fulfill its material
duties hereunder in a timely and proper manner.
7.2 The Town of Lexington shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for its convenience upon thirty (30) days
written notice.
7.3 Following termination of this Agreement, the parties shall be relieved of all further obligations hereunder except that:
7.3.1 The Town shall remain liable for payments for the services and/or expenses of Vendor accrued prior to the
effective date of the notice of termination in compliance with this Agreement (less all costs reasonably incurred by the
Town as a result of the Vendor’s default, if any), as determined by the Town, but for no other amounts including,
without limitation, claims for consequential or special damages or lost profits on work not performed.
7.3.2 The Vendor shall remain liable for any damages, expenses or liabilities arising under this Agreement (including
its indemnity obligations) with respect to work performed pursuant to the Agreement.
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ARTICLE 8
INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 The Vendor agrees to indemnify and save The Town of Lexington harmless from any and all manner of suits, claims,
or demands arising out of any errors, omissions or negligence by the Vendor (including all its employees or agents) in
performing the WORK, or any breach of the terms of this Agreement, which constitute an obligation of the Vendor. The
Vendor shall reimburse the Town for any and all costs, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, which
the Town pays or becomes obligated to pay, by reason of such activities or breach. The provisions of this Section shall be in
addition to and shall not be construed as a limitation on any other legal rights of the Town expressed or not expressed in the
RFP and with respect to this Agreement.
8.2 Before commencing WORK, the Vendor shall obtain, and shall maintain throughout the term of this Agreement,
insurance at limits specified in the RFP and provide written documentation of such in the form specified in the RFP.
8.3 The Vendor shall give the Town of Lexington 20 days (twenty) written notice and copies of documentation in the event
of any change or cancellation of coverage.
ARTICLE 9
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 The Town of Lexington shall have the right, on 24 hours’ written notice to the Vendor, to suspend or reduce services
required of the Vendor under this Agreement due to a force majeure event such as a fire, flood, severe weather, explosion,
riot, war, sabotage, national crisis, pandemic or epidemic (including the continuation of existing pandemics or epidemics),
labor strike, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Town of Lexington. The Vendor shall not be entitled to
any payment under this Agreement for any period of time during which performance under this Agreement is suspended or
cancelled by reason of a force majeure event, and Vendor shall not be entitled to any damages including consequential or
special damages, lost profits, or maintenance costs incurred during such suspension or cancellation of service due to a force
majeure event.
9.2 Vendor shall be entitled to payment under this Agreement only for services actually rendered. The Town of Lexington
does not guarantee any minimum number of hours of service.
9.3 Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, any data, drawings, specifications, reports,
estimates, summaries and other work product which have been accumulated, developed or prepared by the Vendor (whether
completed or in process) shall become the property of the Town of Lexington. The Vendor shall immediately deliver or
otherwise make available all such material to the Town.
9.4 Neither party may assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of this Agreement or any of its rights hereunder or otherwise
delegate any of its duties hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. Any such attempted assignment or
other disposition without such consent shall be null and void and of no force and effect.
9.5 Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any decision or action by the town of Lexington relating to
this Agreement, its operation, or termination, shall be made only by the Town or its designated representative identified in
Exhibit B.
9.6 This Agreement, together with its Exhibits, the RFP referenced above and its Addenda, the required supplemental
documents and any additional exhibits, constitute the entire agreement between the Town of Lexington and the Vendor with
respect to the matters set forth therein and may not be changed (amended, modified or terms waived) except by a writing
signed by both parties. Any notices required or allowed shall be sent by receipt-verified mail, e-mail or courier to the
persons designated in Exhibit B.
9.7 In the event any terms and conditions of this Agreement conflict with those contained in the RFP and its Addenda, the
RFP and its Addenda shall prevail.
9.8 This Agreement is governed by the laws of Massachusetts and shall be construed in accordance therewith.
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ARTICLE 10
SIGNATURES
10.1 For the Town of Lexington:
x
Signature
_____________________
Name
_________________________
Title
Date
781-862-0500
Phone
781-861-2794
Fax
__________ @lexingtonma.gov
e-mail
x
Signature
_____________________
Name
COMPTROLLER_____________
Title
_____________________
GL CODE(S)
_____________________
CONTRACT PRICE
10.2 For the Vendor:
x
* Signature
* Title
* Name
* Date
* Company Name
* Street/P.O. Box
* City, State, ZIP
* Phone
* Fax
* e-mail
* Affix Corporate Seal
(or mark “n/a”)
Page 43
EXHIBIT A
List of Procured Items
The following list contains all items procured through and subject to this contract.
Item # Description
LEXPRESS Bus Service
(per Appendix A)
Initialed For:
Town of Lexington:
* Vendor:
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EXHIBIT B
NOTICE ADDRESSEES
A.1 For Town of Lexington:
Elizabeth Mancini
Name
Purchasing Department
1625 Massachusetts Ave.
Street Address
LEXINGTON, MA 02420
City, State, ZIP
781-698-4628
Phone
781-861-2794
Fax
emancini@lexingtonma.gov
* e-mail
A.2 For the Vendor:
* Name
* Title
* Street Address
* City, State, ZIP
* Phone
* Fax
* e-mail
Page 45
EXHIBIT C
ADDITIONAL AND SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Town of Lexington and the Vendor agree that the following additional and special conditions apply to and shall be held
in full force and effect during the term of this contract:
1. This is awarded to only one vendor for all goods and services listed in Appendix A and Form C per the bidding
specifications and pricing as to form.
Initialed For:
Town of Lexington:
* Vendor:
Page 46
EXHIBIT D
ATTACHMENTS
Request for Proposal: #25-57 LEXPRESS Bus Service
1.0 Other Bid Documents:
General Bid Form
Statement of Competency
Bid Price Form
Non-Price Proposal
Attachment A- Vehicle Fleet Information
2.0 Other Documents:
Insurance Certificate(s)__(to be provided for contract execution)
W9
Appendix B-LEXPRESS BROCHURE with current schedule, routes, fare info
Appendix C- FY25 Warrant Schedule as example of Town payment schedule
Appendix D- Vehicle Accessibility Checklist
Appendix E- List of 2025 Town-observed holidays
Page 47
APPENDIX B: LEXPRESS BROCHURE
Baker
at
Banks
Arlington
Heights
Lowell
at
Lillian
Emerson
Gardens at
Maple
Lexington
Community
Center
Arrive
Depot
Square
7:54AM 7:59AM 8:03AM 8:10 AM 8:13 AM 8:19M
8:54 8:59 9:03 9:10 9:13 9:19
9:54 9:59 10:03 10:10 10:13 10:19
10:54 10:59 11:03 11:10 11:13 11:19
11:54 11:59 12:03 PM 12:10PM 12:13PM 12:19PM
12:54PM 12:59 PM 1:03 1:10 1:13 1:19
1:54 1:59 2:03 2:10 2:13 2:19
2:54 2:59 3:03 3:10 3:13 3:19
3:54 3:59 4:03 4:10 4:13 4:19
4:54 4:59 5:03 5:10 5:13 5:19
5:54 5:59 6:03 6:10 6:13 6:19
6:54 6:59 7:03 7:10 - -
To Community Center, Depot via
Liberty Heights, Arlington Heights Route C
Skyview
at John
Benson
Grove
at
Eldred
Diamond
Rotary
(West
side)
Hancock
at
Revere
Greeley
Village
Crafty
Yankee
(OPP.
Depot)
7:48 AM 7:52 AM 7:54 AM 7:55 AM 7:57 AM 8:00 AM
8:48 8:52 8:54 8:55 8:57 9:00
9:48 9:52 9:54 9:55 9:57 10:00
10:48 10:52 10:54 10:55 10:57 11:00
11:48 11:52 11:54 11:55 11:57 12:00
12:48 PM 12:52 PM 12:54 PM 12:55 PM 12:57 PM 1:00 PM
1:48 1:52 1:54 1:55 1:57 2:00
2:48 2:52 2:54 2:55 2:57 3:00
3:48 3:52 3:54 3:55 3:57 4:00
4:48 4:52 4:54 4:55 4:57 5:00
5:48 5:52 5:54 5:55 5:57 6:00
6:48 6:52 6:54 6:55 6:57 7:00
Route A1 To Lexington Center (OPP Depot) via
Grove, Diamond MS, Hancock, Bedford
Avalon Lex
Hills
Concord at
Pleasant
Concord at
Waltham
Waltham at
Marrett
Waltham at
Worthen
Arrive Depot
Square
8:13 AM 8:15 AM 8:17 AM 8:20 AM 8:23 AM 8:25 AM
9:13 9:15 9:17 9:20 9:23 9:25
10:13 10:15 10:17 10:20 10:23 10:25
11:13 11:15 11:17 11:20 11:23 11:25
12:13 PM 12:15 PM 12:17 PM 12:20PM 12:23 PM 12:25 PM
1:13 1:15 1:17 1:20 1:23 1:25
2:13 2:15 2:17 2:20 2:23 2:25
3:13 3:15 3:17 3:20 3:23 3:25
4:13 4:15 4:17 4:20 4:23 4:25
5:13 5:15 5:17 5:20 5:23 5:25
6:13 6:15 6:17 6:20 6:23 6:25
- - - - - -
To Depot via Concord Ave & Waltham
St, Clarke MS, LHS Route A2
Lahey Hospital
Burlington Mall Rd at
Lexington St
Lowell at
East
Countryside Village
Woburn at
Fletcher
Arrive Depot
Square
7:55 AM 8:00 AM 8:07 AM 8:10 AM 8:14 AM 8:17 AM
8:55 9:00 9:07 9:10 9:14 9:17
9:55 10:00 10:07 10:10 10:14 10:17
10:55 11:00 11:07 11:10 11:14 11:17
11:55 12:00 12:07 PM 12:10 PM 12:14 PM 12:17 PM
12:55 PM 1:00 PM 1:07 1:10 1:14 1:17
1:55 2:00 2:07 2:10 2:14 2:17
2:55 3:00 3:07 3:10 3:14 3:17
3:55 4:00 4:07 4:10 4:14 4:17
4:55 5:00 5:07 5:10 5:14 5:17
5:55 6:00 6:07 6:10 6:14 6:17
6:55 7:00 7:07 7:10 7:14 7:17
Route B To Depot via Burlington Mall Rd,
Lowell St, Woburn St
Depart
Depot Square
Bedford
& Worthen
Revere at Hancock
Diamond
Rotary (East side)
Turning
Mill at Demar
John
Benson at Skyview
7:30 AM 7:33 AM 7:37 AM 7:38AM 7:41 AM 7:48 AM
8:30 8:33 8:37 8:38 8:41 8:48
9:30 9:33 9:37 9:38 9:41 9:48
10:30 10:33 10:37 10:38 10:41 10:48
11:30 11:33 11:37 11:38 11:41 11:48
12:30 PM 12:33 PM 12:37 PM 12:38 PM 12:41 PM 12:48 PM
1:30 1:33 1:37 1:38 1:41 1:48
2:30 2:33 2:37 2:38 2:41 2:48
3:30 3:33 3:37 3:38 3:41 3:48
4:30 4:33 4:37 4:38 4:41 4:48
5:30 5:33 5:37 5:38 5:41 5:48
6:30 6:33 6:37 6:38 6:41 6:48
To NW Lexington via Bedford, Hancock,
Diamond MS, Grove, Turning Mill Route A1
Depart Depot Square
Lexington Community Center
Maple at Emerson Gardens
Lowell at Lillian
Arlington Heights
Baker at Banks
7:30 AM 7:36 AM 7:39AM 7:46 AM 7:50AM 7:54 AM
8:30 8:36 8:39 8:46 8:50 8:54
9:30 9:36 9:39 9:46 9:50 9:54
10:30 10:36 10:39 10:46 10:50 10:54
11:30 11:36 11:39 11:46 11:50 11:54
12:30 PM 12:36 PM 12:39PM 12:46 PM 12:50PM 12:54PM
1:30 1:36 1:39 1:46 1:50 1:54
2:30 2:36 2:39 2:46 2:50 2:54
3:30 3:36 3:39 3:46 3:50 3:54
4:30 4:36 4:39 4:46 4:50 4:54
5:30 5:36 5:39 5:46 5:50 5:54
6:30 6:36 6:39 6:46 6:50 6:54
Route C To Community Center, Arlington
Heights, Liberty Heights
Crafty Yankee (OPP.
Depot)
Waltham at
Worthen
Waltham at
Marrett
Waltham at
Concord
Concord at
Pleasant
Avalon Lex
Hills
8:00 AM 8:03 AM 8:05 AM 8:09 AM 8:11 AM 8:13 AM
9:00 9:03 9:05 9:09 9:11 9:13
10:00 10:03 10:05 10:09 10:11 10:13
11:00 11:03 11:05 11:09 11:11 11:13
12:00 PM 12:03 PM 12:05 PM 12:09 PM 12:11 PM 12:13 PM
1:00 1:03 1:05 1:09 1:11 1:13
2:00 2:03 2:05 2:09 2:11 2:13
3:00 3:03 3:05 3:09 3:11 3:13
4:00 4:03 4:05 4:09 4:11 4:13
5:00 5:03 5:05 5:09 5:11 5:13
6:00 6:03 6:05 6:09 6:11 6:13
7:00 7:03 7:05 7:09 7:11 7:13
Route A2 To S. Lexington via Waltham St, LHS,
Clarke MS, Concord Ave
Depart Depot
Square
Countryside Village
Lowell at
East
Market Basket Burlington Mall (lot) Lahey Hospital
7:30 AM 7:35 AM 7:39 AM 7:43 AM 7:51 AM 7:55 AM
8:30 8:35 8:39 8:43 8:51 8:55
9:30 9:35 9:39 9:43 9:51 9:55
10:30 10:35 10:39 10:43 10:51 10:55
11:30 11:35 11:39 11:43 11:51 11:55
12:30 PM 12:35 PM 12:39 PM 12:43 PM 12:51 PM 12:55 PM
1:30 1:35 1:39 1:43 1:51 1:55
2:30 2:35 2:39 2:43 2:51 2:55
3:30 3:35 3:39 3:43 3:51 3:55
4:30 4:35 4:39 4:43 4:51 4:55
5:30 5:35 5:39 5:43 5:51 5:55
6:30 6:35 6:39 6:43 6:51 6:55
To Burlington Mall & Lahey Burlington via
Woburn St & Lowell St Route B
Outbound from Depot Square
· To go to Greeley Village when the A1 leaves Depot Square,
please ask the driver when you board
· To go to Lahey Lexington, call 781-861-1210 to request pull-in
Inbound towards Depot Square
Service runs Monday – Friday.
No service on weekends or Town Holidays
Route A1 Inbound bus becomes A2 Outbound. To board A2 Outbound,
wait in front of the Crafty Yankee and wave at the driver
To go to Arlington Heights MBTA busway, please ask the
driver when you board, to allow for a safe stop in front.
At the Arlington Heights Busway, stand on Mass Ave in front
of busway or at a nearby MBTA stop. There are MBTA stops
by Trader Joes and across the street at Antoine’s Gas sta-
tion.
Burlington Mall stop is temporarily at the Mall entrance near
Pepe’s Pizza.
· On Burlington Mall Road, Lexpress can only stop at
MBTA bus stops.
· To go to Barnes & Noble, etc ask drivers for pull-in. Vehi-
cles cannot stop on Middlesex Turnpike.
Please arrive at your stop
at least 5 minutes early, as
traffic varies
Open For Schedule Limitless Pass/Cash Fares Physically unable to get to the bus? Call 781-861-1210 to discuss a route deviaƟon or other Tickets New Ɵckets are no longer sold, but they are sƟll accepted as payment Can’t afford to buy a $20 pass? Call us at 781-861-1210 or email Lexpress@LexingtonMa.gov to see if you qualify for a free pass. 1. Stand in a safe place on the side of the road the bus travels on 2. Wave to the driver as they approach 3. Get on the bus. 4. Show your pass or pay your fare. Drivers cannot make change. 5. To request a stop, pull the grey cord near the window or tell the driver where you’d like to stop 6. Wait unƟl the bus comes to a complete stop, then stand up and exit 7. If you need to cross the street, wait unƟl the bus has passed you. Cross behind the bus, not in front. You can board anywhere along the route by waving to driver, with a few excepƟons: · Town Center: board at the Depot Square bus lane or any MBTA stop. · Arlington Heights and Burlington Mall Rd: board at any MBTA stop · Burlington Mall: board at Lexpress stop currently next to Pepe’s Pizza · Bus cannot stop on Middlesex Turnpike. Drivers may be able to pull in—just ask! How & Where to Board Funded by the Town of Lexington, the MBTA, and your rides How to Ride Lexpress Do More. Be Limitless Passes only $20! Lexington’s Neighborhood Bus InformaƟon: (781) 861-1210 www.Lexpress.us @Lexpressbus All buses are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks Where’s the bus? Download the Ride Systems app to track the bus and see arrival Ɵmes Or go to: hƩp://tracker.Lexpress.us Brochure last updated: September 2023 Buy a Limitless Pass for only $20, get unlimited rides through June 30th! Passes are sold at: www.Lexpress.us • Michelson’s Shoes Lex. Community Center • LHS main office Driver cannot make change. Transfers to a different route are free at Depot Square - ask the driver for a transfer when you board. Age 6-64 $2 Age 65+ or Disabled $1 Age 0-5 Free No pass? Pay cash fare Route Map
APPENDIX C
Appendix D -Lexpress Vehicle Checklist for
Accessibility Standards
Vehicles for Lexpress Bus service must meet accessibility standards as outlined in the
sections below. All vehicles either need a ramp or lift. For whichever option you are
proposing, please ensure that all specs are met. Please note that accessibility
specifications on the form below have to be reported on to our granting agencies.
Name of Person completing this form: ______________________________________
Organization: ___________________________________________________________
Signature of person completing this form:____________________________________
Ramp Specifications (if applicable)
Specification (Regulation) Note Actual Vehicle Measurement
Ramps 30 inches or greater in length must have a
design load of 600 pounds. Ramps < 30” in length must
have a design load of 300 pounds. (§ 38.23(c)(1))
Ramp surface must be continuous and slip resistant.
Protrusions cannot be more than 1/4 inch.
(§ 38.23(c)(2))
Ramps must be at least 30 inches wide. (§ 38.23(c)(2))
Ramps must accommodate both three-wheeled and
four-wheeled mobility aids. (§ 38.23(c)(2))
If the threshold from the ground to the ramp surface
exceeds 1/4 inch, it must be beveled with a maximum
slope of 1:2. (§ 38.23(c)(3))
Side barriers, at least 2 inches high, must be provided.
(§ 38.23(c)(4))
Ramps must have the least slope practicable. When the
ramp is deployed to ground, the slope cannot exceed
1:4 (i.e., for a vehicle with a finished floor 12 inches
above the ground, a 48-inch ramp would be needed).
When deployed to a 6-inch curb the following maximum
slopes would apply:
Finished floor height above 6-inch curb
3 inches or less – maximum slope of 1:4
6 inches or less, but more than 3 inches –
maximum slope of 1:6
9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches –
maximum slope of 1:8
Greater than 9 inches – maximum slope of 1:12
(§ 38.23(c)(5))
Preference is given to vendors proposing to use vehicles
equipped with a ramp that, when deployed to ground, the
slope does not exceed 1:7.
The ramp must be firmly attached to the vehicle.
(§ 38.23(c)(6))
Gaps between the ramp and vehicle finish floor cannot
be more than 5/8 inch. (§ 38.23(c)(6))
A compartment or securement system must be
provided for the ramp to keep it from impinging on the
space set aside for mobility aid users and to keep it
from becoming a hazard in the event of a sudden stop.
(§ 38.23(c)(7))
Handrails are not required. If they are provided,
however, they must support 100 pounds, be 30 to 38
inches above the ramp surface, have a cross-sectional
diameter of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches, and be continuous for
the full length of the ramp. (§ 38.23(c)(8))
Ramp must deploy to the right-side (curb-side) of the
vehicle.
Lift Specifications (if applicable)
Specification (Regulation) Note Actual Measurement
The design load of a lift must be at least 600 pounds.
Working parts must have a safety factor of at least six. Non-
working parts must have a safety factor of at least three. (49
CFR § 38.23(b)(1))
Controls must be interlocked with the brakes, transmission,
or door so that the vehicle cannot move unless the interlock
is engaged. (§ 38.23(b)(2)(i))
Controls must be "momentary contact type" (meaning they
require constant pressure) and must allow the up/down cycle
to be reversed without causing the platform to "stow" while
occupied. (§ 38.23(b)(2)(i))
Lifts must be equipped with an emergency method of
deploying. This emergency backup system must be capable
of being operated both up and down without the platforms
"stowing" while occupied. (§ 38.23(b)(3))
Must be designed so that in the event of a power failure, the
platform cannot fall faster than 12 inches per second.
(§ 38.23(b)(4))
Must have an inner barrier or inherent design feature to
prevent the mobility aid from rolling off the side closest to the
vehicle until the platform is in its fully raised position. (§
38.23(b)(5))
Side barriers must be at least 1 1/2 inches high.
(§ 38.23(b)(5))
The “loading-edge” (or outer) barrier must be sufficient to
prevent a power wheelchair from riding over or otherwise
defeating it. If this barrier is automatic, it must close when
the platform is more than 3 inches off the ground. If the outer
barrier is to be driver operated, it must have an interlock or
inherent design that prevents the platform from being raised
until the barrier is closed or other system is engaged.
(§ 38.23(b)(5))
The platform surface must be slip resistant with
no protrusions over 1/4 inch high. (§
38.23(b)(6))
The platform must be at least 28 1/2-inches
wide measured at the platform surface and at
least 30 inches wide measured from 2 inches
above the platform surface to 30 inches above
the surface. It must also be at least 48 inches
long measured from 2 inches above the surface
to 30 inches above the surface. (§ 38.23(b)(6))
Gaps between the platform surface and any
barrier cannot be more than 5/8 inch. Semi-
automatic lifts can have a handhold in the
platform that measures no more than 1 1/2
inches by 4 1/2 inches. (§ 38.23(b)(7))
When in the fully raised position, the platform surface must
be vertically within 5/8 inch of the finished floor and
horizontally within 1/2 inch of the finished floor.
(§ 38.23(b)(7))
The ramp from ground to platform (often the
lowered outer barrier) must have a slope of no
more than 1:8 for a maximum rise of 3 inches
(i.e., if platform is 1 inch off the ground, ramp
must be at least 8 inches long). If the threshold
from ground to ramp (i.e., the thickness of the
ramp material) is more than 1/4 inch, it must be
beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. (§
38.23(b)(8))
The platform must not deflect more than 3
degrees in any direction when a 600-pound
load is placed on the center of the platform. (§
38.23(b)(9))
The platform must raise or lower in no more
than 6 inches per second. The platform must be
stowed or deployed in no more than 12 inches
per second. Horizontal acceleration cannot be
more than 0.3 g. (§ 38.23(b)(10))
Components of a lift must be designed to allow
boarding in either direction. (§ 38.23(b)(11))
Must be equipped with two handrails that move
in tandem with the lift platform. Handrails must
be 30-38 inches above the platform surface and
must have a usable grasping area of at least 8
inches. Handrails must be capable of
supporting 100 pounds, must have a cross-
sectional diameter of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches, and
must have at least 1 1/2 inches of "knuckle
clearance." (§ 38.23(b)(13))
Lifts may be marked to identify the preferred
standing position. (§ 38.23(b)(12))
Lift must deploy to the right-side (curb-side) of
the vehicle.
Securement Area
Specification (Regulation) Note Actual Measurement
Vehicles more than 22 feet in length must have at least
two (2) securement locations. Vehicles 22 feet or less
in length must have at least one (1) securement
location. (§ 38.23(a)) Vehicles are to be measured from
the front-most part to the rear-most item (including the
bumpers). (Please note Lexpress vehicles WILL BE
more than 22 feet in length).
Wheelchairs and mobility aids must be oriented as
follows:
For vehicles more than 22 feet in length, at least
one securement position must be forward facing.
Other securement areas can be either forward or
rear facing.
For vehicles 22 feet or less in length, the one
required position can be either forward or rear
facing.
(§ 38.23(d)(4)) (Lexpress buses WILL BE more than 22
feet in length)
If wheelchair and mobility-aid users are secured in a
rear-facing orientation, a padded barrier must be
provided. The barrier must be 18 inches wide and
extend from 38 inches to 56 inches above the floor.
(§ 38.23(d)(4))
Securement systems must have the following design
loads:
For vehicle with a GVWR of 30,000 pounds or
more: 2,000 pounds for each strap/clamp and
4,000 pounds per mobility aid.
For vehicles with a GVWR of less than 30,000
pounds: 2,500 pounds per clamp/strap and 5,000
pounds per mobility aid.
(§ 38.23(d)(1))
Securement area must be located as close to the
accessible entrance as possible. (§ 38.23(d)(2))
A clear floor area of 30 inches wide by 48 inches long
must be provided for each securement area. This can
include an area up to 6 inches under a seat as long as
there is a vertical clearance of at least 9 inches. If flip-
seats are utilized, they cannot obstruct the required
floor area. The required floor area can overlap the
access path (the path of travel from the accessible
entrance to the securement area). (§ 38.23(d)(2))
The securement system must accommodate all
common wheelchairs and mobility aids (any mobility aid
not exceeding 30 inches in width and 48 inches in
length and weighing no more than 600 pounds when
occupied)* and be operable by someone with average
dexterity that is familiar with the system. [§ 38.23(d)(3)]
*The “common wheelchair” concept was removed from
Part 37, but the above dimensions/weight still represent
the minimum a compliant lift must accommodate.
Securement systems must keep mobility aids from
moving no more than 2 inches in any direction.
(§ 38.23(d)(5))
The securement system must be located to be readily
accessed when needed but must not interfere with
passenger movement or be a hazard to passengers. It
should also be reasonably protected from vandalism. (§
38.23(d)(6))
Securement systems must keep mobility aids from
moving no more than 2 inches in any direction.
(§ 38.23(d)(5))
The securement system must be located to be readily
accessed when needed but must not interfere with
passenger movement or be a hazard to passengers. It
should also be reasonably protected from vandalism.
(§ 38.23(d)(6))
A seat belt and shoulder harness must be provided for
each securement position. The seat belt and shoulder
harness must be separate from the securement system
for the mobility aid. (§ 38.23(d)(7))
Each securement location must have a sign
designating it as such. Characters on these signs must
have (1) a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1;
(2) a stroke width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10;
(3) minimum height (using an uppercase “X”) of 5/8
inch; (4) wide spacing (generally, the space between
letters must be 1/16 the height of uppercase letters);
and (5) contrast with the background, either light-on-
dark or dark-on-light. (§ 38.27(b) and (c))
General Vehicle Specifications
Specification (Regulation) Note Actual Measurement
Aisles, steps, and floor areas must be slip resistant.
(§ 38.25(a))
Step edges, thresholds, and the boarding edge of
ramps or lift platforms must have a band of color that
contrasts with the step/floor surface. Typically, white or
bright yellow is used to contrast against dark floors.
(§ 38.25(b))
The height of doors at accessible entrances and the
interior height along the path of travel between
accessible entrances and securement areas must be
as follows:
For vehicles more than 22 feet in length, the
clearance from the raised lift platform or the ramp
surface to the top of the door must be at least 68
inches.
For vehicles 22 feet or less in length, the
overhead clearance must be at least 56 inches.
(§ 38.25(c)) Lexpress vehicles WILL BE more than 22
feet in length.
Signs for at least two sets of forward-facing seats
indicating that those seats are priority seats for
persons with disabilities, and that other passengers
should make such seats available to those who wish to
use them. Characters on these signs must have (1) a
width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1; (2) a stroke
width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10; (3)
minimum height (using an uppercase “X”) of 5/8 inch;
(4) wide spacing (generally, the space between
letters must be 1/16 the height of uppercase letters);
and (5) contrast with the background, either light-on-
dark or dark-on-light. (§ 38.27(a), § 38.27(c))
Interior handrails and stanchions must allow space for
wheelchairs and other mobility aids to turn and
maneuver to reach a securement location from the lift
or ramp. (§ 38.29(a))
Handrails and stanchions must be provided in the
vehicle entrance so that a person with a disability can
grasp the handrail or stanchion to board from outside
the vehicle and then pay a fare. Handrails must (1)
have a cross-sectional diameter of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2
inches or provide equivalent grasping service; (2) have
eased edges with corner radii of at least 1/8 inch; and
(3) be placed to provide a minimum of 1 1/2 inches of
knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface.
On vehicles more than 22 feet in length with on-board
fare collection systems, a horizontal assist must be
provided across the front of the vehicle.(§ 38.29(b))
For vehicles more than 22 feet in length, an overhead
handrail or handrails must be provided which are
continuous except for a gap at the rear doorway.
(§ 38.29(c)) Lexpress buses will be more than 22 ft in
length.
Handrails and stanchions must be sufficient to permit
safe boarding, on-board circulation, sitting and
standing assistance, and exiting by persons with
disabilities. (§ 38.29(d))
For vehicles more than 22 feet in length with front-door
lifts or ramps, vertical stanchions immediately behind
the driver must either terminate at the lower edge of
the aisle-facing seats or be “dog-legged” so that the
floor attachment does not impede or interfere with
wheelchair footrests. (§ 38.29(e))
If a wheelchair user must pass the driver’s seat, the
seat platform must not extend into the aisle or
vestibule beyond the wheel housing, to the maximum
extent practicable. (§ 38.29(e))
Any stepwell or doorway with a lift or ramp,
immediately adjacent to the driver must have—when
the door is open—at least 2 foot-candles of lighting
measured on the step tread or lift platform.
(§ 38.31(a))
Other stepwells, and doorways with lifts or ramps
must have at all times at least 2 foot-candles of
lighting measured on the step tread or lift or ramp,
when deployed at the vehicle floor level. (§ 38.31(b))
All vehicle doorways must have outside lights that,
when the door is open, provide at least 1 foot-candle
of lighting on the street surface for a distance 3 feet
(915 mm) perpendicular to the bottom step tread or lift
outer edge. These lights must be shielded to protect
the eyes of entering and exiting passengers.
(§ 38.31(c))
If present, a farebox must be located as far forward
as practicable and must not obstruct traffic in the
vestibule, especially for wheelchairs and mobility
aids. (§ 38.33)
If a vehicle is more than 22 feet in length and used
in multiple-stop, fixed-route service, then it must be
equipped with a public address system permitting
the driver, or recorded or digitized human speech
messages, to announce stops and provide other
passenger information within the vehicle. (§
38.35(a))
Lexpress vehicles WILL BE more than 22 ft in length
Where passengers may choose to board or alight at
multiple stops, vehicles more than 22 feet in length
must provide controls adjacent to the securement
location for requesting stops and alerting the driver
that a mobility-aid user wishes to disembark (i.e.,
stop- request controls). The controls must (1) be
mounted no higher than 48 inches and no lower
than 15 inches above the floor; (2) be operable with
one hand; (3) not require tight grasping, pinching, or
twisting of the wrist; and (4) not require more than 5
lbf (22.2N) of force to activate. This system must
provide auditory and visual indications that a request
has been made. (§ 38.37)
It is preferred to use vehicles equipped with interior
visual messaging screens capable of providing
visual equivalency for bus stop and general
passenger information announced audibly within the
vehicle.
If destination or route information is displayed on a
vehicle’s exterior, then the vehicle must have
illuminated signs on its front and boarding side.
Characters on these signs must have (1) a width-to-
height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1; (2) a stroke width-
to- height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10; (3) a minimum
character height (using an uppercase “X”) of 1 inch
for signs on the boarding side; (4) a minimum
character height of 2 inches for front “headsigns”; (5)
“wide” spacing (generally, the space between letters
must be 1⁄16 the height of uppercase letters); and
(6) contrast with the background, either dark-on-light
or light-on- dark. (§ 38.39)
Lexpress Vehicle Checklist for Additional Features
In addition to the required Accessibility Standards above, below are features that we
would like to see in new buses for Lexpress. The Vendor shall be responsible for
providing a fleet of four buses, three of which will be in revenue service and one will serve
as back-up. We prefer that all four buses be rotated through revenue service & back-up to
provide even wear and tear on the vehicles. All vehicles should be of the same make,
model, and be identical in all features. The vehicles proposed should:
o Be equal or superior in quality to the Glaval Universal
o Allow seated passengers to easily see out the front and side windows
o Ideally have less than four steps to enter
o Be Altoona tested for at least 7 years or 200,000 miles
o Be able to fulfill the life of this contract without any loss of service
o Have a mileage reading of less than 5,000 and not have been previously titled for
revenue service
o Be no earlier than 2024 model year
o Be a maximum of 30 feet long
o Be 100% compliant with EPA exhaust emission standards
o Seat a minimum of 20 ambulatory passengers in the absence of wheelchair
securement and accommodate an additional number of standees up to the legal
limit (current buses have 20 seats ambulatory, + 3 standees. With wheelchair
securement, there are 16 ambulatory seats).
o Have seats equal, or superior in quality to the upholstered “CitySeat” sold by
Freedman Seating Company
o Have handrails on tops of seats, at least on the aisle seats
o Ideally, have a seat configuration and/or aisle space that allows passengers with
shopping carts or strollers to easily move through aisles and ride.
o Have lap belts with under seat retractors installed on all passenger seats. Seatbelt
mechanisms should not be in the way of the aisle.
o Have overhead handrails.
o Have LED electronic destination signage on the front and side of bus (please refer
to Accessibility Checklist)
o Have a suspension system equal or superior in quality to the MORryde suspension
system
o Be equipped with standard locked fareboxes in view of the driver that include
removable vaults on all four buses. In addition to the four vaults that come with the
fareboxes on each vehicle, there must be four additional vaults for daily exchange
purposes, for a total of eight vaults. The inside bus configuration must allow the
fireboxes to be installed so they are easily accessible by the boarding passenger.
The farebox manufacturer shall mail the key to the vaults to the Town of Lexington,
Transportation Manager, 39 Marrett Rd, Lexington MA 02421.
o In the event that the Town of Lexington procures automatic fareboxes, and/or
passenger counting devices and/or an Infotainment system to display information
to be used on Lexpress buses, the Contractor must provide appropriate
accommodation for any and all of these devices, including mounting, and
coordination with the Town’s maintenance provider of such equipment for
necessary repairs.
o The Contractor must provide appropriate accommodation for Town-owned GPS
units, including mounting, and coordination with the Town’s maintenance provider
of such equipment for necessary repairs.
o Have each bus/driver equipped with wireless and hands-free communication
devices that can communicate with the Contractor’s office, the Lexington
Transportation Services Office, and the other Lexpress bus drivers. (Please note
that there is frequent communication between the Transportation Service Office
and the bus driver supervisor each day.)
o Be equipped with interior display mountings to post signage. While the Town will
seek an Infotainment system, until such a system is obtained and also to
supplement signage that can be shared on such a system, there needs to be an
easy and tidy way to secure and display signs related to fares, no-service days,
detours, etc that does not require that signs be taped to bus interior.
o Be equipped with a 2-bicycle rack to be mounted on the front of each vehicle
o Be shrink-wrapped in a scheme provided by the Town. Please note new buses will
not have same wrap as current buses. For price and environmental reasons, we
will keep the wrap much simpler. White buses with logo, name and simple striping.
o Be heated and air-conditioned as appropriate.
o Have up-to-date certification by the Massachusetts Department of Utilities (DPU)
o Be available to start revenue service as of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, which will require
review and inspection by the Town before this date to ensure all features have
been acquired.
APPENDIX E
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Town Employees
FROM: Kelly Axtell
Deputy Town Manager
DATE: July 31, 2024
SUBJECT: 2025 Holiday Schedule
Following is a list of legal holidays, as they will be observed in Lexington in 2025. Town offices, excluding Police and Fire Departments, will be closed and no meetings scheduled:
New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Martin Luther King's Birthday Monday, January 20, 2025
Presidents Day Monday, February 17, 2025
Patriots’ Day Monday, April 21, 2025
Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025
Juneteenth Thursday, June 19, 2025
Independence Day Friday, July 4, 2025
Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2025
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, October 13, 2025
Veteran's Day Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 27, 2025
Christmas Day Thursday, December 25, 2025
G:H03:holidays:2025 schedule
FORM D – CONTRACT
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE
LEXPRESS Bus Service Contract #25-57
* Required entry
ARTICLE 1
CONTRACTING PARTIES
1. THIS AGREEMENT made effective by dated signature of the Parties hereto, by and between the
Town of Lexington, and
M&L Transit Systems, Inc. * [Vendor],
whose principal office address and state of incorporation are set forth in Section 10.2.
ARTICLE 2
SUBJECT OF AGREEMENT
2. WHEREAS, The Town of Lexington desires to retain the Vendor to provide goods and/or services to the Town,
and the Vendor is willing to accept such engagement, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
including any Additional and Special Terms and Conditions listed in Exhibit C, and the following Request for
Proposal [RFP]:
RFP#: # 25-57 LEXPRESS Bus Service
As it relates to provision of the items specified in Appendix A and as hereinafter set forth.
3. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 3
ENGAGEMENT OF THE VENDOR
3.1 The Town of Lexington hereby engages the Vendor, and the Vendor hereby accepts the engagement, to provide goods
to and/or perform certain services for the Town, as described in Article 2.
3.2 In the performance of service under this Agreement, the Vendor acts at all times as an independent vendor. There is no
relationship of employment or agency between the Town, on the one hand, and the Vendor on the other, and neither party
shall have nor exercise any control or direction over the method by which the other performs its work or functions aside
from such control or directions as provided in this Agreement which the parties view as consistent with their independent
vendor relationship.
ARTICLE 4
SERVICES OF THE VENDOR
4.1 The Vendor will provide the goods and/or services as described in the RFP cited in Section 2 [the Work].
4.2 The Vendor shall report, and be responsible, to the Town or its designee as set forth on Exhibit B.
4.3 There shall be no modification to the list of goods, including substitutions of specific products offered in the Vendor’s
bid, or amendment of the scope of services provided for in this Agreement, without the prior written approval of the Town.
The Town of Lexington shall be under no obligation to pay for any goods or services not so authorized.
4.4 The Vendor represents and warrants to the Town of Lexington as follows:
4.4.1 That it and all its personnel (whether employees, agents or independent vendors) are qualified and duly licensed
as required by law and/or local municipal code to provide the goods and/or services required by this Agreement.
4.4.2 That it further agrees to perform services, including manufacturing, in a professional manner adhering to a
reasonable standard of care and in accordance with all applicable State or Federal laws, rules and regulations.
4.4.3 That it will obtain any and all permits, bonds, insurances and other items required for the proper and legal
performance of the work.
4.4.4 That it is not a party to any agreement, contract or understanding, which would in any way restrict or prohibit it
from undertaking or performing its obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
4.4.5 That it does not now, and will not during the term of this Agreement, conduct business with parties located in or
supported by countries identified by the U.S. government as funding, harboring, supporting, promoting or otherwise
facilitating terrorist organizations or activities, nor will it provide goods or services produced under such
circumstances.
ARTICLE 5
TERM
5.1 The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date of its execution by both parties and continue until its purpose
is accomplished and acknowledged by formal acceptance and acknowledgment of the Vendor’s performance by the Town of
Lexington, or until otherwise terminated as provided by this Agreement or the RFP.
5.2 The Vendor agrees to proceed with the Work promptly upon execution of this Agreement and to diligently and
faithfully prosecute the Work to completion in accordance with the provisions hereof. The Vendor acknowledges that time
is of the essence as it relates to performance under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
PAYMENTS TO THE VENDOR
6.1 Compensation due the Vendor shall be paid as specified in section 29 of RFP # 25-57. The Town hereby the contract to
the Vendor for Vehicle Option 1- Microbird D Series ParaTransit vehicle, as submitted in the RFP response.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION
7.1 Either the Town of Lexington or the Vendor may terminate this Agreement for cause upon written notice given by the
non-defaulting party. For the purposes of this provision, "cause" shall include the failure of a party to fulfill its material
duties hereunder in a timely and proper manner.
7.2 The Town of Lexington shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for its convenience upon thirty (30) days
written notice.
7.3 Following termination of this Agreement, the parties shall be relieved of all further obligations hereunder except that:
7.3.1 The Town shall remain liable for payments for the services and/or expenses of Vendor accrued prior to the
effective date of the notice of termination in compliance with this Agreement (less all costs reasonably incurred by the
Town as a result of the Vendor’s default, if any), as determined by the Town, but for no other amounts including,
without limitation, claims for consequential or special damages or lost profits on work not performed.
7.3.2 The Vendor shall remain liable for any damages, expenses or liabilities arising under this Agreement (including
its indemnity obligations) with respect to work performed pursuant to the Agreement.
ARTICLE 8
INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 The Vendor agrees to indemnify and save The Town of Lexington harmless from any and all manner of suits, claims,
or demands arising out of any errors, omissions or negligence by the Vendor (including all its employees or agents) in
performing the WORK, or any breach of the terms of this Agreement, which constitute an obligation of the Vendor. The
Vendor shall reimburse the Town for any and all costs, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, which
the Town pays or becomes obligated to pay, by reason of such activities or breach. The provisions of this Section shall be in
addition to and shall not be construed as a limitation on any other legal rights of the Town expressed or not expressed in the
RFP and with respect to this Agreement.
8.2 Before commencing WORK, the Vendor shall obtain, and shall maintain throughout the term of this Agreement,
insurance at limits specified in the RFP and provide written documentation of such in the form specified in the RFP.
8.3 The Vendor shall give the Town of Lexington 20 days (twenty) written notice and copies of documentation in the event
of any change or cancellation of coverage.
ARTICLE 9
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 The Town of Lexington shall have the right, on 24 hours’ written notice to the Vendor, to suspend or reduce services
required of the Vendor under this Agreement due to a force majeure event such as a fire, flood, severe weather, explosion,
riot, war, sabotage, national crisis, pandemic or epidemic (including the continuation of existing pandemics or epidemics),
labor strike, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Town of Lexington. The Vendor shall not be entitled to
any payment under this Agreement for any period of time during which performance under this Agreement is suspended or
cancelled by reason of a force majeure event, and Vendor shall not be entitled to any damages including consequential or
special damages, lost profits, or maintenance costs incurred during such suspension or cancellation of service due to a force
majeure event.
9.2 Vendor shall be entitled to payment under this Agreement only for services actually rendered. The Town of Lexington
does not guarantee any minimum number of hours of service.
9.3 Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, any data, drawings, specifications, reports,
estimates, summaries and other work product which have been accumulated, developed or prepared by the Vendor (whether
completed or in process) shall become the property of the Town of Lexington. The Vendor shall immediately deliver or
otherwise make available all such material to the Town.
9.4 Neither party may assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of this Agreement or any of its rights hereunder or otherwise
delegate any of its duties hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. Any such attempted assignment or
other disposition without such consent shall be null and void and of no force and effect.
9.5 Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any decision or action by the town of Lexington relating to
this Agreement, its operation, or termination, shall be made only by the Town or its designated representative identified in
Exhibit B.
9.6 This Agreement, together with its Exhibits, the RFP referenced above and its Addenda, the required supplemental
documents and any additional exhibits, constitute the entire agreement between the Town of Lexington and the Vendor with
respect to the matters set forth therein and may not be changed (amended, modified or terms waived) except by a writing
signed by both parties. Any notices required or allowed shall be sent by receipt-verified mail, e-mail or courier to the
persons designated in Exhibit B.
9.7 In the event any terms and conditions of this Agreement conflict with those contained in the RFP and its Addenda, the
RFP and its Addenda shall prevail.
9.8 This Agreement is governed by the laws of Massachusetts and shall be construed in accordance therewith.
ARTICLE 10
SIGNATURES
10.1 For the Town of Lexington:
x
Signature
_____________________
Name
_________________________
Title
Date
781-862-0500
Phone
781-861-2794
Fax
__________ @lexingtonma.gov
e-mail
x
Signature
_____________________
Name
COMPTROLLER_____________
Title
_____________________
GL CODE(S)
_____________________
CONTRACT PRICE
10.2 For the Vendor:
x
* Signature
* Title
* Name
* Date
* Company Name
* Street/P.O. Box
* City, State, ZIP
* Phone
* Fax
* e-mail
* Affix Corporate Seal
(or mark “n/a”)
EXHIBIT A
List of Procured Items
The following list contains all items procured through and subject to this contract.
Item # Description
LEXPRESS Bus Service
(per Appendix A)
Initialed For:
Town of Lexington:
* Vendor:
EXHIBIT B
NOTICE ADDRESSEES
A.1 For Town of Lexington:
Elizabeth Mancini
Name
Purchasing Department
1625 Massachusetts Ave.
Street Address
LEXINGTON, MA 02420
City, State, ZIP
781-698-4628
Phone
781-861-2794
Fax
emancini@lexingtonma.gov
* e-mail
A.2 For the Vendor:
* Name
* Title
* Street Address
* City, State, ZIP
* Phone
* Fax
* e-mail
EXHIBIT C
ADDITIONAL AND SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Town of Lexington and the Vendor agree that the following additional and special conditions apply to and shall be held
in full force and effect during the term of this contract:
1. This is awarded to only one vendor for all goods and services listed in Appendix A and Form C per the bidding
specifications and pricing as to form.
Initialed For:
Town of Lexington:
* Vendor:
EXHIBIT D
ATTACHMENTS
Request for Proposal: #25-57 LEXPRESS Bus Service
1.0 Other Bid Documents:
General Bid Form
Statement of Competency
Bid Price Form- (Vehicle Option 1-Microbird D Series ParaTransit)
Non-Price Proposal
Attachment A- Vehicle Fleet Information
Appendix B-LEXPRESS BROCHURE with current schedule, routes, fare info
Appendix C- FY25 Warrant Schedule as example of Town payment schedule
Appendix D- Vehicle Accessibility Checklist
Appendix E- 2025 Town-Observed Holidays
2.0 Other Documents:
Insurance Certificate(s)__(to be provided for contract execution)
W9
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Liquor License Package Store Transfer Application - Neillio's Wine and Spirits: 55 Bedford
Street
PRESENTER:
Doug Lucente, Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.1
SUMMARY:
Category: Hearing and Decision-Making
The Select Board office has received all the necessary paperwork from 55 Bedford Street LLC., d/b/a
Neillio’s Wine and Spirits requesting a transfer from 55 Pearl Investment d/b/a Whisky & Wine liquor license
located 55 Bedford Street, and naming Kevin P. O’Neill to be the Manager on Record. Additionally, 55
Bedford Street LLC, d/b/a Neillio’s Wine and Spirits is requesting a pledge of the license and a pledge of
inventory for their bank loan.
For many years, the previous liquor licenses awarded at this address have been given the following allowable hours
of operation and applicant would like to have the same hours of operation on its license if the Board is so inclined:
Monday through Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00am to 9:00 p.m.
The proposed manager for the liquor license, Kevin O’Neill, will be at the meeting to answer any questions you
may have.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve the transfer of liquor license at 55 Bedford Street, from 55 Pearl Investment d/b/a Whisky &
Wine to 55 Bedford Street LLC., d/b/a Neillio’s Wine and Spirits (for the hours as requested: Monday
through Saturday 8:00am to 11:00pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 9:00pm), to approve a pledge of license and
pledge of inventory and to approve the manager on record to be Kevin P. O’Neill and further, once the transfer
application has been approved by the ABCC, issue a license to 55 Bedford Street LLC., d/b/a Neillio’s Wine
and Spirits.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 6:55pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Liquor License Transfer Application Backup Material
GROUND LEVEL
BASEMENT
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve Land Disposition Agreement for Parcel 68-44 Located on Lowell Street
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.2
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
The Board is being asked to approve the Land Disposition Agreement for Parcel 68-44 Located on Lowell
Street.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve Land Disposition Agreement for Parcel 68-44 Located on Lowell Street and authorize the
Town Manager to sign and execute the document.
FOLLOW-UP:
Town Manager
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 7:10pm
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
FY2026 Town Manager's Preliminary Budget & Financial Planning
PRESENTER:
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town
Manager for Finance
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.3
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
Staff will provide a brief overview of the Town Manager's FY2026 Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan
(White Book). A full presentation of the preliminary budget will be presented to Summit participants on
Thursday, January 30th at 7pm.
The Town Manager's FY2026 Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan is attached here and also available on the
Town's website: https://lexingtonma.gov/2250/2026-Budget
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
Summit III on Thursday, January 30, 2025; Select Board to vote the Recommended FY2026 Budget on
Friday, February 14, 2025.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 7:25pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
FY2026 White Book Presentation_1.27.25 Presentation
FY2026 Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan (White Book)Backup Material
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan
Select Board Overview
January 27, 2025
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
2
FY2026 Revenue Allocation Summary
(in thousands)Summit II Summit III
1 Total Revenues $ 310,900 $ 311,154
2 Less: FY2025 School Budget $ 140,508 74.0%$ 140,508 74.0%
3
Less: FY2025 Municipal Budget
(inc.Community Center)$ 49,311 26.0%$ 49,311 26.0%
4 Less: Shared Expenses $ 81,487 $ 80,977
5 Less: Set-Asides $ 32,894 $ 32,894
6 Total Base Budget $ 304,200 $ 303,690 $ Change
7
Total New Revenue to be
Allocated $ 6,700 $ 7,464 $ 764
8 School Alloc./ FY2026 Total $ 4,959 74.0%$ 5,525 74.0%
9 Muni Alloc. / FY2026 Total $ 1,740 26.0%$ 1,939 26.0%
Summit II Revenue Allocation %Inc vs PY Initial Budget Request %Inc vs PY Surplus/ (Shortfall)
10 FY2026 School budget $ 145,467 3.5%$ 147,500 5.0%$ (2,033)
11 FY2026 Municipal budget $ 51,051 3.5%$ 51,742 4.9%$ (691)
Summit III
Revenue
Allocation
%Inc vs
PY
Updated Budget
Request
%Inc vs
PY
Surplus/
(Shortfall)
12 FY2026 School budget $ 146,033 3.9%$ 146,033 3.9%$ —
13 FY2026 Municipal budget $ 51,249 3.9%$ 51,249 3.9%$ —
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
3
Summary of Revenue Allocation Changes from Summit II
Original Revised Variance Description
$ 310,899,763 $ 311,154,210 $ 254,447 Updated State Aid (+$142K); Available Funds (+$77K); refined Indirects (+$35K)
$ 254,447 Total Revenue Increase/ (Decrease)
$ 3,747,035 $ 3,606,312 $ (140,723) Updated Minuteman assessment, per preliminary budget
$ 41,412,958 $ 41,147,189 $ (265,769) Updated Health Benefits assuming 11% premium increase
$ 6,035,947 $ 5,983,068 $ (52,879) Updated debt service projections
$ 15,239,743 $ 15,189,172 $ (50,571) Revisions to Facilities shared service budget (inc $20K PIR)
$ (509,943) Change in Shared Expenses Increase/ (Decrease)
$ 764,390 Net Positive Impact on Revenue Allocation
74%$ 565,648 Additional School Allocation
26%$ 198,741 Additional Town Allocation
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
4
The FY2026 budgets proposed by the Town Manager and
Superintendent of Schools provide for a Balanced Town Budget
Revenue Summary FY2025 Recap FY2026 Projected $ Change % Change
Tax Levy $ 239,807,037 $ 249,002,213 $ 9,195,176 3.8%
State Aid $ 20,451,907 $ 21,022,716 $ 570,809 2.8%
Local Receipts $ 16,209,388 $ 17,039,873 $ 830,485 5.1%
Available Funds*$ 17,280,345 $ 24,514,859 $ 7,234,514 41.9%
Revenue Offsets $ (1,953,708) $ (2,360,640) $ (406,932) 20.8%
Enterprise Funds (Indirect)$ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189 $ 61,372 3.3%
Total General Fund $ 293,575,390 $ 311,154,210 $ 17,578,820 6.0%
Expenditure Summary FY2025 Appropriated
FY2026 Recommended Budget $ Change % Change
Lexington Public Schools $ 140,508,367 $ 146,033,333 $ 5,524,966 3.9%
Minuteman High School $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.9%
Shared Expenses $ 72,296,815 $ 77,370,757 $ 5,073,942 7.0%
Municipal Departments $ 49,271,323 $ 50,995,275 $ 1,723,953 3.5%
Cash Capital-Tax Levy and Available Funds $ 16,875,899 $ 21,524,216 $ 4,648,317 27.5%
Other**$ 11,216,591 $ 11,624,317 $ 407,726 3.6%
Total - General Fund Only $ 293,575,390 $ 311,154,210 $ 17,578,820 6.0%
* Available Funds reflects one-time revenue sources, primarily Free Cash.
** Other expenses are primarily set-asides into reserves including the Capital Stabilization Fund, OPEB Trust, and SPED Reserve.
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
5
FY2026 Municipal Department Budget Summary
Municipal Budgets
FY2025
Appropriated
FY2026
Recommended
Budget $ Change % Change
Public Facilities*$ 14,565,854 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.3%
Municipal Departments:
Public Works $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ 886,693 6.8%
Police $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.2%
Fire $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.8%
Library $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.7%
Human Services $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.5%
Health $ 545,148 $ 561,024 $ 15,876 2.9%
Land Use Department $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.9%
Select Board $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.7%
Town Manager $ 1,664,840 $ 1,609,722 $ (55,119) (3.3)%
Salary Adjustment Account $ 294,179 $ — $ (294,179) (100.0)%
Town Committees $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ 210 0.3%
Finance $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.6%
Town Clerk $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.7%
Innovation & Technology $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.1%
Total Municipal Departments $ 49,271,322 $ 50,995,276 $ 1,723,952 3.5%
*Public Facilities is a shared service
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
6
Balancing the FY2026 Municipal Budget
Municipal Budgets FY2026 Initial Request FY2026 Delete FY2026 Add
FY2026 Recommended Budget
Public Facilities*$ 15,169,172 $ — $ 20,000 $ 15,189,172
Municipal Departments:
Public Works $ 13,971,800 $ 13,971,800
Police $ 9,745,978 $ 9,745,978
Fire $ 9,458,988 $ 9,458,988
Library $ 3,691,461 $ 3,691,461
Human Services $ 1,703,597 $ 1,703,597
Health $ 561,024 $ 561,024
Land Use Department $ 2,465,236 $ 2,465,236
Select Board $ 1,439,529 $ 1,439,529
Town Manager $ 1,657,335 $ (47,613) $ 1,609,722
Salary Adjustment Account $ — $ —
Town Committees $ 73,120 $ 73,120
Finance $ 2,206,218 $ 2,206,218
Town Clerk $ 692,479 $ 692,479
Innovation & Technology $ 3,376,124 $ 3,376,124
Total Municipal Departments $ 51,042,889 $ (47,613) $ — $ 50,995,276
*Public Facilities is a shared service.
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
7
FY2026 Municipal Department Budget Highlights
•The Municipal Budget includes contractual increases for three of the Town's large
service agreements:
◦Townwide Composting Program: This budget will maintain this program for
4,000 households in FY2026 at the cost of $396,000, of which $165,000 will
funded with ARPA funds.
◦Public Transportation: This budget includes new contractual rates for the
Lexpress Bus Service, which includes replacement of the bus fleet. The new 5-
year contract has been awarded and will begin during FY2026.
◦Public Access Television: This budget allocates $200,000 of tax levy support to
maintain current levels of service, up from $100,000 in FY2025. This amount of
General Fund support is expected to increase in future budget cycles.
•Set Asides include $24K for funding for a Solar Study to assess suitability of solar
installations in municipal parking lots and $200K for pruning and/or removal of
Street Trees that have been identified as dead or unhealthy by a recent street tree
inventory.
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
8
Town Manager's Recommended FY2025 Program Improvements
Program Department Requests Recommended Not Recommended
Total General Fund Requests $2,057,838 $244,000 $1,813,838
Non-General Fund
Water/Sewer Enterprise $50,000 $50,000 $—
Recreation Enterprise $180,000 $80,000 $100,000
Tourism Revolving Fund $42,475 $—$42,475
Total Non-General Fund $272,475 $130,000 $142,475
Combined Requests Total $2,330,313 $374,000 $1,956,313
General Fund Recommended PIRs include:
•$20K for Solar Panel inspections and maintenance at school and municipal
buildings
•$200K for Street Tree Pruning & Removal (one-time from Free Cash)
•$24K for a Solar Assessment of parking lots (one-time from Free Cash)
Non General Fund Recommended PIRs include:
•$50K for a Water & Sewer Rate Study
•$80K for drainage improvements at Pine Meadows Golf Course
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
9
Appropriate Into Reserve Funds
Lexington Pension Fund $11,521,504
–Current Balance (11/30/2024) $257.39 million
Post-Employment Benefits Fund $2,087,029
–Current Balance (12/31/2024) $37.93 million
Capital Stabilization Fund $6,563,050
–Current Balance (12/31/2024) $41.84 million
Special Education Reserve Fund $700,000
–Current Balance (12/31/2024) $750,000
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
10
Recommended Capital Budget - FY2026
Capital Requests Summary
Free Cash/
Tax Levy
Other
Funding
Sources Debt Total Other**
General Fund $ 21,506,173 $ — $ — $ 21,506,173 $ —
Excluded Debt Projects $ — $ — $ 654,000,000 $ 654,000,000 $ —
Other Funding & Chapter 90 $ — $ 18,043 $ — $ 18,043 $ 964,592
Water Enterprise $ — $ 2,634,440 $ — $ 2,634,440 $ —
Sewer Enterprise $ — $ 1,409,931 $ — $ 1,409,931 $ —
Recreation Enterprise $ — $ 70,000 $ — $ 70,000 $ —
Compost Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Community Preservation Act*$ — $ 7,495,844 $ — $ 7,495,844 $ —
Total (all Funds)$ 21,506,173 $ 11,628,258 $ 654,000,000 $ 687,134,431 $ 964,592
*Includes both Town and non-Town CPA funded projects.
**Other represents Chapter 90 Aid for street improvements. This item does not require a Town Meeting appropriation.
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
11
Capital Highlights
•New Lexington High School - Construction funds for a new Lexington High
School. Current cost estimates approximate the cost at $654,000,000. This project
will be requested at the Fall 2025 Special Town Meeting and will require a
successful Debt Exclusion vote.
•Central Administration Building Demolition - This request for $3,550,000 is to
demolish the Central Administration Building at 146 Maple Street.
•Park Improvements - Athletic Fields - $3,197,904 for athletic fields at 146 Maple
Street. The design for this new field complex is currently underway and will consider
natural grass and synthetic field surfaces, parking, lighting and other amenities.
•Lincoln Park Field Improvements - This request for $1,950,000 will conduct an
end-of-life synthetic turf replacement and reconstruction of athletic Field #3 at
Lincoln Park.
•Replacement Pumper Truck - This request for $1,100,000 is to replace the
department's 2004 reserve pumper truck.
•Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) Funding - This request for $3,000,000 is to fund
the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) from the Town's Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funds.
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
12
Items Open/ In Process
•Free Cash - Current FY2023 estimate of $23,000,000 has not yet been certified
by the Department of Revenue. Adjustments will be reflected in cash capital/debt
service.
•Minuteman Assessment - Budget to be voted by Minuteman School Committee.
•Health Insurance Premiums - Are estimated at a 11% increase over FY2025,
final amounts may differ.
•Final Cost Estimates for Lexington High School - The current cost estimate for
LHS construction is $654 million. This estimate will continue to be refined through
schematic design and a final estimate will be available prior to Fall 2025 Special
Town Meeting and the debt exclusion referendum.
•Final Design for Harrington Fields - Community engagement and the design for
fields at Harrington School are underway; final recommended project scope and
cost estimate are to-be-determined.
•Other - Additional changes may be identified through the budget deliberation
process.
Town of Lexington
FY2026 Preliminary Budget
13
Next Steps
•January 30, 2025 - Summit III, White Book presentation
•January 31, 2025- February 7, 2025 - Municipal and School staff to
respond to questions on operating and capital budgets; ongoing budget
deliberations
•February 14, 2025 - Select Board to vote FY2026 recommended
budget
•On or Before February 25, 2025 - The final recommended budget will
be distributed electronically to the Select Board, Appropriation
Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee and Town Meeting
Members. Printed copies to follow the week of March 3rd.
•March 24, 2025 - Town Meeting Begins
•On or Before March 26, 2025 - Town Meeting may consider financial
articles
Town of Lexington,
Massachusetts
Fiscal Year 2026
Preliminary Recommended
Budget & Financing Plan
January 24, 2025
Town of Lexington Organizational Chart
Table of Contents
The budget document outlines the Town’s financial plan as recommended by the
Select Board. Both the operating and capital budgets are contained in this
document. The effective period of this budget is from July 1, 2025 to
June 30, 2026.
Budget-In-Brief
Report of the Town Manager
The Budget Message is a letter to the Select Board from the Town Manager in support of the
enclosed budget recommendations. The letter provides an overview of the operating and
capital budget, identifies significant budget issues, and explains the Town Manager's rationale
for budget recommendations.
Section I: Budget Overview
The Budget Overview contains several summary tables, which display the schedule of the
FY2026 budget process, expenditure and revenue history, and a detailed summary of
proposed appropriations for the coming fiscal year.
Budget Process
Summary of Revenues and Expenditures I-1
Program Summary I-2
Section II: Revenues
The Revenue section contains a narrative description of revenue sources followed by a series
of tables that displays a detailed summary of actual and projected revenues.
Description of Revenues II-3
Detailed Budget Information
Section III: Program 1000: Education
1000 Education Program III-1
1100 Lexington Public Schools III-2
1200 Minuteman Regional High School III-18
Section IV: Program 2000: Shared Expenses
2000 Shared Expenses IV-1
2100 Employee Benefits IV-3
2200 Property & Liability Insurance IV-8
2300 Solar Producer Payments IV-10
2400 Debt Service IV-12
2500 Reserve Fund IV-14
2600 Public Facilities IV-17
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
1
Section V: Program 3000: Public Works
3000 Public Works V-1
3000 - 3500 DPW Summary V-2
3100 DPW Administration and Engineering V-7
3200 Highway V-12
3300 Public Grounds V-16
3400 Environmental Services V-21
3600 Water Enterprise V-26
3700 Sewer Enterprise V-30
Section VI: Program 4000: Public Safety
4000 Public Safety VI-1
4100 Law Enforcement VI-3
4200 Fire & Rescue VI-10
Section VII: Program 5000: Culture and Recreation
5000 Culture and Recreation VII-1
5100 Cary Memorial Library VII-3
5200 Recreation and Community Programs VII-9
Section VIII: Program 6000: Human Services and Health
6000 Human Services and Health VIII-1
6100 - 6200 Human Services Administration, Veterans Services,
Youth and Family Services, Senior Services and Community
Programs, and Transportation Services
VIII-2
6500 Health VIII-8
Section IX: Program 7000: Land Use, Housing and
Development Department
7000 Land Use, Housing and Development Department IX-1
7100 - 7400 Summary IX-3
7110 Building and Zoning IX-10
7120 Administration IX-14
7130 Conservation IX-17
7200 Planning IX-21
7300 Economic Development IX-25
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
2
Section X: Program 8000: General Government
8000 General Government X-1
8100 Select Board X-1
8200 Town Manager X-6
8300 Town Committees X-11
8400 Finance X-13
8500 Town Clerk X-18
8600 Innovation & Technology X-22
FY2026 Capital Improvement Budget & Financing Plan
Section XI: Capital Investment
FY2026 Capital Improvement Budget & Financing Plan XI-1
Acknowledgments
Preparing a budget document with this level of detail is a significant undertaking. I would like to
express my appreciation to Superintendent of Schools Julie Hackett, Assistant Superintendent for
Finance and Administration David Coelho, as well as the Senior Management Team and board and
committee members who contributed to the development of this budget. I would like to specifically
acknowledge Town Accountant Krista Murphy, Director of Assessing Robert Lent, Human Resources
Director Anne Kostos, and Deputy Town Manager Kelly Axtell for their work in preparing the many
facets of this document. Finally, the completion of the Preliminary Recommended Budget and
Financing Plan is due directly to the extraordinary efforts of Assistant Town Manager for Finance/
Comptroller Carolyn Kosnoff and Budget Officer Rosalyn Impink.
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
3
Town of Lexington
Town Manager's Office
Steve Bartha, Town Manager Tel: (781) 698-4540
Kelly E. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager Fax: (781) 861-2921
January 24, 2025
The Honorable Select Board, Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures
Committee:
I am hereby submitting the FY2026 Town Manager’s Preliminary Budget and Financing Plan for your
review. Our primary goal has been to develop a budget and financing plan that maintains a high level of municipal and school services while remaining sustainable for the community in the long term. We strive to articulate this plan in a transparent manner through the leadership actions, behaviors and
visions of the Select Board and various policy and advisory committees. Simply put, the baseline expectation of local government is efficiency, equity, and stewardship. This budget meets and exceeds that baseline expectation – a credit to those tasked with guidance, preparation, and implementation.
A Sustainable Budget: Budgets are about priorities and should be strategic in explaining what we
do, why we do it, when we do it, and how we propose to invest taxpayer resources to achieve the
results our community desires. While focusing on long-term priorities sometimes takes a back seat to
the immediate demands placed on Town officials, it is important to strike a balance among competing
demands. We hope this document is helpful in this regard.
The Town will face familiar and new fiscal challenges throughout FY2026 due to economic stressors,
including pressure on salaries and wages, high insurance premiums (+11%) and the increase cost of
supplies and contractual services, including solid waste disposal (+9.5%). Despite these headwinds we
expect to maintain a sound financial position due to conservative budgeting and strong fiscal
management. For FY2026, we project a modest amount of revenue growth that is sufficient to meet
contractual obligations and maintain current levels of service.
This Preliminary Budget is balanced and based on a 3.9% increase in revenue as projected in the
Town's Revenue Allocation Model, which has been used by the Town for the past two decades to
ensure a fair distribution of new revenues to the School and Municipal divisions of Town government.
This projected revenue is up from the 3.53% increase that was presented at Summit II in November
2024. The updated allocation of revenue for FY2026 provides funding for the School Department at
$146,033,333, an increase of $5,524,966 over the FY2025 budget. The Municipal budget is
$51,249,488, an increase of $1,938,952 over the FY2025 budget.
A Transparent Budget: The operating and capital budget the Board recommends to Town Meeting
is the single most important policy document considered each year, as the budget is the one-year
spending plan based on the Board’s strategic priorities. The best way to explain Town operations, in
depth and for the critical eye, is for Town officials to be transparent in everything we do.
i
In preparing this Preliminary Budget, Town and School department staff worked together to create a
document that presents the budget in a manner that meets the requirements and expectations of our
boards, committees, Town Meeting members and residents. It reflects many competing interests, but
in the end has been, and should continue to be, a reflection on what is best for the Town as a whole.
This FY2026 Preliminary Budget proposes $311 million in General Fund spending, $37 million in
Enterprise Fund spending, and $4 million in Revolving Fund spending. The FY2026 capital budget is
proposed at $687 million which includes an estimated $654 million to reconstruct Lexington High
School.
As always, the Senior Management Team remains committed to working with the Select Board, School
Department and financial committees to strike a balance between available resources for municipal
services, educational programs and capital improvements to ensure that we continue to meet the
needs and expectations of Lexington's residents in a sustainable manner. We believe this document is
comprehensive enough so that readers understand where Town revenues comes from and what they
are spent on, yet succinct enough that the details are not overwhelming. Staff endeavors to continually
improve this document and the budgeting process and we welcome comments and suggestions in
order to provide a better budget in the future.
I want to acknowledge and thank the work and effort that Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager
for Finance and Rosalyn Impink, Budget Officer have contributed to this document and the entire
budget process, along with the entire Senior Management Team and other staff of the Town.
Sincerely,
Steve Bartha
Town Manager
ii
Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan - In Summary
This Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan, as submitted, is balanced given the projected revenue
shown in Section II of this document. FY2026 revenue was presented in detail at Financial Summit II
and was subsequently updated to reflect increases in certain line items as staff refined projections.
Sections III to XI of this document include General Fund operating budgets, the Capital budget,
Enterprise Fund budgets and proposed Community Preservation Act funded projects.
The amounts shown in this Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan represent the Town Manager’s
recommended FY2026 budget for municipal operations and Superintendent of School’s recommended
FY2026 budget, inclusive of benefits for new employees. The Superintendent’s budget is pending
review and adoption by the School Committee. All budgets are pending review and adoption by the
Select Board.
Budget Highlights
A comparison of the FY2025 appropriated budget to the FY2026 recommended General Fund operating
budget is shown below.
Table 1 FY2025 Appropriated
FY2026 Recommended Budget $ Change % Change
Lexington Public Schools $ 140,508,367 $ 146,033,333 $ 5,524,966 3.9 %
Minuteman High School $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.9 %
Shared Expenses $ 72,296,815 $ 77,370,757 $ 5,073,942 7.0 %
Municipal Departments $ 49,271,323 $ 50,995,275 $ 1,723,953 3.5 %
Cash Capital-Tax Levy and Available Funds $ 16,875,899 $ 21,524,216 $ 4,648,317 27.5 %
Other*$ 11,216,591 $ 11,624,317 $ 407,726 3.6 %
Total - General Fund Only $ 293,575,390 $ 311,154,209 $ 17,578,818 6.0 %
*Other captures Unallocated revenue, contributions to the Capital Stabilization and OPEB Trust Funds, and various other expenses.
Town Manager’s Overall Recommendations
In light of the goals and priorities of the Select Board this preliminary budget includes the following key
recommendations:
•Level Service Budget: This recommended budget will continue to provide the same level of
municipal service currently enjoyed by Lexington's residents. Several of the Town's contractual
agreements for existing services have increased or been renewed for FY2026 resulting in higher
than normal expense increases in certain line items. Additionally this budget recommends the
continuation of several key programs supported by the Select Board.
•Townwide Composting Program: The Select Board has expressed a desire to
continue the Town's household food waste collection and composting program. This
budget will maintain this program for 4,000 households in FY2026 at the cost of
$396,000 which is partly funded by the General Fund and partly funded by ARPA funds.
The full cost of this program will be incorporated into the General Fund budget for
FY2027.
iii
•Maintain Public Transportation: This budget includes new contractual rates for the
Lexpress Bus Service, which includes replacement of the bus fleet. The new 5-year
contract has been awarded and will begin during FY2026.
•Maintain Public Access Television: As local subscriptions to cable television
continue to decline, revenues to the Town's PEG Access Fund have declined. Projections
indicate that continuation of Public Access Television will no longer be possible without
General Fund support. This budget allocates $200,000 of tax levy support to maintain
current levels of service, up from $100,000 in FY2025. This amount of General Fund
support is expected to increase in future budget cycles.
•Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels: Departments have continued to implement the Select
Board's electric vehicle policy, and have factored increased costs into the General Fund
and Capital fund for the planned replacement of fossil fuel municipal vehicles with
electric or hybrid models.
•Municipal Program Improvement Requests (PIRs): While FY2026 revenues are expected
to increase modestly, the increase in costs for existing programs and contracts noted above has
resulted in little funding for discretionary program improvements. For FY2026 $2,057,838 in
General Fund Program Improvements were requested by Senior Managers, of which the Town
Manager is recommending to fund $20,000 from ongoing General Fund revenues. An additional
$354,000 in one-time projects are recommended from other sources including Enterprise Funds,
Revolving Funds or other available revenues.
•New Lexington High School - Construction - This Preliminary Budget includes an
estimated $654.0 million to reconstruct Lexington High School. This project has been accepted
into the Massachusetts School Building Authority's grant program, and is currently in the
schematic design phase. The appropriation for construction funding is expected at a Special
Town Meeting in the Fall of 2025, and will be contingent on a successful Proposition 2½ debt
exclusion referendum, which is also expected to occur in the Fall of 2025.
•Capital Projects and Programs: In addition to the High School construction project this
budget recommends an additional $33.1 million in capital projects and ongoing capital
programs, of which $21.5 million is from General Fund, $4.1 million from Enterprise Funds, and
$7.5 million from Community Preservation Act Funds.
•Dedicated Tax Levy for Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) - The FY2026 budget continues
to follow the fiscal guideline adopted in 2022 to dedicate new tax levy growth from specific
properties (PSDUP & Hartwell Redevelopment) into the CSF to mitigate the cost of future capital
projects, primarily the new Lexington High School. In FY2025, $6,563,050 was transferred to
the CSF from the tax levy under this guideline. That amount is recommended to be set aside
again in FY2026.
•Special Education Reserve Fund - The increasing need for special education services has
strained the School Department's operating budget in recent years. This budget recommends
appropriating $700,000 of Free Cash into the Special Education Reserve Fund to be used for
unanticipated special education expenses that arise during FY2026. This is a continuing balance
fund and any unspent appropriation will carry forward into future fiscal years.
•Adherence to Fiscal Policies and Guidelines: This budget adheres to fiscal policies and
guidelines that have been agreed to by the Town's boards and committees. This includes
minimal use of one-time revenues for ongoing expenses, prioritizing capital projects with cash
to reduce debt and interest expenses, recommended appropriations to address long-term
iv
Pension and Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB), and set-asides into fiscal reserves and
stabilization funds.
General Fund FY2026 Operating Budget
To facilitate review of this document, some of the salient aspects of this budget are highlighted below.
1.FY2026 Projected Revenues
•Revenue Projections (Section II) - General Fund operating revenues are projected to
increase by $17,540,481 or 6.0% over FY2025 estimated revenues. Lexington’s projected and
actual revenue growth for prior years is shown below:
Projected Actual Projected Actual
FY2026 6.0%FY2020 3.5%3.4%
FY2025 3.9%FY2019 3.6%3.6%
FY2024 4.7%5.5%FY2018 4.6%6.6%
FY2023 3.9%7.8%FY2017 2.8%3.3%
FY2022 7.0%7.2%FY2016 4.2%6.8%
FY2021 3.6%2.5%FY2015 3.6%2.6%
•Revenue Allocation Model - Each year, the Town Manager recommends the allocation of
projected revenues that can be applied to fund the operating budget in the next fiscal year.
This model was developed in 2006 by the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager for
Finance, and Superintendent of Schools, and is reviewed annually.
The FY2026 revenue allocation model was reviewed by the Select Board, financial committees
and School Committee at Financial Summit II, which initially projected a 3.5% increase in new
revenue for FY2026. The allocation was subsequently updated in January 2025 to allocate an
additional $765 thousand in revenue between the Town and School. The final model projects
$7.46 million in net new revenue to be allocated, which represents a 3.9% increase compared
to budgeted amounts from the prior year.
The difference between the total project revenue increase of 6.0%, and the available revenue
to be allocated of 3.9% is due to shared expenses and set-asides of one-time revenues,
primarily Free Cash, for one-time expenses such as capital improvements.
The Town Manager's recommended budget fully expends the revenue allocation for municipal
services and the Superintendent of Schools' recommended budget fully expends the revenue
allocation for the school department.
v
2.Departmental Budget Summary
a.The Town Manager's Preliminary Recommended budget reflects contractual salaries for
settled collective bargaining agreements for the School Department and Municipal
Departments.
The following table present the status of the town's bargaining units:
Title of Union Contract Department Contract Expiration Date (1)
Lexington Municipal Management Association Town Staff 6/30/2025
Lexington Municipal Employees Association Town Staff 6/30/2025
Library Staff Association Library 6/30/2026
IAFF (Fire)Fire 6/30/2025
AFSCME (Dispatch)Public Safety 6/30/2026
SEIU - School Crossing Guards Police Police 6/30/2025
IBPO Police Superiors Police (Superiors)6/30/2025
Lexington Police Association Patrol Officers 6/30/2026
AFSCME (Public Works)Public Works 6/30/2027
AFSCME (Building Maintenance)Facilities 6/30/2027
Local 888 SEIU (Custodians & Tradesmen)Facilities 6/30/2025
Association of Lexington Administrators Schools 6/30/2026
Lexington Education Association (Unit A)Schools 8/31/2026
Lexington Educational Association (Unit C)Schools 8/31/2024
Lexington Educational Association (Unit D)Schools 6/30/2026
Lexington Education Association Technology Unit Schools 6/30/2027
(1) Expired contracts are currently in negotiations.
b.Section III of this document (Education) reflects the School Department operating budget
proposed by the Superintendent of Schools summarized in the table shown below:
Lexington Public Schools FY2025 Appropriation
FY2026 Superintendent's Recommended Budget $ Change % Change
Compensation/Expenses $ 140,508,367 $ 146,033,333 $ 5,524,966 3.93%
The Superintendent’s proposed budget, presented to the School Committee on
January 21, 2025, can be found on the School Department Website at https://
sites.google.com/lexingtonma.org/lps-finance-and-operations.
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c.Section IV of this document includes all Shared Expenses. Overall, Shared Expenses are
increasing by $5,073,942 or 7.0%.
A summary table of Shared Expenses is shown below:
Shared Expenses FY2025 Appropriated
FY2026 Recommended Budget $ Change % Change
Contributory Retirement $ 10,743,076 $ 11,521,504 $ 778,428 7.25 %
Employee Benefits $ 37,478,895 $ 41,147,189 $ 3,668,294 9.79 %
Unemployment $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — — %
Workers Compensation $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ — — %
Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,140,800 $ 1,277,696 $ 136,896 12.00 %
Uninsured Losses $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — — %
Solar Producer Payments $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — — %
Within-Levy Debt Service*$ 6,123,352 $ 5,983,068 $ (140,284) (2.29) %
Reserve Fund $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — — %
Facilities Department $ 14,565,854 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.28 %
Refuse & Recycle (School & Muni)$ 104,839 $ 112,128 $ 7,290 6.95 %
Total $ 72,296,815 $ 77,370,757 $ 5,073,942 7.02 %
*This is gross within-levy debt service, excluding any use of the Capital Stabilization Fund and other reserve accounts.
d.Sections V to X of this document include the recommended budgets for each municipal
department. Municipal department managers initially submit level-service budget requests.
A level-service budget is defined as the funds necessary to replicate the current service levels
and to meet all legal requirements, including collective bargaining agreements and state or
federal mandates. Any increases proposed beyond level-service are shown in each
departmental budget as Program Improvement Requests (PIRs) submitted by the
department manager for evaluation by the Town Manager. A full list of FY2026 Program
Improvements Requests is available in Appendix A.
The following table provides a summary of the FY2025 to FY2026 municipal department
budget requests, as adjusted and recommended by the Town Manager:
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Municipal Budgets*FY2025 Appropriated
FY2026 Recommended Budget $ Change % Change
Public Works $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ 886,693 6.8%
Police $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.2%
Fire $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.8%
Library $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.7%
Human Services $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.5%
Health $ 545,148 $ 561,024 $ 15,876 2.9%
Land Use Department $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.9%
Select Board $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.7%
Town Manager $ 1,664,840 $ 1,609,722 $ (55,119) (3.3)%
Salary Adjustment Account $ 294,179 $ — $ (294,179) (100.0)%
Town Committees $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ 210 0.3%
Finance $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.6%
Town Clerk $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.7%
Innovation & Technology $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.1%
Total $ 49,271,323 $ 50,995,275 $ 1,723,953 3.5%
Municipal Program Improvement Requests (PIRs) - In addition to a level service
budget, department managers will submit requests for Program Improvements during each
annual budget cycle and the Town Manager will recommend approval of programs based on
priority and available funding. While FY2026 revenues are expected to increase modestly, the
increase in costs for existing programs and contracts has resulted in little to no funding for
discretionary program improvements in FY2026.
The following list highlights key program improvements for the FY2026 budget as
recommended by the Town Manager:
1.Ongoing contractual services for Solar Systems Maintenance; $20,000 in Shared
Expenses. The Town now owns several rooftop and canopy solar installations at
municipal and school properties. Annual inspections through an outside contractor will
be required to properly maintain and repair these systems. Energy generated through
town-owned solar systems is used to offset the cost of electricity for school and
municipal buildings.
2.One-time funding of contractual services for Tree Removal and Pruning; $200,000.
The Forestry division has inventoried all trees in the town right-of-way and has
identified high-risk dead trees to be removed that pose a risk and injury liability to the
Town. This project is requested to be funded by Free Cash in FY2026.
3.One-time funding of consulting services for a Water and Sewer Rate Study;
$50,000. This study will review the Town's current tiered rate structure and will advise
on a new rate structure that will allow the Town to migrate to quarterly billing. This
project is requested to be split funded between the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds.
4.One-time funding for Drainage Improvements at Pine Meadows Golf Course;
$80,000. This request will fund supplies, equipment, and labor for a maintenance plan
to reduce water retention on the first and second fairways. This project is requested to
be funded by the Recreation Enterprise Fund.
viii
5.One-time funding for Solar Assessments of municipal and public parking lots;
$24,000. Solar feasibility studies will be completed at six parking lots that are
expected to be repaved in upcoming years. Assessing solar feasibility will allow the
Departments of Public Works and Public Facilities to coordinate capital planning efforts
to align paving and solar installation to advance sustainability goals and generate
revenue/offset energy costs. This project is requested to be funded by Free Cash.
Future Budget Considerations
•In FY2025 the Town started participation in the Federal Elective Pay tax incentive program
through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This program allows the Town to partly recoup
the cost of our investment in renewable energy projects, including solar installation and
purchase of electric vehicles. The availability of rebates through this program in future years
is contingent on the Federal Administration maintaining the program, which is currently
authorized through FY2031. If this program continues the Town may consider policies or
guidelines for this revenue stream.
•The FY2024 Annual Town Meeting approved new zoning amendments to comply with the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts' MBTA Communities Act. Town Management is currently
conducting a study to determine the impact of residential development on municipal services,
including school enrollment, public safety needs, traffic and infrastructure, health and human
services, etc. This study will consider new revenue generated by these residential
development as well as the marginal operating and capital costs that may be generated by
the increase in housing and/or population. This zoning change and associated development
does not impact the FY2026 budget, but new development and the pace at which it occurs
may have an impact on revenue and expenditures in future fiscal years.
•In 2023 the Town Manager recommended, and Town Meeting voted, to create a Refuse
Collection Revolving Fund which was intended to generate a fee for collection and
disposal of bulky items and white goods. After further discussion and consideration the
Select Board chose not to implement a fee for this service during FY2024 or FY2025. For
FY2026 the cost for collection and disposal of these large items remains in the Town's Refuse
Collection General Fund budget at no additional cost to the user. Additional information
about the Town's Refuse Collection and Recycling programs can be found in Section V:
Program 3400 - Environmental Services.
•Over the last several years Town management has explored creating a Stormwater
Enterprise Fund to be funded by a Stormwater Management Fee. Stormwater management is an important local, state and national concern, and stormwater enterprises allow municipalities to better assign the cost to maintain such systems (e.g. culvert repair or
environmental protection) to the parties most responsible for stressing such systems (e.g. buildings and/or campuses with considerable impervious surface or stormwater generation/discharge). The Town is expending approximately $3.5 million annually as part of the capital
and operating budgets to improve and maintain drainage townwide, to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s stormwater regulations including the National Pollution Discharge Elimination system (NPDES) permit and Municipal Separated Storm Sewer
System (MS4) permit.
The establishment of the new Enterprise fund has been put on hold as the EPA's regulations evolve and until they issue the next round of regulations. A draft permit was issued in
November 2024 and is open for comment through February 20, 2025. The EPA will evaluate and respond to all comments and a final permit is expected to be issued in late calendar year
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2025 or early calendar year 2026. Once issued staff will assess requirements of the permit and whether or not Stormwater capital requirements can be managed within the existing
budget. If the new permit requirements result in an expansion of the Town's Stormwater management program, costs may increase rapidly and the Town may reconsider the proposal for a Stormwater Enterprise Fund.
x
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Proposed Appropriations Into Reserves/Trust Funds
The Town maintains a variety of reserve funds. This includes stabilization funds that can be used to
balance the budget in times of economic downturn or volatility (General Stabilization Fund, Special
Education (SPED) Stabilization Fund); Specialized Stabilization funds that can be used for specific
purposes (Capital Stabilization Fund); Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension funds to
cover future liabilities; and a General Fund reserve ($850,000) which is set aside in the operating
budget for extraordinary and unforeseen expenses within the fiscal year and can be allocated at the
recommendation of the Appropriation Committee.
As in prior years, the proposed budget includes recommendations to increase certain reserves/trusts
that are for targeted purposes. The table below presents the current balance of the Town's primary
reserve funds:
Reserve Fund General Stabilization
Special Education Stabilization
Special Education Reserve Fund
Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB)Capital Stabilization
Balance as of December 31, 2024 $10,748,401 $1,259,859 $750,000 $37,933,022 $41,842,190
Special Education Reserve Fund - In FY2024 Town Meeting created a new Special Education
Reserve Fund and set aside $750,000 for unexpected expenses related to special education, out-of-
district tuition or transportation. This funding can be allocated at the recommendation of the School
Committee and the Select Board at any point during the fiscal year. Unspent funds will carry forward
into future fiscal years. To date this reserve has not been utilized, however the School Department
continues to experience increasing special education needs. This recommended budget includes an
additional $700,000 be allocated to this reserve in FY2026 which may cover unexpected expenses.
OPEB Trust Fund - The purpose of this Trust fund is to continue to fund the Town’s Retiree Health
Insurance Liability. The Town’s most recent actuarial valuation calculated the net OPEB liability to be
approximately $242 million and which a current fund balance of $37,933,022 the liability is
approximately 16% funded. This budget recommends $2,087,029 be appropriated into the OPEB Trust
for FY2026.
Recent Appropriations into the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund
FY2020 Appropriated FY2021 Appropriated FY2022 Appropriated FY2023 Appropriated FY2024 Appropriated FY2025 Appropriated FY2026 Recommended
$1,885,486 $750,000 $1,885,486 $1,935,486 $1,985,486 $2,035,486 $2,087,029
Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) - Over the last ten years the Town completed a significant number
of large capital projects, including a new Hastings Elementary School, a new facility for the Lexington
Children’s Place (LCP), a new Fire Station Headquarters, a new Visitors Center, new Cemetery building,
new Police Station and the Center Streetscape and Battle Green Streetscape projects. Over the last two
years Town Meeting approved funding for a feasibility study and design funds for Lexington High
School. Construction funding for a new LHS is included in this FY2026 budget with a Town Meeting
vote in Fall of 2025.
A key aspect for funding these projects has been to set aside one-time revenues to build the Capital
Stabilization Fund (CSF) and then use a portion of the CSF in future budgets to materially reduce the
property tax impact of these projects on taxpayers. This approach has generated healthy balances in
the CSF, which have been successfully used to mitigate the impact of the Hastings School, LCP, Fire
Headquarters, and Police Station. A Fiscal Guideline Working Group was formed to review this
approach and propose updates, which resulted in a new fiscal framework for the CSF.
At the fiscal summits in 2021, policy makers endorsed a new fiscal framework to dedicate to the CSF
the new tax levy growth generated from projects approved at Town Meeting for a Preliminary Site
Development and Use Plan (PSDUP), as well as for many of the new projects approved under the
revised zoning on Hartwell Avenue. The recommended FY2026 set aside of $6,563,050 can be found
in Table 1A of the Revenue section.
The accumulated CSF balance will be available to either mitigate annual increases in debt service, or
fund projects with cash. Once new exempt debt for the high school comes due, the ongoing annual
revenue stream can be diverted to cover part of the debt service payments. Each of those approaches
allows for flexibility in capital planning and reduces dramatic impacts to taxpayers anticipated from the
high school construction project. In addition, one-time revenues may be dedicated to the CSF, as
available during the annual budget process.
Below is a history use of the Capital Stabilization Fund to mitigate the property tax impact of the
projects noted above, as well as the two middle school additions/renovations and the elementary
school modular classrooms approved by the voters in May 2016.
Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF)FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Appropriated
FY2026 Recommended Allocation
Prior Year Balance $ 25,229,254 $ 20,674,058 $ 21,730,961 $ 27,330,886 $ 32,769,537 $ 41,842,190
Appropriated One-Time Sources for CSF $ — $ 3,730,836 $ 3,784,689 $ 396,145 $ 1,836,122 $ —
Dedicated Tax Levy Growth for CSF $ — $ 57,138 $ 1,733,137 $ 4,036,373 $ 6,563,050 $ 6,563,050
Investment Income*$ 44,804 $ 68,929 $ 882,099 $1,506,133 $673,481 TBD
Subtotal - Available for Appropriation $ 25,274,058 $ 24,530,961 $ 28,130,886 $ 33,269,537 $ 41,842,190 $ 48,405,240
Appropriation From Stabilization Fund:
Excluded Debt Service Tax Relief $ 4,600,000 $ 2,800,000 $ 800,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ —
Within Levy Debt Service $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Subtotal $ 4,600,000 $ 2,800,000 $ 800,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ —
Ending Fund Balance $ 20,674,058 $ 21,730,961 $ 27,330,886 $ 32,769,537 $ 41,842,190 $ 48,405,240
*FY2025 Investment Income reflects 12/31/2024 Balance
Capital Budget (Section XI)
The proposed capital budget continues to make important progress in addressing the Town’s list of
planned capital projects. The capital budget recommendations include $687 million for a variety of
capital projects for FY2026.
Capital Requests Summary
Free Cash/ Tax Levy
Other Funding Sources Debt Total Other**
General Fund $ 21,506,173 $ — $ — $ 21,506,173 $ —
Excluded Debt Projects***$ — $ — $ 654,000,000 $ 654,000,000 $ —
Other Funding & Chapter 90 $ — $ 18,043 $ — $ 18,043 $ 964,592
Water Enterprise $ — $ 2,634,440 $ — $ 2,634,440 $ —
Sewer Enterprise $ — $ 1,409,931 $ — $ 1,409,931 $ —
Recreation Enterprise $ — $ 70,000 $ — $ 70,000 $ —
Compost Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Community Preservation Act*$ — $ 7,495,844 $ — $ 7,495,844 $ —
Total (all Funds)$ 21,506,173 $ 11,628,258 $ 654,000,000 $ 687,134,431 $ 964,592
*Includes both Town and non-Town CPA funded projects. In FY2026 a total of $3,551,940 of non-Town projects are requested.
**Other represents Chapter 90 Aid for street improvements. This item does not require a Town Meeting appropriation.
***In FY2026 excluded debt represents the proposed construction funding for Lexington High School.
A New Lexington High School
The Town continues to plan for a large-scale reconstruction of Lexington High School. Special Town
Meeting 2022-2 appropriated $1,825,000 for a Feasibility Study for this project and the FY2025 Town
Meeting appropriated $10,000,000 to advance the project through the Schematic Design Phase.
Current estimates approximate the construction will cost $654,000,000, which is requested in the
FY2026 budget. This request is included in the Excluded Debt column of the table above as a townwide
debt exclusion vote is anticipated to occur in late 2025.
Detailed information about the Lexington High School construction timing, location, design, cost
estimates, public engagement, committee meetings and frequently asked questions are all available on
the School Building Project website at: www.lhsproject.lexingtonma.org.
Other large or notable projects included in the FY2026 Capital Budget are highlighted below.
•Central Administration Building Demolition - This request for $3,550,000 is to demolish
the Central Administration Building at 146 Maple Street. School offices are planned to move
temporarily into the renovated 173 Bedford Street, and eventually into the new Lexington High
School. As the high school construction project will create a temporary shortage of playing
fields, the Recreation Department could construct up to three fields at this site once the building
is demolished.
•Park Improvements - Athletic Fields - $3,197,904 is budgeted to construct new athletic
fields at 146 Maple Street, the current location of the LPS Central Administration Building. This
project is contingent upon the Lexington Public Schools administrative offices being relocated as
described above. The design for this new field complex is currently underway and will consider
natural grass and synthetic field surfaces, parking, lighting and other amenities.
•Lincoln Park Field Improvements - This request for $1,950,000 will conduct an end-of-life
synthetic turf replacement and reconstruction of athletic Field #3 at Lincoln Park. The project
includes removal of the existing surface and installation of new turf. Work may also include
walkways, seating, storage, improved lighting, player benches, scorers table, netting,
scoreboard, and landscaping.
•Replacement Pumper Truck - This request for $1,100,000 is to replace the department's
2004 reserve pumper truck. This pumper was originally slated to be replaced in FY2023 but the
purchase was deferred as the 2007 pumper was a priority replacement due to significant
deterioration.
•Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) Funding - This request for $3,000,000 is to fund the
Lexington Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) from the Town's Community Preservation Act (CPA)
funds. The AHT helps facilitate the acquisition and maintenace of affordable housing units in
Lexington. The Trust has greater flexibility in the timing of allocating funds than other
municipal funding sources which allows for more opportunities to purchase property and
engage with developers in the real estate market.
The Town's full FY2026 Capital Plan and additional information on these projects may be found in
Section XI: Capital Investment of this Preliminary Budget.
Fiscal Guidelines and Other Considerations
The Town has set aggressive guidelines for addressing our long-term capital needs and funding of the
Town's long-term liabilities. The following policy items are incorporated into this FY2026 Preliminary
Budget are to be reaffirmed or addressed by the Select Board prior to being finalized:
•Dedicate New Tax Levy Growth to the Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) - Whether to
support the future transfers of new tax levy growth into the CSF. The FY2026 recommended
transfer is $6,563,050. This dedicated revenue is anticipated to be applied in future budgets to
offset the debt service from the new Lexington High School.
•Expand Use of Cash Capital - (Free Cash and Tax Levy) - For FY2026, a total of
$17,792,946 in Free Cash is recommended to fund capital items with cash rather than by
issuing debt, thereby reducing future debt service expenses. For FY2026 all capital projects
(which the exception of the LHS project) are recommend with cash financing. Further, this
budget proposes to allocate $750,000 of tax levy to support ongoing capital programs. Funding
a portion of the Town's ongoing capital programs with tax levy will allow the town to maintain
its assets if lower amounts of Free Cash are available in future years.
•Deferred Capital Projects - In FY2026 $4,310,096 in requested capital projects were
deferred to future budget cycles, as the total amount of requested projects exceeded the cash
funding available. Deferring a few select projects allows the Town to avoid increases in debt,
and slightly increases unallocated cash that may be held for unanticipated needs, or to fund
capital programs in future years. A list of deferred projects and the 5-year capital plan can be
found in Section XI: Capital Investment of this Preliminary Budget.
•Continue to evaluate the multi-phased reorganization of Town assets - This
recommended budget includes $3.5 million for the demolition of the School Administration
Building at 146 Maple Street and $3.2 million for construction of new athletic fields on that site.
These are both contingent upon the School Administration moving to temporary space at 173
Bedford Street, and eventually to a permanent space in the new Lexington High School.
The original requested budget for the athletic field project was $6.2 million, of which $4.2
million was requested from CPA funds. The CPA recommendation was reduced to $1.2 million
due to lack of available funds. The design of the athletic fields and public engagement is
currently underway, and it is uncertain if the $3.2 million budget will be sufficient to cover the
full scope of the recommended project. Alternate scope and timing may need to be considered
as this project evolves.
•Ongoing strategy for funding capital projects for the Recreation Enterprise Fund -
Historically the primary funding source for Recreation capital projects has been the Community
Preservation Fund (CPA), with some targeted funding from Recreation Enterprise Retained
Earnings (primarily for the Pine Meadows Golf Course), and in certain cases support from the
General Fund. Given the limited funds available from CPA, and in particular with the increasing
demand for affordable housing, there may not be sufficient funds to support the Recreation
Committee's 5-year capital plan as requested. The Town may want to identify clear guidelines
for funding these Enterprise fund projects when CPA funds are unavailable in the future.
•Appropriate into the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund - Whether to
support the appropriation of $2,083,375 into the OPEB Trust Fund. The most recent actuarial
valuation calculated Town's total OPEB liability to be approximately $242 million. Continuing to
fund this liability will help ensure the Town is able to meet its future financial obligations related
to post-employment health insurance.
•Unallocated Revenues for Contingencies - The recommended budget includes $1,603,333
in unallocated revenues sourced from Free Cash (a one-time revenue source) and can be
allocated if needed for three primary purposes:
1. To balance the budget if State Aid is less than projected. The Legislature is not expected to
approve the FY2026 State budget until after the conclusion of Town Meeting;
2. To fund programs, services, capital projects or reserves not currently proposed in this
Preliminary Budget; and/or
3. To balance the budget if the GIC health insurance premiums are greater than estimated.
The Town’s actual health insurance rates, as established by the Group Insurance
Commission (GIC), will not be known until early March.
•Reduce/Eliminate the Use of Free Cash to Balance the General Fund Operating
Budget - The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends against using
non-recurring revenues to balance the operating budget. The Town used Free Cash to support
operations for many years, and in FY2019 management began a phase-out of this practice over
a 5-year period which was subsequently completed in FY2023. As currently proposed, the
FY2026 budget includes no funding from free cash to support ongoing operations.
•Appropriate from the Capital Stabilization Fund - As of December 31, 2024 the Capital
Stabilization Fund had an approximate balance of $42 million which has been set-aside to
mitigate the impact of excluded debt projects on the taxpayer. For FY2026 there is no request
to draw from the Capital Stabilization Fund to mitigate excluded debt service.
In future years the Town will need to revisit the use of this fund to determine the best strategy
for offsetting the cost of the Lexington High School construction project. Funds may continue to
be drawn down over a period of years to offset debt service, or they may be drawn down in
lump-sum amounts to fund parts of the project with cash. Town Staff will continue to model the
impact of this project and potential mitigation options as the design and cost projections are
refined.
Budget Schedule
This is a comprehensive budget, including both the Town Manager’s recommendations and the
Superintendent of School’s proposed budget. In keeping with the schedule established by the Select
Board, the remaining FY2026 budget dates are proposed to be the following:
•January 30, 2025 - Summit III to review this Preliminary budget;
•February 14, 2025 - Select Board to vote recommended FY2026 budget as outlined in the
Program Summary;
•On or before February 25, 2025 - The recommended budget will be forwarded,
electronically, to the Appropriation Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee and Town
Meeting Members (printed copies to follow);
•March 24, 2025 - Town Meeting begins;
•On or before March 26, 2025 - Town Meeting may consider financial articles.
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Summary of Revenues and Expenditures
The summary below shows revenues & expenditures for the Town of Lexington for FY2023-FY2026. It
reflects actual results of FY2023 and FY2024, FY2025 estimated revenues and budgeted expenditures
submitted to the Department of Revenue for the certification of the FY2025 tax rate, and the budget
recommendations of the Town Manager and School Superintendent for FY2026 budget and projected
revenues to support those recommendations.
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Revenue Summary Actual Actual Recap Projected
Tax Levy $ 216,187,221 $ 227,334,427 $ 239,713,640 $ 249,002,213
State Aid $ 17,095,119 $ 19,695,534 $ 20,451,907 $ 21,022,716
Local Receipts $ 23,992,007 $ 25,615,431 $ 16,209,388 $ 17,039,873
Available Funds $ 17,643,280 $ 17,328,584 $ 17,280,345 $ 24,514,859
Revenue Offsets $ (1,831,259) $ (1,813,993) $ (1,953,708) $ (2,360,640)
Enterprise Funds (Indirect)$ 1,805,613 $ 1,894,067 $ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189
Total General Fund $ 274,891,982 $ 290,054,050 $ 293,575,389 $ 311,154,211
General Fund Expenditure Summary
Education
Lexington Public Schools $ 128,254,447 $ 134,730,244 $ 140,508,367 $ 146,033,333
Minuteman Regional School $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312
Subtotal Education $ 131,478,345 $ 138,232,221 $ 143,914,762 $ 149,639,645
Municipal Departments $ 43,386,500 $ 45,441,426 $ 49,271,323 $ 50,995,275
Shared Expenses
Benefits & Insurance $ 40,827,320 $ 42,879,870 $ 48,921,971 $ 53,368,693
Property Insurance & Solar $ 1,473,156 $ 1,568,348 $ 1,730,800 $ 1,867,696
Debt (within-levy)$ 7,168,480 $ 6,557,717 $ 6,123,352 $ 5,983,068
Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000
Facilities $ 11,865,374 $ 14,129,513 $ 14,565,854 $ 15,189,172
Refuse & Recycle (School & Muni)$ — $ — $ 104,839 $ 112,128
Subtotal Shared Expenses $ 61,334,329 $ 65,135,447 $ 72,296,815 $ 77,370,757
Capital
Cash Capital (designated)$ 14,251,037 $ 16,342,464 $ 16,875,899 $ 21,524,216
Subtotal Capital $ 14,251,037 $ 16,342,464 $ 16,875,899 $ 21,524,216
Other
Other (allocated)$ 8,282,271 $ 8,106,841 $ 11,216,591 $ 10,020,984
Other (unallocated)$ — $ — $ — $ 1,603,333
Subtotal Other $ 8,282,271 $ 8,106,841 $ 11,216,591 $ 11,624,317
Total General Fund $ 258,732,481 $ 273,258,399 $ 293,575,390 $ 311,154,210
General Fund Surplus/(Deficit) $ 16,159,500 $ 16,795,651 $ — $ —
Section I Budget Overview Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
I-1
Operating Budget - General Fund Expenses
Program 1000: Education
1100 Lexington Public Schools $ 128,254,447 $ 134,730,244 $ 140,508,367 $ 146,033,333 $ — $ 146,033,333 $ 5,524,966 3.93 %
1200 Regional High School $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87 %
Total Education $ 131,478,345 $ 138,232,221 $ 143,914,762 $ 149,639,645 $ — $ 149,639,645 $ 5,724,883 3.98 %
Program 2000: Shared Expenses
2110 Contributory Retirement $ 9,219,250 $ 9,984,800 $ 10,743,076 $ 11,521,504 $ — $ 11,521,504 $ 778,428 7.25 %
2130 Employee Benefits (Health/Dental/Life/Medicare)$ 30,864,222 $ 32,345,834 $ 37,478,895 $ 41,147,189 $ — $ 41,147,189 $ 3,668,294 9.79 %
2140 Unemployment $ 118,848 $ 49,236 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ — — %
2150 Workers' Comp.* (MGL Ch.40:13A&13C, Ch.41:111F)$ 625,000 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ 500,000 $ — — %
Subtotal 2100 Benefits $ 40,827,320 $ 42,879,870 $ 48,921,971 $ 53,368,693 $ — $ 53,368,693 $ 4,446,722 9.09 %
2210 Property & Liability Insurance $ 932,619 $ 1,016,845 $ 1,140,800 $ 1,277,696 $ — $ 1,277,696 $ 136,896 12.00 %
2220 Uninsured Losses* (MGL Ch. 40, Sec. 13)$ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ — — %
Subtotal 2200 Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,132,619 $ 1,216,845 $ 1,340,800 $ 1,477,696 $ — $ 1,477,696 $ 136,896 10.21 %
2310 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Subtotal 2300 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
2410 Principal on Long Term Debt $ 5,274,000 $ 4,806,800 $ 4,290,400 $ 3,895,500 $ — $ 3,895,500 $ (394,900) (9.20) %
2420 Interest on Long Term Debt $ 1,217,534 $ 1,160,782 $ 1,202,976 $ 1,288,057 $ — $ 1,288,057 $ 85,081 7.07 %
2430 Principal & Interest on Temporary Debt $ 676,945 $ 590,135 $ 629,976 $ 799,511 $ — $ 799,511 $ 169,535 26.91 %
Subtotal 2400 Debt Services $ 7,168,480 $ 6,557,717 $ 6,123,352 $ 5,983,068 $ — $ 5,983,068 $ (140,284) (2.29) %
2510 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Subtotal 2500 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
2600 Facilities $ 11,865,374 $ 14,129,513 $ 14,565,854 $ 15,169,172 $ 20,000 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.28 %
3450 Refuse & Recycle Collection for Municipal & School Buildings $ — $ — $ 104,839 $ 112,128 $ — $ 112,128 $ 7,290 6.95 %
Total Shared Expenses $ 61,334,329 $ 65,135,447 $ 72,296,815 $ 77,350,757 $ 20,000 $ 77,370,757 $ 5,073,942 7.02 %
Program Summary A B C X Y D E(D-C)F(E/C)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026
Change $Change %Element Description Actual Actual Restated Request Add/Delete Recommended
Section I Budget Overview Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
I-2
Program 3000: Public Works
3100-3500 DPW Personal Services $ 4,649,707 $ 4,883,018 $ 5,235,820 $ 5,428,165 $ — $ 5,428,165 $ 192,345 3.67 %
3100-3500 DPW Expenses $ 6,420,103 $ 6,677,403 $ 7,849,286 $ 8,543,635 $ — $ 8,543,635 $ 694,348 8.85 %
Total Public Works $ 11,069,810 $ 11,560,421 $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ — $ 13,971,800 $ 886,693 6.78 %
Program 4000: Public Safety
4100 Law Enforcement Personal Services $ 7,486,343 $ 7,878,682 $ 8,333,126 $ 8,464,958 $ — $ 8,464,958 $ 131,832 1.58 %
4100 Law Enforcement Expenses $ 1,096,264 $ 1,110,086 $ 1,203,197 $ 1,281,020 $ — $ 1,281,020 $ 77,823 6.47 %
Subtotal 4100 Law Enforcement $ 8,582,607 $ 8,988,768 $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ — $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.20 %
4200 Fire Personal Services $ 7,278,612 $ 8,313,040 $ 8,402,956 $ 8,480,645 $ — $ 8,480,645 $ 77,689 0.92 %
4200 Fire Expenses $ 829,373 $ 655,984 $ 886,944 $ 978,343 $ — $ 978,343 $ 91,399 10.30 %
Subtotal 4200 EMS/Fire $ 8,107,985 $ 8,969,024 $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ — $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.82 %
Total Public Safety $ 16,690,592 $ 17,957,792 $ 18,826,223 $ 19,204,966 $ — $ 19,204,966 $ 378,743 2.01 %
Program 5000: Culture & Recreation
5100 Library Personal Services $ 2,650,088 $ 2,720,515 $ 2,748,471 $ 2,950,596 $ — $ 2,950,596 $ 202,125 7.35 %
5100 Library Expenses $ 679,883 $ 660,036 $ 712,094 $ 740,865 $ — $ 740,865 $ 28,771 4.04 %
Total Culture & Recreation $ 3,329,971 $ 3,380,551 $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ — $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.67 %
Program 6000: Human Services and Health
6100-6200 Human Services Personal Services $ 682,484 $ 688,752 $ 750,616 $ 753,284 $ — $ 753,284 $ 2,668 0.36 %
6100-6200 Human Services Expenses $ 794,731 $ 850,437 $ 763,323 $ 950,313 $ — $ 950,313 $ 186,990 24.50 %
Subtotal 6100-6200 Human Services $ 1,477,215 $ 1,539,190 $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ — $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.53 %
6500 Health Personal Services $ 355,674 $ 435,477 $ 458,098 $ 473,524 $ — $ 473,524 $ 15,426 3.37 %
6500 Health Expenses $ 49,004 $ 46,988 $ 87,050 $ 87,500 $ — $ 87,500 $ 450 0.52 %
Subtotal 6500 Health $ 404,679 $ 482,465 $ 545,148 $ 561,024 $ — $ 561,024 $ 15,876 2.91 %
Total Human Services and Health $ 1,881,893 $ 2,021,655 $ 2,059,087 $ 2,264,621 $ — $ 2,264,621 $ 205,534 9.98 %
Program Summary A B C X Y D E(D-C)F(E/C)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026
Change $Change %Element Description Actual Actual Restated Request Add/Delete Recommended
Section I Budget Overview Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
I-3
Program 7000: Land Use, Housing and Development (LUHD) Department
7100-7400 LUHD Dept. Personal Services $ 1,863,837 $ 1,872,366 $ 2,055,655 $ 2,034,845 $ — $ 2,034,845 $ (20,810) (1.01) %
7100-7400 LUHD Dept. Expenses $ 303,629 $ 311,235 $ 386,951 $ 430,391 $ — $ 430,391 $ 43,440 11.23 %
Total Land Use, Housing & Development Dept.$ 2,167,466 $ 2,183,601 $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ — $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.93 %
Program 8000: General Government
8110 Select Board Personal Services $ 144,276 $ 150,237 $ 156,709 $ 155,071 $ — $ 155,071 $ (1,638) (1.05) %
8110 Select Board Expenses $ 82,676 $ 78,450 $ 128,013 $ 131,013 $ — $ 131,013 $ 3,000 2.34 %
8120 Legal $ 331,829 $ 473,669 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ — $ 375,000 $ — — %
8130 Town Report $ 12,766 $ 12,562 $ 13,688 $ 13,688 $ — $ 13,688 $ — — %
8140 PEG Access $ 655,680 $ 626,292 $ 715,224 $ 764,757 $ — $ 764,757 $ 49,533 6.93 %
Subtotal 8100 Select Board $ 1,227,227 $ 1,341,210 $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ — $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.67 %
8210-8220 Town Manager Personal Services $ 968,492 $ 1,038,807 $ 1,129,878 $ 1,262,525 $ (47,613) $ 1,214,912 $ 85,034 7.53 %
8210-8220 Town Manager Expenses $ 170,167 $ 264,969 $ 534,962 $ 394,810 $ — $ 394,810 $ (140,152) (26.20) %
8230 Salary Transfer Account* (MGL Ch.40, Sec 13D)$ 826,422 $ 725,300 $ 294,179 $ — $ — $ — $ (294,179) (100.00) %
Subtotal 8200 Town Manager $ 1,965,081 $ 2,029,076 $ 1,959,019 $ 1,657,335 $ (47,613) $ 1,609,722 $ (349,298) (17.83) %
8310 Financial Committees $ 451 $ 363 $ 8,676 $ 8,820 $ — $ 8,820 $ 144 1.66 %
8320 Misc. Boards and Committees $ 5,996 $ 5,999 $ 10,500 $ 10,500 $ — $ 10,500 $ — — %
8330 Town Celebrations Committee $ 50,998 $ 45,423 $ 53,734 $ 53,800 $ — $ 53,800 $ 66 0.1 %
Subtotal 8300 Town Committees $ 57,446 $ 51,785 $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ — $ 73,120 $ 210 0.3 %
8400 Finance Personal Services $ 1,486,805 $ 1,585,167 $ 1,636,918 $ 1,685,728 $ — $ 1,685,728 $ 48,810 2.98 %
8400 Finance Expenses $ 449,047 $ 366,468 $ 535,260 $ 520,490 $ — $ 520,490 $ (14,770) (2.76) %
Subtotal 8400 Finance $ 1,935,851 $ 1,951,635 $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ — $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.57 %
8500 Town Clerk Personal Services $ 433,848 $ 427,108 $ 554,770 $ 562,029 $ — $ 562,029 $ 7,259 1.31 %
8500 Town Clerk Expenses $ 137,732 $ 119,349 $ 126,049 $ 130,450 $ — $ 130,450 $ 4,401 3.49 %
Subtotal 8500 Town Clerk $ 571,581 $ 546,457 $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ — $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.71 %
8600 IT Personal Services $ 849,519 $ 814,311 $ 851,591 $ 867,726 $ — $ 867,726 $ 16,135 1.89 %
8600 IT Expenses $ 1,640,064 $ 1,602,931 $ 2,272,584 $ 2,508,398 $ — $ 2,508,398 $ 235,814 10.38 %
Subtotal 8600 Innovation & Technology $ 2,489,583 $ 2,417,243 $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ — $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.06 %
Total General Government $ 8,246,768 $ 8,337,406 $ 9,397,735 $ 9,444,805 $ (47,613) $ 9,397,192 $ (543) (0.01) %
Total Municipal $ 43,386,500 $ 45,441,426 $ 49,271,323 $ 51,042,889 $ (47,613) $ 50,995,275 $ 1,723,953 3.50 %
Program Summary A B C X Y D E(D-C)F(E/C)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026
Change $Change %Element Description Actual Actual Restated Request Add/Delete Recommended
Section I Budget Overview Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
I-4
Operating Department Summary
Education Operating $ 131,478,345 $ 138,232,221 $ 143,914,762 $ 149,639,645 $ — $ 149,639,645 $ 5,724,883 3.98 %
Shared Expenses $ 61,334,329 $ 65,135,447 $ 72,296,815 $ 77,350,757 $ 20,000 $ 77,370,757 $ 5,073,942 7.02 %
Municipal Operating $ 43,386,500 $ 45,441,426 $ 49,271,323 $ 51,042,889 $ (47,613) $ 50,995,275 $ 1,723,953 3.50 %
$ 236,199,174 $ 248,809,094 $ 265,482,900 $ 278,033,291 $ (27,613) $ 278,005,678 $ 12,522,778 4.72 %
Capital
Capital Requests (Cash-GF, Prior Bond Auth., BAN Premiums)$ 11,049,906 $ 13,299,438 $ 13,769,689 $ 18,542,946 $ — $ 18,542,946 $ 4,773,257 34.66 %
Non-General Fund Capital Requests $ 311,824 $ 129,685 $ 168,234 $ 18,043 $ — $ 18,043 $ (150,191) (89.28) %
Building Envelope & Systems Set-Aside $ 219,540 $ 225,029 $ 230,655 $ 236,421 $ — $ 236,421 $ 5,766 2.50 %
Streets Set-Aside $ 2,669,767 $ 2,688,312 $ 2,707,321 $ 2,726,806 $ — $ 2,726,806 $ 19,485 0.72 %
Total Capital $ 14,251,037 $ 16,342,464 $ 16,875,899 $ 21,524,216 $ — $ 21,524,216 $ 4,648,317 27.54 %
Other
Unallocated $ — $ — $ — $ 1,603,333 $ 1,603,333 $ 1,603,333 — %
Set-Aside for Unanticipated Current FY Needs $ — $ — $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ 200,000 — %
Special Education Stabilization Fund $ — $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Special Education Reserve Fund $ — $ 750,000 $ — $ 700,000 $ — $ 700,000 $ 700,000 — %
General Fund Support for Recreation & Community Programs (Transfer to Article 5, ATM)$ 242,790 $ 256,675 $ 272,708 $ 254,213 $ — $ 254,213 $ (18,495) (6.78) %
Tax Levy Dedicated to Capital Stabilization Fund $ 1,733,137 $ 4,036,373 $ 6,563,050 $ 6,563,050 $ — $ 6,563,050 $ — — %
Allocated to Capital Stabilization Fund $ 3,784,689 $ 396,145 $ 1,836,112 $ — $ — $ — $ (1,836,112) (100.0) %
Transfer to the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Stab. Fund from Tax Levy $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Senior Service Program $ 15,000 $ — $ 15,000 $ — $ — $ — $ (15,000) (100.0) %
Climate Action Plan $ 50,570 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Vision for Lexington Townwide Survey $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
OPEB Trust Fund***$ 1,929,721 $ 1,979,721 $ 2,029,721 $ 2,079,721 $ — $ 2,079,721 $ 50,000 2.46 %
Warrant Articles $ 526,364 $ 187,927 $ 500,000 $ 24,000 $ — $ 24,000 $ (476,000) (95.2) %
Total Other Articles $ 8,282,271 $ 8,106,841 $ 11,216,591 $ 11,624,317 $ — $ 11,624,317 $ 407,726 3.64 %
General Fund Total $ 258,732,481 $ 273,258,399 $ 293,575,390 $ 311,181,824 $ (27,613) $ 311,154,210 $ 17,578,820 5.99 %
*Line-Items marked with an asterisk (*) will be presented at Town Meeting as Continuing Balance accounts.
**The FY2023 Actual and FY2024 Appropriations for Minuteman Regional High School have been adjusted to reflect the actual assessments for those years, rather than the timing of actual payments.
***Reflects the OPEB funding from General Fund sources; additional amounts will be appropriated from the Water and Wastewater Enterprise funds, as detailed in those budget sections.
Program Summary A B C X Y D E(D-C)F(E/C)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026
Change $Change %Element Description Actual Actual Restated Request Add/Delete Recommended
Section I Budget Overview Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
I-5
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Section II: Revenues
This section includes detailed information about FY2026 Projected Revenues. It includes:
•General Fund Revenue Description II-3
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-1
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FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-2
Revenue Highlights
Estimation of next year's revenue is the basis for developing the operating budget every fiscal year.
Staff develop projected using a variety of sources and methods which are presented to Budget Summit
participants each November. A detailed projection of all the Town's revenues from Summit II can be
found on the Finance Department website at www.lexingtonma.gov/2250/2026-Budget.
The summary below presents Total General Fund Operating Revenues and Net General Fund Revenues.
General Fund Operating Revenues include all revenues projected as available for use in FY2026.
•Total General Fund Operating Revenues are from annually recurring and non-recurring sources,
including transfers from special revenue funds and Specialized Stabilization Funds.
•Net General Fund Revenues are Total General Fund Revenues less revenues recommended to
be set-aside to fund designated expenses such as capital programs and reserves. Set-asides are
predominately designated from non-recurring revenue sources, but may also be partly from the
tax levy.
In FY2026, Total General Fund Operating Revenues are projected to increase by approximately $17.49
million, or 6.0%. Net General Fund Revenues, those available to support school, municipal and shared
operating budgets, are projected to increase by $12.43 million, or 4.7%. The increase in set-asides is
primarily from free cash set-aside for capital projects and reserves.
FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Recap FY2026 Projected
FY2025-26 Change
General Fund Revenue Summary $%
Property Tax Levy (Table 1)$ 216,187,221 $ 227,334,427 $ 239,807,037 $ 249,002,213 $ 9,195,176 3.83%
State Aid (Table 2)$ 17,095,119 $ 19,695,534 $ 20,451,907 $ 21,022,716 $ 570,809 2.79%
Local Receipts (Table 3)$ 23,992,007 $ 25,615,431 $ 16,209,388 $ 17,039,873 $ 830,485 5.12%
Available Funds (Table 4)$ 17,643,280 $ 17,328,584 $ 17,280,345 $ 24,514,859 $ 7,234,514 41.87%
Revenue Offsets (Table 5)$ (1,831,259) $ (1,813,993) $ (1,953,708) $ (2,360,640) $ (406,932) 20.83%
Enterprise Receipts (Table 6)$ 1,805,613 $ 1,894,067 $ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189 $ 61,372 3.28%
Total General Fund Operating Revenues $ 274,891,982 $ 290,054,050 $ 293,668,786 $ 311,154,210 $ 17,485,424 5.95%
Less - Tax Levy Dedicated to Capital Stabilization Fund $ 1,733,137 $ 4,036,373 $ 6,563,050 $ 6,563,050 $ — —%
Less: Revenues Set-Aside for Other Designated Purposes $ 19,450,814 $ 20,412,932 $ 21,529,442 $ 26,585,483 $ 5,056,041 23.48%
Net General Fund Revenues $ 253,708,031 $ 265,604,745 $ 265,576,294 $ 278,005,678 $ 12,429,383 4.68%
Section II Revenues Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-3
The following table presents a detailed breakout and trend of the Town's revenue sources:
Revenue Summary
FY2026 Projected
FY2025-26 Change
Table 1: Property Tax Levy FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Recap $%
Tax Levy $ 204,256,773 $ 216,220,071 $ 227,348,851 $ 239,807,037 $ 12,458,187 5.48%
Prop. 2.5%$ 5,106,419 $ 5,405,502 $ 5,683,721 $ 5,995,176 $ 311,455 5.48%
New Growth $ 6,856,879 $ 5,723,278 $ 6,774,465 $ 3,200,000 $ (3,574,465) (52.76)%
Override/Excess Levy Capacity $ (32,849) $ (14,424) $ (93,397) NA
Subtotal $ 216,187,221 $ 227,334,427 $ 239,713,640 $ 249,002,213 $ 9,288,573 3.87%
Table 2: State Aid
Chapter 70 $ 15,063,127 $ 17,609,131 $ 18,321,635 $ 18,830,060 $ 508,425 2.77%
Charter School Reimbursement $ 60,734 $ 87,520 $ 73,653 $ 73,653 $ — —%
Unrestricted General Government Aid $ 1,775,314 $ 1,832,124 $ 1,887,088 $ 1,924,830 $ 37,742 2.00%
Veterans' Benefits & Exemptions $ 118,316 $ 83,921 $ 78,213 $ 99,659 $ 21,446 27.42%
Offsets (Library)$ 77,628 $ 82,838 $ 91,318 $ 94,514 $ 3,196 3.50%
Subtotal $ 17,095,119 $ 19,695,534 $ 20,451,907 $ 21,022,716 $ 570,809 2.79%
Table 3: Local Receipts
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax $ 5,846,393 $ 6,143,335 $ 5,601,396 $ 5,773,000 $ 171,604 3.06%
Other Excise $ 1,683,396 $ 1,982,929 $ 1,528,000 $ 1,832,000 $ 304,000 19.90%
Penalties & Interest $ 413,104 $ 479,253 $ 380,500 $ 492,000 $ 111,500 29.30%
PILOTs $ 709,774 $ 731,519 $ 744,000 $ 762,000 $ 18,000 2.42%
Rentals $ 319,837 $ 479,390 $ 338,184 $ 352,623 $ 14,439 4.27%
Departmental-Schools $ 550,130 $ 475,325 $ 348,500 $ 300,000 $ (48,500) (13.92)%
Departmental-Municipal $ 3,245,975 $ 3,629,754 $ 2,965,525 $ 3,395,950 $ 430,425 14.51%
Licenses & Permits $ 5,840,007 $ 3,226,256 $ 3,194,850 $ 3,016,300 $ (178,550) (5.59)%
Special Assessments $ 13,531 $ 10,370 $ 10,433 $ — $ (10,433) (100.00)%
Fines & Forfeits $ 111,594 $ 172,123 $ 98,000 $ 116,000 $ 18,000 18.37%
Investment Income $ 4,401,414 $ 7,825,208 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000 $ — —%
Miscellaneous Non-Recurring $ 856,853 $ 459,968 $ — $ — $ — —%
Subtotal $ 23,992,007 $ 25,615,431 $ 16,209,388 $ 17,039,873 $ 830,485 5.12%
Table 4: Available Funds
Parking Fund $ — $ 100,000 $ 250,000 $ 425,500 $ 175,500 70.20%
Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund $ 16,125 $ 50,408 $ 123,000 $ 151,875 $ 28,875 23.48%
Free Cash $ 15,519,832 $ 15,919,159 $ 15,838,627 $ 23,000,000 $ 7,161,373 45.21%
Health Claims Trust Fund $ 750,000 $ 240,000 $ 32,270 $ — $ (32,270) (100.00)%
Transportation Demand Management Stab. Fund $ 141,000 $ 171,000 $ 171,000 $ 171,000 $ — —%
Traffic Mitigation Stabilization Fund $ 240,000 $ 80,000 $ — $ — $ — —%
Transportation Management Overlay District (TMOD) Stabilization Fund $ 65,000 $ 42,000 $ — $ — $ — —%
Center Improvement District Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
PEG Access Special Revenue Fund $ 637,576 $ 586,833 $ 646,214 $ 596,441 $ (49,773) (7.70)%
Transportation Network Company (TNC) Special Revenue Fund $ 6,824 $ 7,684 $ 13,234 $ 18,043 $ 4,809 36.34%
Betterments Fund $ — $ 11,500 $ 1,000 $ 2,000 $ 1,000 100.00%
Visitors Center Stabilization Fund $ — $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ — —
Special Education Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Special Education Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Balances from Prior Yr. Capital Articles $ 266,923 $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Use of BAN Premiums $ — $ 70,000 $ 30,000 $ — $ (30,000) (100.00)%
Subtotal $ 17,643,280 $ 17,328,584 $ 17,280,345 $ 24,514,859 $ 7,234,514 41.87%
Table 5: Revenue Offsets
Cherry Sheet Assessments $ (1,003,631) $ (981,462) $ (1,112,390) $ (1,116,126) $ (3,736) 0.34%
Cherry Sheet Offsets - Public Libraries $ (77,628) $ (82,531) $ (91,318) $ (94,514) $ (3,196) 3.50%
Overlay (abatements)$ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ — —%
Snow Deficit $ — $ — $ — $ (400,000) $ (400,000) —
Subtotal $ (1,831,259) $ (1,813,993) $ (1,953,708) $ (2,360,640) $ (406,932) 20.83%
Section II Revenues Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-4
Table 6: Enterprise Receipts
Water $ 977,093 $ 1,011,340 $ 968,301 $ 1,002,244 $ 33,943 3.51%
Wastewater (Sewer)$ 542,416 $ 588,040 $ 596,525 $ 614,684 $ 18,159 3.04%
Recreation & Community Programs $ 286,104 $ 294,687 $ 308,991 $ 318,261 $ 9,270 3.00%
Subtotal $ 1,805,613 $ 1,894,067 $ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189 $ 61,372 3.28%
Gross General Fund Revenues $ 274,891,982 $ 290,054,050 $ 293,575,389 $ 311,154,210 $ 17,578,821 5.99%
Less: Property Tax Levy Dedicated to the Capital Stabilization Fund
1050 Waltham St.$ 1,252,291 $ 2,353,956 $ 2,353,956 $ 2,353,956 $ — —%
186 Bedford St.$ 24,488 $ 34,373 $ 87,980 $ 87,980 $ — —%
55 Watertown St.$ 399,220 $ 569,117 $ 604,804 $ 604,804 $ — —%
440 Bedford St.$ — $ 164,207 $ 2,658,727 $ 2,658,727 $ — —%
20 Maguire Rd.$ — $ 857,582 $ 857,582 $ 857,582 $ — —%
Subtotal $ 1,675,999 $ 3,979,235 $ 6,563,050 $ 6,563,050 $ — —%
Less: Other Revenues Set Aside for Designated Expenses $ 19,450,814 $ 20,470,070 $ 21,529,442 $ 26,585,483 $ 5,056,041 23.48%
Total Revenues Set Aside for Designated Expenses $ 21,126,813 $ 24,449,305 $ 28,092,492 $ 33,148,533 $ 5,056,041 18.00%
Net General Fund Revenues Available for Appropriation $ 253,708,031 $ 265,604,745 $ 265,482,897 $ 278,005,678 $ 12,522,780 4.72%
Revenue Assumptions
Property Tax Levy: The FY2026 property tax levy is projected to increase approximately $9.20
million, or 3.83%. The projected levy is a function of the FY2025 levy limit increased by 2.5% per
Proposition 2½, plus an increment for new growth. FY2026 new growth will be a function of
construction activity for the period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. FY2026 new growth is estimated at
$3,200,000 based on a review of historical data on new growth.
State Aid: The majority of the Town's State Aid is attributable to Chapter 70 School Aid, but also
includes Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA). The amount of State Aid received by the Town
will vary annually due to the amount of projected State revenues. Chapter 70 School Aid is further
allocated according to a formula defined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE).
For FY2026 the Town expects to receive the minimum increase in initial Chapter 70 State Aid, or $75
per student, and an approximate 2.2% increase in UGGA, both as proposed in the Governor's budget.
FY2026 initial State Aid estimates project an overall increase of $570,809 or 2.79% compared to
FY2025. Final State Aid figures are likely to be known in June 2025 when the Legislature adopts, and
the Governor signs, the FY2026 State budget.
Local Receipts: FY2026 projections for each category of receipt are based on the history of actual
collections and projections of 3- and 5-year historical averages, with some adjustments due to other
local trends such as increases in fees, local development activity, and current interest rates. FY2026
local receipts are estimated to increase by approximately $830,485 or 5.12% over FY2025 estimates.
The FY2026 increase in local receipts is attributable to projected increases in Motor Vehicle Excise of
$171,604, an increase in Jet Fuel excise receipts of $183,000, and Hotel/Motel excise receipts $102,000
(both under Other Excise), Ambulance Fees $250,000 and Net Metering Credit of $150,000 (both under
Municipal- Departmental fees).
Available Funds: Available Funds are projected to increase $7,234,514, or 41.87%. The increase in
available funds is primarily due to a projected increase in Free Cash, estimated at $23,000,000 as of
June 30, 2024, and increases in transfers from the Parking Fund. The certification of Free Cash is
pending review and approval by the Department of Revenue as of publication, however final amounts
Section II Revenues Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-5
should be known before the budget is voted. Free Cash is significantly higher than in prior years,
mainly due to the closeout of $2.5 million of encumbered funds from prior year budgets, and the
receipt of reimbursement for several state grants that were previously in a deficit.
The available balance of the Parking Meter Fund decreased significantly from FY2021-2023 due to the
temporary suspension of parking meter enforcement during the pandemic and Center Streetscape
project in order to support local businesses. The Town has resumed enforcement of parking fees which
is beginning to rebuild the balance in the Parking Fund. A transfer of $425,500 from the Parking Fund
has been included in the FY2026 budget to support parking operations.
The transfer from the PEG Access fund is equal to the total estimated budget for that service, less
$200,000 which represents a general fund subsidy. This FY2026 subsidy is increased from $100,000 in
FY2025, and is projected to increase again in future years due to a decline in cable franchise fees as
residents move from cable to streaming platforms. The Select Board has committed to funding Public
Access television and providing General Fund support for this service in future budget cycles if
necessary to maintain the service.
Revenue Offsets: Revenue Offsets are projected to increase by approximately $406,932 or 20.83%.
Revenue Offsets represent the set-aside of a portion of projected revenues legally required for
particular purposes including:
(1)the component of State Aid (Public Library aid reimbursement) that is distributed as
Cherry Sheet Aid, but, in fact, is a categorical grant that is not available to support
General Fund operations;
(2)Cherry Sheet assessments - estimated charges to be levied by the Commonwealth to cover
the costs of state and regional services provided to the Town, based on updated projections
issued alongside the Governor's budget;
(3)the Assessor's Overlay account which covers the cost of abatements and exemptions granted
to property taxpayers; and
(4)potential snow and ice deficits.
The FY2026 increase in total Revenue Offsets is driven by the set-aside of $400,000 in estimated
FY2026 revenue to cover a potential snow and ice deficit at the end of FY2025.
Enterprise Receipts: This category of revenue represents transfers from the Water, Sewer and
Recreation Enterprise Funds to the General Fund to cover General Fund expenditures that support the
operations of the water, sewer and recreation departments. Overall Enterprise Receipts are increasing
by 3.3%, or $61,372, primarily due to changes in benefits and liability insurance costs as supported by
a detailed indirect analysis completed by the Finance department.
Tax Levy Dedicated to Capital Stabilization Fund: In Fall 2021 the Town Manager proposed a
new fiscal guideline, a Capital Stabilization Framework, to prepare for future capital projects.
Beginning in FY2022, new levy growth generated from specified commercial and industrial
development will be dedicated to the Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) rather than becoming general
revenue for the town’s operating budget. Projects include those with a Preliminary Site Development
and Use Plan (PSDUP) approved by Town Meeting, or those eligible for development due to new zoning
changes on Hartwell Ave. This framework reserves levy capacity to absorb a sudden increase in debt
service for large capital projects such as the new Lexington High School. The funds set-aside into the
Capital Stabilization Fund can also be applied in future years to mitigate exempt debt service created
by those capital projects. A list of properties currently subject to this guideline is found in the table
above.
Section II Revenues Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-6
Revenues Set Aside for Other Designated Expenses: This represents components of Gross
General Fund Revenues that are set aside for designated purposes. Set-asides are predominately
designated from non-recurring revenue sources, such as Free Cash, but may also include set-asides
from the tax levy.
The proposed set-aside purposes are shown in the table below. As of publication Free Cash as of June
30, 2024 has not been certified by the Department of Revenue, and the $23 million in the table below
is the Town's estimated value. Final Free Cash will be certified before the budget is finalized.
Financing Sources
Tax Levy Free Cash Other Total Notes
1 Set-Aside for Unanticipated Current Fiscal Year Needs $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000
Reserve for appropriation at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting to fund supplemental appropriations to the FY2026 (current year) budget.
2 Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)$ — $ 2,079,721 $ — $ 2,079,721 Appropriate to OPEB Trust.
3 Unallocated $ — $ 1,603,333 $ — $ 1,603,333 Set aside for yet-to-be identified one-time needs in the FY2026 budget.
4 Special Education Reserve Fund $ — $ 700,000 $ — $ 700,000 Special Education Reserve
5 One-time Municipal Expenses $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 One-time set aside for tree removal
6 Cash Capital $ 750,000 $ 17,792,946 $ 18,043 $ 18,560,989 Free Cash, Tax Levy and other available funds to support capital improvements.
7 Appropriate into Capital Stabilization Fund $ 6,563,050 $ — $ — $ 6,563,050 To meet future capital/debt service needs.
8 Street Improvement Program $ 2,726,806 $ — $ — $ 2,726,806 Tax Levy designated for long-term street maintenance plan.
9 Municipal Building Envelope and Systems $ 236,421 $ — $ — $ 236,421 Initially funded in 2006 override; increases by 2.5% per year.
10 Warrant Articles $ — $ 24,000 $ — $ 24,000 Solar Canopy Feasibility Study ($24K)
11 Subtotal $ 10,276,277 $ 22,600,000 $ 18,043 $ 32,894,320
12 Funding for New Pension Schedule $ — $ 400,000 $ — $ 400,000
Amount of incremental increase in the updated Pension Funding schedule will continue to be supported with Free Cash in FY2025.
13 Grand Total $10,276,277 $23,000,000 $ 18,043 $33,294,320
Section II Revenues Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
II-7
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Section III: Program 1000: Education
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for
education. It includes:
•1100 Lexington Public Schools III-2
•1200 Minuteman Regional High School III-18
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
III-1
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
FY2026 Superintendent's Preliminary Recommended Budget
BUDGET OVERVIEW
Superintendent's Budget Message...............................................................................2
Strategic Plan............................................................................................................4
Our Core Values...................................................................................................4
Vision Statement..................................................................................................4
Strategic Goals.....................................................................................................4
Budget Development Process.....................................................................................8
Budget Timeline...................................................................................................8
Superintendent's Recommended Budget......................................................................9
Negotiated Salary Increases.......................................................................................10
Budget Overview.......................................................................................................10
Summary of Significant Budget Changes.....................................................................12
FY2026 Personnel Overview..................................................................................12
FY2026 Expense Overview by School/Department...................................................13
Student Enrollment Summary.....................................................................................14
Revenue Allocation Model...........................................................................................15
State Benchmark Comparisons...................................................................................17
Note: The Superintendent's Preliminary Recommended Budget will be updated before adoption to
incorporate additional State Aid from the Governor's FY2026 budget proposal.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
III-3
Superintendent’s Budget Message
January 13, 2025
Dear School Committee Members, Elected Officials, and Lexington Residents:
One need not look far to understand the budgetary pressures Lexington Public Schools is facing.
Student needs are rising, statewide educator contracts are more costly, and post-pandemic expenses
for goods and services have increased significantly. Many neighboring towns have had to seek
operating overrides in the past three years, with some requesting a second override just three years
after passing their first.
We are doing everything that we can to avoid an operating override in Lexington. We are
mindful of the potential for a new high school and do not want to overburden taxpayers. In
collaboration with Town officials, we are working to anticipate the financial pressures driving
increasing costs on multiple fronts, along with potential funding sources. We are carefully examining
and revising our budget and engaging a third-party consultant to conduct an audit and identify
potential cost savings and efficiencies. These proactive measures will help us find new and improved
ways to control costs while delivering a high-quality education to all of Lexington’s children.
Staff, boards, and committees have worked hard to keep Lexington financially sound through the
years. Maintaining a level services budget typically costs more than available revenues. While the
FY2026 budget requests are modest, we will be unable to fund approximately $1.1M for additional
staff requests, and we rejected approximately $209K in requests for additional instructional materials.
Lexington Public Schools has had a history of healthy turnbacks to the Town in recent years, but that
practice is unlikely to continue. We have controlled spending to generate annual turnbacks, and the
amount we can return to the Town is also directly proportional to the amount we are given. As we
work to address the complex needs of our students and contend with increases in expenses and
decreases in allocations, we will need to do more with less.
The total FY2026 appropriation for the Lexington Public Schools is $145,930,585, representing
a 3.86% increase over the FY2025 base budget. The table that follows summarizes the history of
LPS appropriated percentage increases in the past five years.
5-Year History of LPS Percent Increases to Base Budget
Fiscal Year Appropriated % Increase
FY2026 3.9%
FY2025 4.16%
FY2024 5.21% (initially 3.9%)
FY2023 4.39%
FY2022 3.77%
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 2
Therefore, to present a balanced budget to the Budget Summit, in addition to substantially increasing
the use of the Circuit Breaker Fund Balance, we identified approximately $3.5M in reductions to cover
the combined shortfall, including:
● Further reductions to the “high risk” list after a similar reduction in FY2025 ($1.2M)
● Reduce professional development lines ($200,000)
● Reduce expense lines by approximately 10-25% ($800,000)
● Consolidate administrative jobs to free up 2 FTE ($220,000)
● Consolidate elementary and middle school classrooms to free up 12 FTE ($1,049,500)
● Increase the use of the transportation revolving account (up to +$150,000)
Some of the proposed reductions represent actions that LPS takes yearly; others are newer
approaches to balancing the budget. As we have in years past, we do not plan to fill
soon-to-be-vacated administrative positions, and we are consolidating the responsibilities of
administrators, which will create annual savings. Similarly, we are consolidating elementary and
middle school classrooms and teaching teams where appropriate, a practice we undertake every
year. We have increased our use of Circuit Breaker and decreased our “high risk” list (for the second
year), compromising our budgetary safety nets. And next year, there will be fewer professional
learning opportunities, materials, and supplies for students and staff. Balancing the FY2026 budget
also requires an increased reliance on transportation enterprise funds.
But budgeting isn’t just about setting limits; it’s also about making the things that inspire us
possible. Our FY2026 LPS Budget includes continued funding for many teaching and learning
opportunities that are second to none, and those will continue. We are proud of what we can offer
thanks to our community’s generous and ongoing support. With a new high school on the horizon, we
recognize the implications for taxpayers. We will continue to do all we can to control spending and
provide our students with what they need to succeed. We are deeply grateful for your support and
look forward to sharing our students’ educational journey with you in the upcoming year!
Sincerely,
Julie L. Hackett, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 3
Organizational
Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan of the Lexington Public Schools, 2019–2029, identifies the following mission
statement, core values, vision statement, and strategic goals for the district:
Mission Statement
Joy in learning; curiosity in life; and compassion in all we do.
Our Core Values
● We all Belong
● Use Your Mind
● Be Curious & Have Fun
● Care for Yourself & Others
● Do Your Part
● Be Courageous
● Embrace Your Revolutionary Spirit
Vision Statement
● Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
● Redefining Success
● Students as Active Agents
● Authentic Learning Experiences
● Community Partnership
Strategic Goals
● Goal 1: Address and Narrow Equity Gaps—Identify, address, and narrow equity gaps in
student opportunities, experiences, and achievement, ensuring the meaningful inclusion
and integration of every member of our school community.
● Goal 2: Redefine Success—Transform our practices, systems, and structures to reflect a
broader definition of success for our students, staff, and schools, including new measures
of student achievement that extend beyond academics to include the knowledge, skills, and
attributes students need to be prepared for the future and content in life.
● Goal 3: Cultivate Student Agency—Cultivate student agency and a sense of self-efficacy
by ensuring that all our PreK–12 students’ educational experiences place them at the
center of their learning; consistently revisit our curriculum, instruction, assessment, and
professional learning practices to (1) ensure relevancy and student voice; (2) to teach
students to set their own meaningful goals; (3) to value productive struggle as they work
toward them; and (4) to reflect and monitor their progress toward attaining those goals.
● Goal 4: Innovate for Sustainable Change—Refine and improve our school- and
districtwide practices, systems, and structures related to managing innovation and
promoting lasting change. We will develop clear decision-making structures and
communication methods to prevent initiative overload and enable us to more consistently
scale up promising practices.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 4
Budget Development Process
Annually, the administration develops its capital and operating budgets, which begin July 1 and end
June 30. This highly collaborative and public process engages the School Committee, the Select
Board, the Appropriation Committee, the Capital Expenditures Committee, municipal and school staff,
and citizens. The employees of the Finance Office are responsible for coordinating, developing, and
monitoring the budget process. Each year, the School Committee develops its annual goals, budget
guidelines, and budget calendar. These provide the administration with the roadmap to develop the
recommended annual budget. The Superintendent is tasked with developing a budget that advances
the district in accordance with the outlined policy objectives. The School Committee is responsible for
reviewing and approving the budget for incorporation within the complete Town budget.
Budget Timeline
Summer: School Committee and Superintendent establish Collaborative Goals.
Early Fall: School Committee approves annual Budget Guidelines and Calendar.
Fall: Staff develop budget recommendations.
Late Fall/Early Winter: All departments meet with the Assistant Superintendent for
Finance and Operations to review existing staffing levels, budget priorities, and
anticipated budget requests. During this time, a series of working Summit Meetings,
including the School Committee, the Select Board, the Appropriation Committee, and
the Capital Expenditures Committee are conducted to discuss the current financial
health of the Town, along with any budgetary issues. This process provides policy
guidance to the municipal and school staff in finalizing budget recommendations. The
Superintendent, in consultation with the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and
Operations and the School Department's Administrative Council, reviews budget
requests and makes recommendations for all school programs to the School
Committee. After public hearings on the Superintendent’s Budget Recommendations,
the School Committee makes final budget decisions consistent with their Collaborative
Goals.
Early Spring: Before Town Meeting members discuss financial articles, the approved
budget of the School Committee is distributed to Town Meeting Members and the
various finance committees. The document is available to citizens at the School
Department’s Central Office, the Town Library, and the Town Manager's Office. In
addition, the budget documents are publicly available on the Lexington Public Schools
website https://bit.ly/LPSBUDGETPAGES.
Spring: The Annual Town Meeting begins in March with meetings held on weekday
evenings. Town Meeting debates and adopts the School Department budget as part of
the comprehensive Town budget. Town Meeting has authority over the total
appropriation of school department funds, but line-item authority and spending priorities
are the purview of the School Committee.
View the full Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Guidelines and Budget Calendar.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 8
Financial
Superintendent’s Recommended Budget
In the Annual Town Financial Summit Allocation Model, the School Department received a revenue
increase of $5,422,218 for FY2026, representing a 3.86% increase over the FY2025 Approved
Budget. To meet this target, the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget for FY2026 is
$145,930,585, reflecting the full $5,422,218 increase over the FY2025 base budget of $140,508,367.
Notably, this recommendation does not propose any staffing increases beyond current levels and
instead includes a reduction in overall staffing.
Salaries and wages continue to comprise the majority of the School Department’s budget, accounting
for over 87.2% of the total budget, a slight increase from last year’s 86%. For FY2026, the salaries
and wages line is increasing by $6,341,999 (5.25%) to fund existing positions and contractual
obligations. However, to meet the allocation, this budget requires an overall reduction of 3.67
Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs), raising concerns about maintaining current service levels. Conversely,
the expense line is recommended to decrease by $908,656 (-4.62%) from the FY2025 appropriation.
This marks a second consecutive year of significant reductions in the expense budget. The FY2025
Budget already reflected a -10.41% decrease from the FY2024 Budget, amounting to a reduction of
approximately $2.28 million. These ongoing reductions continue to pose challenges as we work to
achieve a balanced budget while prioritizing the district’s core educational mission.
To address the financial pressures within this budget cycle, we have made strategic reductions across
both salary and expense line items. Additionally, we have increased reliance on departmental offset
accounts, such as the Circuit Breaker and Transportation Revolving accounts, to mitigate the impact
of these reductions. While these offsets provide temporary relief, they are not a sustainable long-term
solution and warrant careful consideration in future planning.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 9
We recognize the challenges these budget decisions present to our staff and community. The
continued reductions in expense accounts and reliance on offsets underscore the importance of
thoughtful fiscal management and strategic planning. We remain committed to providing high-quality
educational services while navigating these fiscal constraints.
Negotiated Salary Increases
The FY2026 budget includes funding for estimated wage increases for all collective bargaining units
and non-union positions, including step increases and Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), including
full salary table modifications. The current status of collective bargaining agreements, corresponding
expiration dates, and negotiated adjustments are listed below:
Bargaining Unit Contract Term Negotiated Increases
LEA: Unit A 09/01/2023 – 08/31/2026
Effective Sept. 1, 2023: 2.5%
Effective Sept. 1, 2024: 2.5%
Effective Sept. 1, 2025: 2.75%
LEA: Unit C 09/01/2021 – 08/31/2024 Contract negotiations pending
LEA: Unit D 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2026
Effective July 1, 2023: 3%
Effective July 1, 2024: 3%
Effective July 1, 2025: 3%
LEA: Tech 07/01/2024 – 06/30/2027
Effective July 1, 2024: 1.75%
Effective July 1, 2025: 2.75%
Effective July 1, 2026: 2.75%
ALA: Administrators 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2026
Effective Sept. 1, 2023: 2.5%
Effective Sept. 1, 2024: 2.5%
Effective Sept. 1, 2025: 2.75%
Budget Overview
A summary of all changes in the operating budget follows. We begin with the FY2026 Personnel
Overview, which outlines personnel changes represented in four categories:
1. Base Changes (e.g., corrections, transfers, reclassifications, eliminated positions,
reallocation of current FTE, and removal of one-time/base adjustment expenses)
2. Legally Mandated Changes (e.g., contractual changes, FTE required by Individualized
Education Program (IEP) or other statutes or regulations)
3. Enrollment Changes
4. Program Improvement Changes
A list of changes to the expense budgets by category follows. Detailed descriptions of all staffing and
expense changes can be found in their respective program area of the budget.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 10
Request
Category Program Location Pos Description
FTE
Requested
FTE
Granted
BASE K-12 ELL SYS WD ELL TEACHER 0.75 0.75
SPEC ED BRIDGE SPEC INST ASST-TLP BL -0.8 -0.8
SPEC ED CLARKE SPEC INST ASST-ILP -1.8 -1.8
SPEC ED ESTABROOK SPEC INST ASST 1:1 BL -0.8 -0.8
SPEC ED FISKE INST ASST -0.8 -0.8
SPEC ED HARRINGTON SPEC INST ASST - DLP -0.87 -0.87
SPEC ED HASTINGS SPEC INST ASST-ILP -0.83 -0.83
SPEC ED HASTINGS INST ASST 1:1 -0.8 -0.8
ELEM. SCH &
MS
ELEM SCHOOLS AND
DIAMOND
REDUCE MS TEAMS &
ELEMENTARY SECTIONS -12.0
COUNSELING SYS WD ADMIN ASST -1 -1
COUNSELING SYS WD COUNSELING DIRECTOR -1 -1
ENROLLMENT LHS LHS
1.0 SS, 1.0 MATH, 1.0 SCIENCE,
1.0 ELA, 0.375 VISUAL ARTS 4.375 0
SPEC ED DIAMOND ADMIN ASSISTANT 0.48 0.48
TECHNOLOGY LHS FIELD TECHNICIAN 0.5 0
SYS WD SYS WD TEACHERS 12 12
COUNSELING LHS LHS COUNSELOR 0.5 0
6-8 MATH DIAMOND MATH SPECIALIST 1 0
6-8 MATH DIAMOND STUDY SKILLS TEACHER 1 0
MANDATE SPEC ED BOWMAN RESOURCE TEACHER 0.5 0.5
SPEC ED DIAMOND OCC THERAPIST 0.3 0.3
SPEC ED DIAMOND RESOURCE TEACHER 1 1
SPEC ED LHS ILP 3 TEACHER 1 1
COUNSELING SYS WD (MS) COUNSELOR 1 1
PROGRAM
IMPROVEMENT K-12 ELL SYS WD ELL/SEI COACH 0.5 0
K-5 MATH SYS WD (Elem) MATH INTERVENTION 2 0
PERFORMING
ARTS SYS WD TECH DIRECTOR 0.5 0
PERFORMING
ARTS SYS WD (Elem) STRINGS TEACHER 0.6 0
SPEC ED FI/ESTA 0.25 ART and MUSIC TEACHER 0.5 0
VISUAL ARTS SYS WD ASST COORDINATOR 0.4 0
Grand Total 20.205 –3.67
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 11
Summary of Significant Budget Changes
FY2026 Personnel Overview
During the annual budget development process, district leaders, building principals, and department
heads submit budgetary requests for the upcoming fiscal year. Throughout October and November,
these requests are evaluated and considered as part of the budget planning process. In December,
the proposed adjustments are reviewed with the Superintendent in relation to the Town Financial
Summit Model Allocation.
For FY2026, budgetary requests reflect a net decrease of 3.67 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) across
various programs and levels. These FTE adjustments are summarized within categories, as shown in
the table below.
FY2026 Salary and Wages Budget Recommendation
Line Group/BU Description
FY23
FTE
(Adj)
FY24
FTE
(Adj)
FY25
FTE
(Adj)
FY25 Request FY26 FTE
Request FY26 Request
FTE
Request
Diff
$ Change % Change
1 Unit A - LEA 787.93 816.02 826.00 $88,420,095 830.55 $93,146,992 4.55 $4,726,898 5.35%
2 Unit A - Stipends - $1,034,172 - $1,037,651 - $3,479 0.34%
3 Unit A - Coaches - - - $931,244 - $914,484 - ($16,760) -1.80%
4 Unit D - LEA 91.64 95.74 97.86 $5,548,333 97.34 $6,335,048 (0,52) $786,715 14.18%
5 Non-Union Dis. Supp./Mgrs. 24.45 22.45 20.55 $2,310,462 19.55 $1,996,405 (1.00) ($314,057) -13.59%
7 Unit C - Inst Asst/SSI/SIA 202.19 219.32 227.54 $9,996,715 220.84 $10,852,399 (6.70) $855,684 8.56%
7.1 Non-Union Hourly & ESY 3.00 3.00 2.00 $833,979 2.00 $692,982 - ($140,997) -16.91%
8 ABA/BCBA Instructors 5.06 7.00 7.00 $794,292 7.00 $826,944 - $32,652 4.11%
13 Technology Unit 12.60 12.60 12.60 $1,011,149 12.60 $1,075,669 - $64,519 6.38%
14 Central Administrators 9.00 9.00 9.00 $1,672,244 9.00 $1,738,164 - $65,920 3.94%
15 Principals 9.50 9.50 9.50 $1,668,352 9.50 $1,730,961 - $62,609 3.75%
16 ALA- Asst Prin/Supervisors 44.65 46.45 47.50 $6,740,911 47.45 $6,956,248 - $215.337 3.19%
17 Substitutes (Per-Diem) $825,044 0 $825,044 $0 0.00%
17.1 Substitutes (Nurses) $15,644 0 $15,644 $0 0.00%
18 Substitutes (Para) $73,620 0 $73,620 $0 0.00%
18.2 Substitutes (Sec) $76,688 0 $76,688 $0 0.00%
19 Salary Differential ($1,100,000) ($1,100,000) $0 0.00%
Grand Total 1,190.02 1,241.98 1,259.55 $120,852,942 1,255.88 $127,183,816 (3.67) $6,330,874 5.24%
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 12
FY2026 Expense Overview by School/Department
Line Program FY25 Budgeted FY26 Requested FY26 vs FY25 % Change Notes
1 Bowman $65,152 $59,364 -$5,788 -8.88% (1)
2 Bridge $56,861 $49,598 -$7,263 -12.77% (1)
3 Estabrook $76,179 $62,739 -$13,440 -17.64% (1)
4 Fiske $47,679 $39,515 -$8,165 -17.12% (1)
5 Harrington $53,892 $47,896 -$5,996 -11.13% (1)
6 Hastings $87,123 $71,861 -$15,262 -17.52% (1)
7 Clarke $45,329 $41,804 -$3,525 -7.78% (1)
8 Diamond $56,234 $49,863 -$6,371 -11.33% (1)
9 Lexington High School $219,596 $201,774 -$17,822 -8.12% (1)
10 K-5 Literacy $186,386 $158,738 -$27,648 -14.83% (1)
11 K-5 Math $144,544 $123,103 -$21,441 -14.83% (1)
12 K-5 Science $49,312 $41,998 -$7,314 -14.83% (1)
13 K-5 Social Studies $36,848 $31,382 -$5,466 -14.83% (1)
14 6-8 English/Lang Arts $45,221 $41,029 -$4,192 -9.27% (1)
16 6-8 World Language $56,077 $50,879 -$5,198 -9.27% (1)
17 6-8 Math $66,214 $60,077 -$6,137 -9.27% (1)
18 6-8 Science $129,427 $117,059 -$12,369 -9.56% (1)
19 6-8 Social Studies $35,231 $31,964 -$3,267 -9.27% (1)
21 9-12 English $42,403 $38,962 -$3,441 -8.12% (1)
22 9-12 World Language $51,695 $47,499 -$4,196 -8.12% (1)
23 9-12 Math $50,397 $46,307 -$4,090 -8.12% (1)
23.1 9-12 Math Team $6,797 $6,245 -$552 -8.12% (1)
24 9-12 Science $126,544 $116,274 -$10,270 -8.12% (1)
25 9-12 Social Studies $51,719 $47,521 -$4,198 -8.12% (1)
25.1 Debate & Competitive Speech $91,963 $84,499 -$7,464 -8.12% (1)
29 K-12 Curriculum $477,053 $377,053 -$100.000 -20.96% (1)(2)
30 K-12 Library Media Program $233,113 $208,402 -$24,711 -10.60% (1)
31 K-12 Technology $708,000 $637,200 -$70,800 -10.00% (1)
32 K-12 English Learner Education $69,394 $62,455 -$6,939 -10.00% (1)
33 K-12 PE/Wellness $89,834 $80,312 -$9,523 -10.60% (1)
34 K-12 Visual Arts $99,143 $88,634 -$10,509 -10.60% (1)
35 K-12 Performing Arts $140,501 $125,608 -$14,893 -10.60% (1)
36 K-12 Athletics $222,496 $198,911 -$23,585 -10.60% (1)
37 Early Childhood Education $53,876 $48,488 -$5,388 -10.00% (1)
38 Health Services $119,682 $107,714 -$11,968 -10.00% (1)
39.4 K-12 Counseling $114,125 $102,713 -$11,413 -10.00% (1)
40.1 K-5 Special Education $75,853 $68,268 -$7,585 -10.00% (1)
40.2 6-8 Special Education $40,304 $36,274 -$4,030 -10.00% (1)
40.3 9-12 Special Education $40,520 $36,468 -$4,052 -10.00% (1)
40.4 PreK-22 Special Education $257,023 $231,321 -$25,702 -10.00% (1)
41 Tuition $7,507,088 $7,216,610 -$290,478 -3.87% (5)
42 Transportation: Special Education $2,492,882 $2,830,499 $337,617 13.54% (6)
42.1 Transportation: Homeless $75,000 $140,000 $65,000 86.67% (3)
43 Special Educ. Consultants $726,016 $653,414 -$72,602 -10.00% (1)
44 Transportation: Regular Education $2,703,056 $2,596,548 -$106,508 -3.94% (7)
45 Print Center $330,111 $297,100 -$33,011 -10.00% (1)
46 Legal Services $125,000 $112,500 -$12,500 -10.00% (1)
46.1 School Committee $21,125 $21,125 $0 -0.00% (3)
48.2 Central Office Administration $226,142 $164,436 -$61,706 -27.29% (8)
48.2 Strategic Planning Initiatives $39,000 $33,150 -$5,850 -15.00% (8)
48.3 Finance and Operations $147,782 $110,837 -$36,946 -25.00% (8)
48.4 Human Resources $362,874 $308,443 -$54,431 -15.00% (8)
56 Telephone $77,612 $69,840 -$7,772 -10.01% (1)
58 Prior Year Unpaid Bills $0 $0 $0 0.00%
60 Emergency Planning & Training $77,000 $89,500 $12,500 16.23% -
61 Facility Improvements $125,000 $25,000 -$100,000 -80.00% (8)
Total Expenses $19,655,425 $18,746,769 -$908,656 -4.62%
Notes: (1) Adjusted per pupil expenditure base for enrollment, no additional for inflation, 10% overall reduction; (2) Flat $100,000 reduction; (3) Level
funding for FY26; (4) $25K added for state mandated hygiene products distribution; (5) Expanded use of Circuit Breaker, prepay, and grant reserves and
potential use of SpEd Stabilization Fund/Reserve (6) Based on historical spending and projected needs for FY26 (7); Based on contracted pricing and
increased use of Transportation Revolving account; (8) Base 10% to 27% reduction based on historical spending to meet allocation
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 13
Informational
Student Enrollment Summary
Table 1 summarizes enrollment counts by school and grade as of October 1, 2024 (FY2025). This
table also features enrollment totals by school and district for FY2022, FY2023, and FY2024.
Total October enrollment (PreK–12) for FY2025 was 6,748, down 57 students compared to
FY2024.Total K–5 elementary enrollment was 2,541, ranging across schools from 345 (Bridge) to 579
(Hastings). At the secondary level, Diamond continues to be the larger of the two middle schools, with
an enrollment of 936 (compared to 796 at Clarke). Total enrollment at the secondary level was 1,732
for the middle school grades and 2,405 at the high school level.
Table 1: What Is Current LPS Enrollment (October 1, 2024)
FY25 By Grade
FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
District Total 6790 6845 6805 6748
LCP (PreK) 67 75 76 70 70
Bowman 430 451 428 429 54 77 65 76 74 83
Bridge 360 374 365 345 41 57 65 54 67 61
Estabrook 524 542 537 490 52 65 80 102 97 94
Fiske 342 341 335 324 39 42 47 60 60 76
Harrington 423 396 378 374 51 64 61 63 51 84
Hastings 623 598 631 579 69 95 81 114 95 125
Clarke Middle 829 823 810 796 255 273 268
Diamond Middle 919 942 927 936 322 297 317
Lexington High 2273 2303 2318 2405 596 613 604 592
Source: LPS SIMS
Additional Student Enrollment data, history, and forecasts can be found here.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 14
Revenue Allocation Model
Revenue Offsets
The Town follows a revenue sharing model that provides for the prior year appropriation, adjusted for
new revenue growth under an allocation model of 74% (School Department) and 26% (Municipal).
Revenue Allocation Process
The Town of Lexington has established a collaborative budget development process that is conducted
through a series of Budget Summit meetings. These Budget Summit meetings begin in October and
end in February. These meetings include the School Committee, the Select Board, the Appropriation
Committee, and the Capital Expenditures Committee. Topics covered at these meetings include:
Summit I: Financial Indicators; 5-Year Forecast; Initial Revenue Projection
Summit II: FY2026 Revenue Allocation Model
Summit III: FY2026 White Book Preview
Summit IV: FY2026 Brown Book Preview
The Revenue Allocation Model, revised in November 2024 and in January 2025, provides for a
projected 3.86% increase over the School Department’s FY2026 budget. The table below was
originally presented at the Summit II meeting in November 2024, and updated for the January 2025
White Book presentation.
FY2026 Revenue Allocation Model
$310,899,763 Projected FY2026 Revenue
Shared Municipal School
(1) $ (140,508) $ - $ - $ (140,508) FY2025 School Budget
(2) $ (49,311) $ - $ (49,311) $ - FY2025 Municipal Budget + Community Center Support
(3) $ (3,636) $ (3,636) $ - $ - FY2026 Minuteman
(4) $ (11,522) $ (11,522) $ - $ - FY2026 Contributory Retirement
(5) $ (41,033) $ (41,033) $ - $ - FY2026 Benefits
(6) $ (200) $ (200) $ - $ - FY2026 Unemployment
(7) $ (500) $ (500) $ - $ - FY2026 Workers' Comp
(8) $ (1,278) $ (1,278) $ - $ - FY2026 Property and Liability Insurance
(9) $ (200) $ (200) $ - $ - FY2026 Uninsured Losses
(10) $ (390) $ (3900) $ - $ - FY2026 Solar Production Payment
(11) $ (6,036) $ (6,036) $ - $ - FY2026 Debt Service
(12) $ (850) $ (850) $ - $ - FY2026 Reserve Fund
(14) $ (15,169) $ (15,169) $ - $ - FY2026 Facilities Department Budget
(13) (112)
(15) ($ 20) $ (20) $ - $ - Facilities PIRs
$ (2,004) $ - $ - Set-Aside for as yet to be identified FY2026 needs
$ (200) $ - $ - Unanticipated Current Fiscal Year Needs FY2025
$ (500) $ - $ - Special Education Reserve/Stabilization Fund
$ (6,563) $ - $ - Tax Levy Dedicated to Capital Stabilization Fund
(16) $ (32,894) $ (17,810) $ - $ - Cash Capital - Free Cash and Other Available Funds
$ (750) $ - $ - Cash Capital - Tax Levy
$ (2,080) $ - $ - OPEB (Free Cash)
$ (2,727) $ - $ - Street Improvement Program (Tax Levy)
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 15
$ (236) $ - $ - Building Envelope Program (Tax Levy)
$ (24) $ - $ - Solar Canopy Feasibility Study (Free Cash)
(17) $ (303,659) $ (113,840) $ (49,311) $ (140,508) Base Budget - Used for Allocation
26.0% 74.0% Percentage - Municipal and School Only
(18) $ 7,3250 $ 1,903 $ 5,422 Incremental Revenue
3.9% 3.9% Percent of Current Budget
Revenue Allocation History & Trends
Below is the growth factor or the increase in funding available for the school operating budget
approved during the last ten budget cycles:
Each year, the formulation of the Lexington Public Schools' operating budget is driven by a
commitment to maintaining "level services" and fostering ongoing strategic program improvement.
This process involves a consideration of dynamic elements such as evolving state mandates,
inflationary pressures, the multi-year commitments embedded in contracted services, and the impact
of collective bargaining agreements with our dedicated staff.
To continue to realize our commitment to excellence, the annual increase sought ranges from 4.20%
to 4.98% on the base budget, which was not possible with this year's revenue allocation model. This
increment is essential to provide the necessary resources required to sustain the high standard of
services and facilitate continuous improvement in our educational programs. By proactively
addressing these factors, we can ensure that our budget aligns with the evolving needs of our
educational community and positions us for ongoing success.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 16
State Benchmark Comparisons
Source: LPS SIMS & MA DESE Public Profiles
Student Demographics
% LPS
FY2025
% State
FY2024
African American/Black 4.6 9.6
Asian 46.3 7.4
Hispanic 6.1 25.1
Native American 0.0 0.2
White 34.7 53.0
Nat. Hawaiian, Pac. Islander 0.0 0.1
Multi-Race, Non-Hispanic 8.2 4.5
% LPS
FY2025
% State
FY2024
First Language not English 34.0 26.0
English Language Learner 7.6 13.1
Low-Income 10.5 42.2
Spec. Education
(In- & Out-of-District) 14.7 20.2
Student/Teacher Ratio
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 17
11.0 to 1 11.9 to 1
Lexington Massachusetts
Per Pupil Expenditures
The tables below indicate Lexington’s per pupil expenditures in comparison to other local districts.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides per-pupil
expenditure data, allowing for a standardized comparison across districts. While districts vary in
service delivery and programs, DESE collects comparable data, enabling a relative apples-to-apples
analysis. Generally, enrollment growth correlates with expenditure increases due to inflation and
evolving educational needs. However, this relationship is not always linear, as efficiencies and
innovative methods can affect spending.
Community Total Per Pupil Expenditures 2023
Arlington $19,471.21
Brookline $26,528.27
Cambridge $38,932.89
Lexington $25,166.66
Needham $23,407.01
Newton $25,275.96
Wellesley $27,590.86
Winchester $19,014.96
This chart shows Lexington's enrollment growth places it 4th among 8 comparable districts, while its per-pupil expenditure growth ranks 7th. Newton,
with significantly lower enrollment growth, has similar expenditure growth, while Brookline, with similar enrollment growth, has higher expenditure growth.
This suggests Lexington is being more efficient in its per-pupil spending.
MCAS Results
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is an online assessment, linked to state
learning standards, administered each year. A graph of select 2024 MCAS results for Lexington and
comparison districts is below. Find additional District Performance Measures here.
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 18
Lexington Public Schools FY2026 Budget Page 19
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Budget Overview: The Regional High School subprogram budget is for the assessment levied by the
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District (Minuteman) support the operations of the
School. Minuteman is a regional high school, located in Lexington and Lincoln, which provides
technical and academic education for students in grades 9-12 from the Minuteman district, which
includes 9 towns as of July 1, 2024, as well as out-of-district students.
Minuteman’s programs include courses in Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Multi-Media
Engineering, Design and Visual Communication, Engineering and Robotics Automation, Cosmetology,
Early Education and Teaching, Carpentry, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Plumbing, Electrical, Health
Occupations, Horticulture, Programming and Web Development, Automotive Technology, Welding and
Metal Fabrication, Advanced Manufacturing, and Veterinary Science, as well as four-year academic and
college preparatory programs. In addition, adult students can pursue a variety of continuing education
programs at Minuteman.
Lexington’s historical enrollment at Minuteman is shown in the table below as of October 1st of each
year, the date that enrollments from school districts throughout the Commonwealth are reported to the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
10/1/2019 10/1/2020 10/1/2021 10/1/2022 10/1/2023 10/1/2024
High School Students 62 71 68 77 82 86
Post Graduate Students*4 0 0 0 0 0
Total 66 71 68 77 82 86
*Beginning in FY2021, Minuteman began offering Minuteman Technical Institute (MTI) for post-secondary students. MTI students pay
tuition directly to Minuteman; this expense is no longer included in the assessment.
Appropriated/Authorized Staffing:
No Town staff are charged to this budget.
Budget Recommendations
The FY2026 projected budget for the Minuteman assessment is $3,606,312, an increase of $199,917 or 5.87% from the FY2025 budget due to increases in Minuteman's operating budget and Lexington's increasing share of enrollment in comparison to other member communities.
The preliminary breakout of the annual assessment for FY2026 is below:
Category FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 $ Change % Change
Minimum Required Contribution $ 1,158,939 $ 1,310,022 $ 1,395,070 $ 1,539,304 $ 144,234 10.3%
Transportation Assessment $ 78,524 $ 79,620 $ 85,012 $ 101,000 $ 15,988 18.8%
Remaining Operating Assessment $ 969,283 $ 1,182,765 $ 968,913 $ 1,056,777 $ 87,864 9.1%
Capital/Debt Service $ 1,017,152 $ 929,570 $ 957,399 $ 909,231 $ (48,168) (5.0)%
Total Assessment $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,394 $ 3,606,312 $ 199,918 5.9%
*Numbers may not add due to rounding.
Additional information about Minuteman's FY2026 budget, including the final recommended budget and
presentation of the Superintendent can be found on the Finance page of Minuteman's website:
www.minuteman.org/departments/business-office/finance
1200 Minuteman Regional High School Program: Education
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
III-18
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActual*Actual*Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87%
Total 1200 Minuteman $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87%
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActual*Actual*Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Expenses $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87%
Total 1200 Minuteman $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87%
Level-Service Requests FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActual*Actual*Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended
Total 1200 Minuteman $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87 %
Total 1200 Minuteman $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87 %
Object Code Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActual*Actual*Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Contractual Services $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87%
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Supplies $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Expenses $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87 %
Total 1200 Minuteman $ 3,223,898 $ 3,501,977 $ 3,406,395 $ 3,606,312 $ — $ 3,606,312 $ 199,917 5.87%
*The FY2023 actual and FY2024 Appropriations have been adjusted to reflect the actual assessments for those years, rather than the timing of actual payments.
1200 Minuteman Regional High School Program: Education
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
III-19
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan
for shared expenses. It includes:
•2100 Employee Benefits IV-3
•2200 Property & Liability Insurance IV-8
•2300 Solar Producer Payments IV-10
•2400 Debt Service IV-12
•2500 Reserve Fund IV-14
•2600 Public Facilities IV-17
•3450 Refuse & Recycling Collections for Municipal & School Buildings*V-21
*For FY2026 the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools have agreed to share the cost of the
Town's contracted Refuse and Recycling collection and disposal costs for Municipal and School
buildings. For additional information on this Shared Expense see Section V-3400: Environmental
Services of this Recommended Budget.
Section IV: Program 2000: Shared Expenses
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-1
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Mission: To provide and manage a comprehensive benefits program for Town and School employees
and retirees.
Budget Overview: Included in the Employee Benefits and Insurance program are costs for the
Town’s pension assessment; workers’ compensation; unemployment insurance; health, dental and life
insurance benefits; and the Medicare tax.
Employee Benefits is comprised of the following:
•Contributory Retirement Assessment: The assessment of the Lexington Contributory
Retirement System levied to the Town to finance a portion of retirement benefits of Town and
non-teaching School employees. This assessment is issued pursuant to Massachusetts General
Laws (MGL) Chapter 32 and is based on an actuarial valuation of the funding obligations of the
Lexington Contributory Retirement System. In addition to this assessment, employee
contributions - ranging from 5% to 11% depending on date of hire - provide the majority of
pension system funding.
•Employee/Retiree Benefits: The Town’s annual contribution for health, dental and life insurance
for active Municipal and School Department employees and retirees, and the Town’s 1.45%
share of Medicare tax for all employees hired after 1986.
•Unemployment Compensation: The cost of unemployment payments for eligible employees
separated from Municipal or School Department employment. The Town self-insures for this
expense.
•Workers’ Compensation: The medical costs incurred by Municipal and School employees injured
on the job, and medical costs of former public safety employees who retired on accidental
disability. The Town largely self-insures for this expense, but purchases “stop loss” insurance
for extraordinary work-related medical claims. The premiums for that insurance are captured in
the Workers’ Compensation budget.
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
Staff support is provided through the Town Manager’s Office, Human Resources and the Finance
Department. Portions of the salaries of five employees are charged to the General Fund health
insurance budget.
2100 Employee Benefits & Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-3
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Employee Benefits and Insurance budget is $53,528,626. This is
a $4,459,184 or 9.09% increase from the FY2025 budget. The recommended budget includes the
benefits costs (health, dental, life, Medicare, and workers’ compensation) for all municipal and school
staff and retirees as of November 1, 2024.
Changes Include:
1.A $778,428, or 7.25% increase in Contributory Retirement based on the approved funding
schedule from the January 1, 2023 actuarial valuation of the Lexington Retirement System, plus
an amount of dedicated tax levy new growth. In FY2023, $1,060,000 of new levy growth from
Takeda personal property taxes was dedicated to the Pension Fund. This amount, plus an
increase of 2.5% per year will continue to be set-aside to the Pension Fund in future years. The
dedicated tax levy plus growth for FY2026 is $11,521,504. For FY2026, $400,000 is funded
from Free Cash, which is the same level of Free Cash funding as in FY2025. The Retirement
system’s unfunded liability is expected to be funded by 2030, given the current actuarial
assumptions. A new actuarial valuation will be performed as of January 1, 2025.
2.A $115,252 or 5.00% increase in the Town’s contribution for the Medicare Tax based on
FY2024 actual costs, projected FY2025 and FY2026 salaries and wages and historical rates of
increase in this item.
3.A $3,453,507 or 10.17% increase in health insurance costs (General Fund). The FY2026
budget is based on a projected increase of 11% in health insurance premiums across all plans
at November 2024 enrollment levels, and the projected addition of eighty (80) subscribers (new
enrollees to health coverage, either from new retirees, active employees electing to begin or
resume coverage, and active employees switching from individual to family plans).
4.A $99,535 or 8.29% increase in dental insurance costs (General Fund) based on a 10% increase
in premium rates for FY2026 as compared to budgeted FY2025 rates, further updated to reflect
November 2024 enrollment levels.
5.No increase in life insurance is proposed as the current level of funding is adequate based on
projected enrollments and historical costs.
6.Level-funding of unemployment insurance is level funded at $200,000, which is reflective of
recent averages in claim activity.
7.A level funding of workers’ compensation costs to a total of $500,000. As of June 30, 2024, this
continuing appropriation account had a total balance of $2,378,063.
2100 Employee Benefits & Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-4
Budget Summary - General Fund
Funding Sources
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 40,209,970 $ 41,669,436 $ 47,653,724 $ 52,073,747 $ — $ 52,073,747 $ 4,420,023 9.28 %
Transfers from Enterprise Funds to General Fund (Indirects)$ 611,775 $ 805,256 $ 863,256 $ 888,722 $ — $ 888,722 $ 25,466 2.95 %
Free Cash for Updated Pension Schedule $ — $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ — $ 400,000 $ — — %
PEG Access Special Revenue Fund $ 5,575 $ 5,178 $ 4,991 $ 6,223 $ — $ 6,223 $ 1,232 24.68 %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 40,827,320 $ 42,879,870 $ 48,921,971 $ 53,368,693 $ — $ 53,368,693 $ 4,446,722 9.09 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 130,585 $ 163,757 $ 174,120 $ 179,264 $ — $ 179,264 $ 5,144 2.95 %
Expenses $ 40,696,734 $ 42,716,112 $ 48,747,851 $ 53,189,429 $ — $ 53,189,429 $ 4,441,578 9.11 %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 40,827,320 $ 42,879,870 $ 48,921,971 $ 53,368,693 $ — $ 53,368,693 $ 4,446,722 9.09 %
Level-Service Requests (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 2110 Contributory Retirement $ 9,219,250 $ 9,984,800 $ 10,743,076 $ 11,521,504 $ — $ 11,521,504 $ 778,428 7.25 %
Total 2130 Medicare $ 2,089,413 $ 2,272,120 $ 2,305,030 $ 2,420,282 $ — $ 2,420,282 $ 115,252 5.00 %
Total 2130 Health Insurance $ 27,711,900 $ 28,999,884 $ 33,947,889 $ 37,401,396 $ — $ 37,401,396 $ 3,453,507 10.17 %
Total 2130 Dental Insurance $ 1,045,057 $ 1,057,196 $ 1,200,976 $ 1,300,511 $ — $ 1,300,511 $ 99,535 8.29 %
Total 2130 Life Insurance $ 17,851 $ 16,633 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ — $ 25,000 $ — —
Subtotal - Health/Life Benefits $ 30,864,222 $ 32,345,834 $ 37,478,895 $ 41,147,189 $ — $ 41,147,189 $ 3,668,294 9.79 %
Total 2140 Unemployment $ 118,848 $ 49,236 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ — — %
Total 2150 Workers Compensation $ 625,000 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ 500,000 $ — — %
Subtotal - Other Employee Benefits $ 743,848 $ 549,236 $ 700,000 $ 700,000 $ — $ 700,000 $ — — %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 40,827,320 $ 42,879,870 $ 48,921,971 53,368,693 $ — $ 53,368,693 $ 4,446,722 9.09 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 130,585 $ 163,757 $ 174,120 $ 179,264 $ — $ 179,264 $ 5,144 2.95 %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Personal Services $ 130,585 $ 163,757 $ 174,120 $ 179,264 $ — $ 179,264 $ 5,144 2.95 %
Contractual Services $ 40,696,734 $ 42,716,112 $ 48,747,851 $ 53,189,429 $ — $ 53,189,429 $ 4,441,578 9.11 %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Supplies $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Expenses $ 40,696,734 $ 42,716,112 $ 48,747,851 $ 53,189,429 $ — $ 53,189,429 $ 4,441,578 9.11 %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 40,827,320 $ 42,879,870 $ 48,921,971 $ 53,368,693 $ — $ 53,368,693 $ 4,446,722 9.09 %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Directed Funding (Revolving Funds)$ 133,586 $ 139,863 $ 147,471 $ 159,933 $ — $ 159,933 $ 12,462 8.45 %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 133,586 $ 139,863 $ 147,471 $ 159,933 $ — $ 159,933 $ 12,462 8.45 %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Level-Service Requests (Revolving Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 2130 Health Insurance $ 129,199 $ 135,729 $ 143,337 $ 154,563 $ — $ 154,563 $ 11,226 7.83 %
Total 2130 Dental Insurance $ 4,387 $ 4,134 $ 4,134 $ 5,370 $ — $ 5,370 $ 1,236 29.90 %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 133,586 $ 139,863 $ 147,471 $ 159,933 $ — $ 159,933 $ 12,462 8.45 %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 130,585 $ 163,757 $ 174,120 $ 179,264 $ — $ 179,264 $ 5,144 2.95 %
Expenses $ 40,830,320 $ 42,855,975 $ 48,895,322 $ 53,349,362 $ — $ 53,349,362 $ 4,454,040 9.11 %
Total 2100 Employee Benefits $ 40,960,906 $ 43,019,733 $ 49,069,442 $ 53,528,626 $ — $ 53,528,626 $ 4,459,184 9.09 %
2100 Employee Benefits & Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-5
Focus on: Health Benefits – Line Item 2130
The cost of health insurance continues to be a concern for the Town of Lexington, as is the case with
all public and private organizations in this region and across the country. Town has been successful in
negotiating with the Employee Health Insurance Coalition to participate in the State’s Group Insurance
Commission (GIC) health insurance program, which has helped to slow the growth of this large cost
driver.
The Town has an agreement with the Public Employees Committee (PEC) to remain in the GIC through
June 30, 2025.
The table below displays an approximate distribution of health insurance costs for Municipal and School
employees and Retirees:
Table 1: Health Insurance Budget: FY2021 - FY2026
FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Budgeted FY2026 Projected
Increase FY2025 to FY206
Town (1)$ 4,242,098 $ 4,148,176 $ 5,059,791 $ 5,340,948 $ 5,506,376 $ 5,697,946 3.48%
School $ 13,965,697 $ 13,985,906 $ 16,244,427 $ 17,475,695 $ 19,151,400 $ 22,060,557 15.19%
Retirees $ 7,165,298 $ 7,233,013 $ 8,175,329 $ 8,718,255 $ 9,216,067 $ 9,572,796 3.87%
Total $ 25,373,093 $ 25,367,096 $ 29,479,547 $ 31,534,898 $ 33,873,843 $ 37,331,300 10.21%
Medicare Part B Penalty (2)$ 74,935 $ 77,917 $ 74,935 $ 77,917 $ 74,046 $ 70,097 (5.33)%
Net Budget Amount $ 25,448,028 $ 25,445,013 $ 29,554,482 $ 31,612,815 $ 33,947,889 $ 37,401,396 10.17%
(1) Portion of salaries attributable to health insurance administration is inclusive in these figures.
(2) Medicare Part B Penalty is the penalty the Town must pay due to deferred migration of retirees from active plans to Medicare supplement plans.
2100 Employee Benefits & Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-6
The table below shows the number of employees and retirees enrolled in the Town’s health insurance
program.
Table 2: Health Insurance Enrollments (1)
Actual Subscribers
FY2025 Budget FY2026 Budget
Based on Actual Subscribers, plus Additional Projected Lives
shown below
Subscribers
Nov. 2020 (FY2021)Nov. 2021 (FY2022)Nov. 2022 (FY2023)Nov. 2023 (FY2024)Nov. 2024 (FY2025)
Municipal
Individual 98 110 105 116 113
Family 171 172 166 155 145
subtotal 269 282 271 271 258
School
Individual 358 376 374 371 412
Family 555 536 520 544 571
subtotal 913 912 894 915 983
Retirees 1,302 1,338 1,372 1,391 1,414
subtotal 2,484 2,532 2,537 2,577 2,655
Additional projected lives for budget purposes
Position Vacancies
Municipal 3 7
School 38 19
subtotal 41 26
Estimated Open Enrollment / Qualifying Events (2)
Individual 9 9
Family 27 27
Retirees 44 44
subtotal 80 80
total 2,484 2,532 2,537 2,698 2,761
New Positions
School (3)0 0
Municipal (3)5 0
Facilities Dept.0 0
subtotal 5 0
Estimated Reduction in Subscribers
Retirees (34)(34)
total 2,484 2,532 2,537 2,669 2,727
(1) The subscriber counts above do not include COBRA subscribers, but include employees whose salaries and benefits are funded either fully or partially from non-General Fund sources.
(2) The projection shown under open enrollment / qualifying events is based on an assumption of current employees losing coverage on their spouse's plans, and changes in marital status or dependent status.
(3) Based on the budgets as recommended by the School Committee and Select Board and assumes that each full-time equivalent will subscribe to Town's insurance. The cost is estimated at a composite rate based on school and municipal personnel enrollment.
2100 Employee Benefits & Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-7
Mission: To provide and manage a comprehensive property and liability management program for all
property and equipment in the Town.
Budget Overview: The property and liability management program consists of the following
elements:
•Property and Liability Insurance: The cost of premiums for policies that: (1) protect the Town
against property loss and damage; (2) insure the Town’s vehicles; and (3) cover the Town against
liability claims.
•Uninsured Losses: A continuing balance account for uninsured property losses, settlements and
deductibles contained in various insurance policies.
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
A portion of the Deputy Town Manager’s salary is charged to this line item in recognition of the
ongoing support provided.
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 overall recommendation for Property and Liability Insurance is $1,477,696, which is a
10.21% increase from the FY2025 appropriation.
1.Property and liability insurance premiums are projected to increase by $136,896 or 12.00%.
2.The budget is level funded for uninsured losses. The balance in this continuing balance account
as of June 30, 2024, is $966,346. Staff recommend a guideline of maintaining a fund balance
of approximately $1 million.
2200 Property & Liability Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-8
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 1,107,580 $ 1,186,708 $ 1,310,850 $ 1,446,862 $ — $ 1,446,862 $ 136,012 10.38 %
Transfers from Enterprise Funds to General Fund (Indirects)$ 25,039 $ 30,137 $ 29,950 $ 30,834 $ — $ 30,834 $ 884 2.95 %
Total 2200 Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,132,619 $ 1,216,845 $ 1,340,800 $ 1,477,696 $ — $ 1,477,696 $ 136,896 10.21 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 40,009 $ 41,220 $ 40,921 $ 43,639 $ — $ 43,639 $ 2,718 6.64 %
Expenses $ 1,092,609 $ 1,175,624 $ 1,299,879 $ 1,434,057 $ — $ 1,434,057 $ 134,178 10.32 %
Total 2200 Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,132,619 $ 1,216,845 $ 1,340,800 $ 1,477,696 $ — $ 1,477,696 $ 136,896 10.21 %
Level-Service Requests FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 2210 Property & Liability Insurance $ 932,619 $ 1,016,845 $ 1,140,800 $ 1,277,696 $ — $ 1,277,696 $ 136,896 12.00 %
Total 2220 Uninsured Losses $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ — —
Total 2200 Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,132,619 $ 1,216,845 $ 1,340,800 $ 1,477,696 $ — $ 1,477,696 $ 136,896 10.21 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 40,009 $ 41,220 $ 40,921 $ 43,639 $ — $ 43,639 $ 2,718 6.64 %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Compensation $ 40,009 $ 41,220 $ 40,921 $ 43,639 $ — $ 43,639 $ 2,718 6.64 %
Contractual Services $ 1,092,609 $ 1,175,624 $ 1,299,879 $ 1,434,057 $ — $ 1,434,057 $ 134,178 10.32 %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Supplies $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —
Expenses $ 1,092,609 $ 1,175,624 $ 1,299,879 $ 1,434,057 $ — $ 1,434,057 $ 134,178 10.32 %
Total 2200 Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,132,619 $ 1,216,845 $ 1,340,800 $ 1,477,696 $ — $ 1,477,696 $ 136,896 10.21 %
2200 Property & Liability Insurance Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-9
Mission: To provide obligated payments for the installation and operating costs of the solar array at
the Hartwell Avenue Compost Facility.
Budget Overview: For the solar arrays installed at the Hartwell Avenue Compost Facility, Eversource
elected to reimburse the Town for the solar power generated via monthly payments, rather than issue
a credit on the Town’s electric bills. For the rooftop solar panels on Town and School buildings, that
energy is credited in the monthly bill, thereby reducing utility costs at the Department of Public
Facilities. As a means of separately tracking the Hartwell Avenue arrangement, this budget division
reflects:
•Net Metering Credits: The revenues received from Eversource in return for solar power
generated at Hartwell Avenue. Any excess revenues are deposited into the General Fund.
•Solar Producer Payments: The annual amount paid to Syncarpha, the current owner of the
solar panels, for the cost of construction and operating costs.
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
No direct staff is charged to this line-item. Staff support is provided through the Public Facilities, Town
Manager and Finance departments.
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 overall recommendation for Solar Producer Payments is $390,000, which is level-funded
from the FY2025 appropriation.
2300 Solar Producer Payments Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-10
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ (500,880) $ (471,743) $ (290,000) $ (440,000) $ — $ (440,000) $ (150,000) 51.72 %
Net-Metering Credits $ 841,417 $ 823,246 $ 680,000 $ 830,000 $ — $ 830,000 $ 150,000 22.06 %
Total 2300 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Total 2300 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Level-Service Requests FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 2300 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Total 2300 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Contractual Services $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Utilities $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Supplies $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Total 2300 Solar Producer Payments $ 340,537 $ 351,503 $ 390,000 $ 390,000 $ — $ 390,000 $ — — %
Summary of Townwide Solar Credits and Expenses
FY2020 Actual FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actuals FY2023 Actuals FY2024 Actuals FY2025 Estimate FY2026 Estimate
Rooftop Solar Bill Credits $ 326,421 $ 308,738 $ 336,046 $ 462,635 $ 330,000 $ 330,000 $ 330,000
Rooftop PILOT*$ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000
Rooftop Solar Payments $ (173,254) $ (164,249) $ (156,669) $ (161,996) $ (156,000) $ (156,000) $ (156,000)
Net Revenue subtotal $ 183,167 $ 174,489 $ 209,377 $ 330,639 $ 204,000 $ 204,000 $ 204,000
Hartwell Solar Revenue $ 691,986 $ 674,298 $ 642,150 $ 841,417 $ 823,246 $ 700,000 $ 830,000
Hartwell PILOT $ 55,400 $ 55,400 $ 55,400 $ 55,400 $ 55,400 $ 55,400 $ 55,400
Hartwell Annual Lease $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000
Hartwell Solar Payments $ (385,512) $ (367,694) $ (360,184) $ (340,537) $ (351,503) $ (390,000) $ (390,000)
Net Revenue subtotal $ 362,875 $ 363,004 $ 338,366 $ 557,280 $ 528,143 $ 366,400 $ 496,400
Total Net Revenue $ 546,042 $ 537,493 $ 547,743 $ 887,919 $ 732,143 $ 570,400 $ 700,400
*Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) are considered Personal Property taxes paid to the Town.
**FY2023 & FY2024 Net Metering credits & payments are under review.
2300 Solar Producer Payments Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-11
Mission: To manage the issuance of Town debt in a manner which protects assets that are required to
deliver town services and yet limits large increases or decreases in annual debt service.
Budget Overview: Debt service includes General Fund principal and interest payments for levy-
supported (non-exempt) debt, both authorized by Town Meeting, as well as for capital projects being
proposed to the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
Debt service on projects funded from the Compost Revolving Fund is shown in the DPW Budget
element 3420; and debt service for Water and Sewer Enterprise projects is shown in the DPW Budget
under elements 3610 and 3710, respectively.
Debt Service voted to be exempt from Proposition 2½, while not appropriated by Town Meeting, is
presented for informational purposes.
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
There is no direct staff charged to this line-item. Staff support for managing debt service is provided
through the Finance department.
Budget Recommendations:
Total gross debt service is decreasing by $(734,012), or (3.19)% compared to FY2025, which reflects a
decrease in within levy debt service.
Within-Levy debt service of $5,983,068 is decreasing by $(140,284), or (2.29)% as existing debt on
older projects has been fully paid-off. In recent years the Town has increased the cash capital
program and accordingly reduced the issuance of new within-levy debt. Lower debt service expense
reduces interest costs and creates capacity within the tax levy to fund future capital projects with cash.
For FY2026 there are no new General Fund capital projects proposed for debt financing. The Town
may issue new within-levy debt to meet ongoing capital needs when cash financing is not available in
future years.
FY2026 gross exempt debt service is projected at $16,290,441, a decrease of $(593,728), or (3.52)%
compared to FY2025 gross exempt debt service due to the declining interest payments of prior
issuances. No funding is appropriated in FY2026 from the Capital Stabilization Fund to offset exempt
debt service.
The Town continues to plan for a large-scale reconstruction of Lexington High School and this
preliminary Budget includes an request for an estimated $654.0 million in construction costs. The
appropriation for construction funding is expected at a Special Town Meeting in the Fall of 2025, and
will be contingent on a successful Proposition 2½ debt exclusion referendum, which is also expected to
occur in the Fall of 2025. If approved, The Town expects that the MSBA will contribute approximately
$100 million to the project which will reduce the amount the Town must borrow. Debt service will begin
to be recognized in FY2027 and will increase in the following years, likely peaking in FY2030-2032. As
outlined in the policy section of this document the Town's fiscal guideline to set-aside tax levy from
new development is expected to partly offset Exempt Debt Service beginning in FY2028.
The FY2026 proposed capital projects are described in greater detail in Section XI: Capital Investment
in this Preliminary Recommended Budget and Financing Plan.
2400 Debt Service Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-12
Budget Summary
Funding Sources (All Funds)FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 22,360,740 $ 22,757,458 $ 22,833,521 $ 22,069,634 $ — $ 22,069,634 $ (763,887) (3.35) %
Fund Transfers
Capital Stab. Fund - Exempt Debt $ 800,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund $ 16,125 $ 50,408 $ 123,000 $ 151,875 $ — $ 151,875 $ 28,875 23.48 %
Betterments Fund $ — $ 11,500 $ 1,000 $ 2,000 $ — $ 2,000 $ 1,000 100.00 %
Visitors Center Stabilization Fund $ — $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ — $ 50,000 $ — — %
Total Debt Service $ 23,176,865 $ 23,369,366 $ 23,007,521 $ 22,273,509 $ — $ 22,273,509 $ (734,012) (3.19) %
Appropriation Summary
(All Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 23,176,865 $ 23,369,366 $ 23,007,521 $ 22,273,509 $ — $ 22,273,509 $ (734,012) (3.19) %
Total Debt Service $ 23,176,865 $ 23,369,366 $ 23,007,521 $ 22,273,509 $ — $ 22,273,509 $ (734,012) (3.19) %
Gross Within Levy Debt Service FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 2410 Within-Levy Long-Term Principal*$ 5,274,000 $ 4,806,800 $ 4,290,400 $ 3,895,500 $ — $ 3,895,500 $ (394,900) (9.20) %
Total 2420 Within-Levy Long-Term Interest $ 1,217,534 $ 1,160,782 $ 1,202,976 $ 1,288,057 $ — $ 1,288,057 $ 85,081 7.07 %
Total 2430 Within-Levy Short-Term Principal $ 659,012 $ 549,644 $ — $ 5,810 $ 5,810 $ 5,810 — %
Total 2430 Within-Levy Short-Term Interest $ 17,933 $ 40,491 $ 629,976 $ 793,701 $ — $ 793,701 $ 163,725 25.99 %
Total Gross Within-Levy Debt Service $ 7,168,480 $ 6,557,717 $ 6,123,352 $ 5,983,068 $ — $ 5,983,068 $ (140,284) (2.29) %
Net Within Levy Debt Service FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 2410 Within-Levy Long-Term Principal $ 5,274,000 $ 4,806,800 $ 4,290,400 $ 3,895,500 $ — $ 3,895,500 $ (394,900) (9.20) %
Total 2420 Within-Levy Long-Term Interest $ 1,217,534 $ 1,160,782 $ 1,202,976 $ 1,288,057 $ — $ 1,288,057 $ 85,081 7.07 %
Total 2430 Within-Levy Short-Term Borrowing $ 676,945 $ 590,135 $ 629,976 $ 799,511 $ — $ 799,511 $ 169,535 26.91 %
Funding from Cemetery Sale of Lots/Betterments/Visitors Center $ (16,125) $ (111,908) $ (174,000) $ (203,875) $ — $ (203,875) $ (29,875) 17.17 %
Total Net Within-Levy Debt Service $ 7,152,355 $ 6,445,809 $ 5,949,352 $ 5,779,193 $ — $ 5,779,193 $ (170,159) (2.86) %
Exempt Debt Service FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total Exempt Debt Service $ 16,008,385 $ 16,811,649 $ 16,884,169 $ 16,290,441 $ — $ 16,290,441 $ (593,728) (3.52) %
Mitigation/Reduction of Exempt Debt Service using the Capital Stabilization Fund $ (800,000) $ (500,000) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Net Exempt Debt Service $ 15,208,385 $ 16,311,649 $ 16,884,169 $ 16,290,441 $ — $ 16,290,441 $ (593,728) (3.52) %
Total Gross Debt Service - All Funds $ 23,176,865 $ 23,369,366 $ 23,007,521 $ 22,273,509 $ — $ 22,273,509 $ (734,012) (3.19) %
Total Net Debt Service - All Funds $ 22,360,740 $ 22,757,458 $ 22,833,521 $ 22,069,634 $ — $ 22,069,634 $ (763,887) (3.35) %
2400 Debt Service Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-13
Mission: To provide for extraordinary and unforeseen expenses.
Budget Overview: The Reserve Fund (General Fund) is under the jurisdiction of the Appropriation
Committee. Funds may be utilized for extraordinary and/or unforeseen expenses in any given fiscal
year. If not utilized, the budget in this account reverts to Free Cash at the end of the fiscal year.
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
There is no direct staff charged to this line item. Staff support is provided through the Town Manager
and Finance departments.
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommendation for the Reserve Fund is $850,000, which is level funded compared to the
FY2025 appropriation.
Notes: In FY2023 through FY2024 budgets for the Reserve Fund were $750,000 in each year,
increasing to $850,000 in FY2025 and FY2026.
•In FY2023 the full $750,000 was transferred to fund the purchase and installation of public
safety communication equipment that was incompatible with the more modern technology at
the temporary and new Police Station sites. Town Meeting subsequently appropriated an
additional $500,000 to replenish the Reserve Fund at the Fall 2022-3 Special Town Meeting. No
further transfers were made from the Reserve Fund for FY2023.
•In FY2022, $174,000 was transferred to the Recreation Department to address a drainage issue
at Pine Meadows Golf Course. An equal amount was transferred back to the Reserve Fund from
the Enterprise Fund at annual Town Meeting.
•In FY2021, $15,000 was transferred to the Conservation Division to allow them to respond to a
Letter of Map Revision from the Town of Belmont.
2500 Reserve Fund Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
III-14
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Total 2500 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Total 2500 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Level-Service Requests FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 2500 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Total 2500 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Contractual Services $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Supplies $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
Total 2500 Reserve Fund $ — $ — $ 850,000 $ 850,000 $ — $ 850,000 $ — — %
2500 Reserve Fund Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
III-15
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Mission: The mission of the Department of Public Facilities is to manage the efficient operation and
maintenance of Town buildings, preserve the facility and equipment assets of the Town, and plan and
implement capital improvements. This mission is accomplished by establishing appropriate services in
support of building users, fostering continuous improvement in delivery of services, and by establishing
a five-year capital plan in collaboration with the Permanent Building Committee and other Town
committees.
Budget Overview: The Department of Public Facilities (DPF) is responsible for the coordination and
care of all Town-owned buildings inclusive of those under the control of the Town Manager, Library
Trustees, Recreation Committee, and School Committee. The primary areas of service include custodial
care and cleaning, building maintenance and repair (including preventative maintenance), utilities, and
landscaping and grounds (school buildings only). The DPF administrative staff develops and
implements the maintenance programs that provide services for the Town buildings. In addition, the
DPF Capital Budget and the Building Rental Revolving Fund are managed by DPF staff.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Working closely with the School Department, students, elected officials, committees and the
citizens on the development and construction of a new Lexington High School project.
2.Support implementation of Town solar integration projects.
3.Continue to develop and refine a 10 year construction schedule
4.Incorporate the recommendations from the 20-year capital plan into the 5-year capital plan.
2600 Public Facilities Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-17
2600 Public Facilities Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-18
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
School Facilities 2610
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Maintenance Staff 12 12 12 12
Custodian 54 54 54 54
Subtotal FTE 66 66 66 66
Municipal Facilities 2620
Custodian 12 12 12 12
Subtotal FTE 12 12 12 12
Shared Facilities 2630
Director of Public Facilities 1 1 1 1
Assistant Director of Public Facilities 1 1 1 1
Superintendent of Custodial Services 1 1 1 1
Project Manager 1 1 1 1
Facility Superintendent 1 1 1 1
Facility Engineer 1 1 1 1
Event Manager/AV Tech 1 1 1 1
LHS Facility Manager 1 1 1 1
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Admin. Asst. - Facility Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Admin. Asst. - Clerical/Rental Administrator 1 1 1 1
Data Analyst 1 1 1 1
Subtotal FTE 12 12 12 12
Total FTE 90 90 90 90
2600 Public Facilities Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-19
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Department of Public Facilities budget inclusive of the General
Fund operating budget and the Building Rental Revolving Fund is $15,836,215. The recommended
budget is a $639,043, or 4.21% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The Department of Public Facilities FY2026 recommended General Fund operating budget, inclusive of
the Education Facilities, Municipal Facilities and Shared Facilities divisions, is $15,189,172, which is a
$623,318, or 4.28% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $7,180,406, and reflects a $190,114 or 2.72%
increase, which provides contractually obligated and projected step increases and cost of living
increases.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $8,008,766 and reflects a $433,204, or 5.72%
increase. This reflects an overall increase in the cost of utilities, contract labor, cleaning materials and
other supplies.
For FY2026, Utilities are increasing by $133,840 or 3.04% which reflects an increase in projected
electricity costs. The Facilities Department continues to review natural gas usage in Municipal and
School buildings as several have converted to be all electric in recent years. This review resulted in a
reduction of $(52,499) in natural gas expenses in the FY2026 budget.
The FY2026 Facilities Department recommended Building Rental Revolving Fund budget is $647,043,
an increase of $15,725 or 2.49%, which is attributable to increases in wages, staff overtime and
benefits charged to this account.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Solar Canopy and Rooftop System Maintenance $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ —
2600 Public Facilities Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-20
Budget Summary - General Fund
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 11,844,162 $ 14,107,228 $ 14,542,529 $ 15,043,711 $ 20,000 $ 15,063,711 $ 521,182 3.58 %
Connected Solutions $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 — %
PEG Special Revenue Fund $ 21,212 $ 22,285 $ 23,325 $ 25,461 $ — $ 25,461 $ 2,136 9.16 %
Total 2600 - Gen'l Fund $ 11,865,374 $ 14,129,513 $ 14,565,854 $ 15,169,172 $ 20,000 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.14 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 5,975,877 $ 6,451,007 $ 6,990,292 $ 7,180,406 $ — $ 7,180,406 $ 190,114 2.72 %
Expenses $ 5,889,497 $ 7,678,506 $ 7,575,562 $ 7,988,766 $ 20,000 $ 8,008,766 $ 433,204 5.72 %
Total 2600 - Gen'l Fund $ 11,865,374 $ 14,129,513 $ 14,565,854 $ 15,169,172 $ 20,000 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.28 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
2610 - Education Facilities $ 8,459,351 $ 10,290,307 $ 10,061,535 $ 10,243,252 $ — $ 10,243,252 $ 181,717 1.81 %
2620 - Municipal Facilities $ 2,316,221 $ 2,366,101 $ 2,984,423 $ 3,372,696 $ — $ 3,372,696 $ 388,273 13.01 %
2630 - Shared Facilities $ 1,089,802 $ 1,473,105 $ 1,519,896 $ 1,553,224 $ 20,000 $ 1,573,224 $ 53,328 3.51 %
Total 2600 - Gen'l Fund $ 11,865,374 $ 14,129,513 $ 14,565,854 $ 15,169,172 $ 20,000 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.28 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 5,655,659 $ 5,949,532 $ 6,600,476 $ 6,775,651 $ — $ 6,775,651 $ 175,175 2.65 %
Overtime $ 320,218 $ 501,475 $ 389,816 $ 404,755 $ — $ 404,755 $ 14,939 3.83 %
Personal Services $ 5,975,877 $ 6,451,007 $ 6,990,292 $ 7,180,406 $ — $ 7,180,406 $ 190,114 2.72 %
Contractual Services $ 1,624,750 $ 2,280,448 $ 1,928,519 $ 2,074,700 $ 20,000 $ 2,094,700 $ 166,181 8.62 %
Utilities $ 3,165,957 $ 3,476,446 $ 4,409,000 $ 4,542,840 $ — $ 4,542,840 $ 133,840 3.04 %
Supplies $ 996,954 $ 1,300,597 $ 949,675 $ 1,080,226 $ — $ 1,080,226 $ 130,551 13.75 %
Small Capital $ 101,836 $ 621,014 $ 288,368 $ 291,000 $ — $ 291,000 $ 2,632 0.91 %
Expenses $ 5,889,497 $ 7,678,506 $ 7,575,562 $ 7,988,766 $ 20,000 $ 8,008,766 $ 433,204 5.72 %
Total 2600 - Gen'l Fund $ 11,865,374 $ 14,129,513 $ 14,565,854 $ 15,169,172 $ 20,000 $ 15,189,172 $ 623,318 4.28 %
Budget Summary - Non-General Funds
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Building Rental Revolving Fund $ 558,955 $ 732,969 $ 631,318 $ 647,043 $ — $ 647,043 $ 15,725 2.49 %
Total 2600 - Non-Gen'l Fund $ 558,955 $ 732,969 $ 631,318 $ 647,043 $ — $ 647,043 $ 15,725 2.49 %
*PEG revenues are tied to spending. For overall revenue, see Select Board budget presentation.
Appropriations Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Building Rental Revolving Fund $ 600,824 $ 541,047 $ 631,318 $ 647,043 $ — $ 647,043 $ 15,725 2.49 %
Personal Services $ 293,761 $ 306,925 $ 413,089 $ 427,344 $ — $ 427,344 $ 14,255 3.45 %
Expenses $ 290,747 $ 217,716 $ 198,000 $ 198,000 $ — $ 198,000 $ — — %
Benefits $ 16,316 $ 16,406 $ 20,229 $ 21,699 $ — $ 21,699 $ 1,470 7.27 %
Total 2600 - Non-Gen'l Fund $ 600,824 $ 541,047 $ 631,318 $ 647,043 $ — $ 647,043 $ 15,725 2.49 %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 6,269,638 $ 6,757,932 $ 7,403,381 $ 7,607,750 $ — $ 7,607,750 $ 204,369 2.76 %
Expenses $ 6,180,244 $ 7,896,221 $ 7,773,562 $ 8,186,766 $ 20,000 $ 8,206,766 $ 433,204 5.57 %
Benefits $ 16,316 $ 16,406 $ 20,229 $ 21,699 $ — $ 21,699 $ 1,470 7.27 %
Total 2600 (All Funds)$ 12,466,198 $ 14,670,559 $ 15,197,172 $ 15,816,215 $ 20,000 $ 15,836,215 $ 639,043 4.21 %
2600 Public Facilities Program: Shared Expenses
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IV-21
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Section V: Program 3000: Public Works
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for the
Department of Public Works (DPW). It includes:
•3000-3500 DPW Summary V-2
•3100 DPW Administration & Engineering V-7
•3200 Highway V-12
•3300 Public Grounds V-16
•3400 Environmental Services V-21
•3600 Water Enterprise V-26
•3700 Sewer Enterprise V-30
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-1
Mission: The Department of Public Works (DPW) is a professional team dedicated to enhancing the
quality of life in Lexington and supporting the Town's core values. We make every effort to maximize
the efficient, effective use of our resources in the support, maintenance and upkeep of the
infrastructure, public lands and programs. We are committed to public safety and providing prompt,
courteous, quality service to our customers and each other.
Budget Overview: The Public Works program contains all ten DPW divisions. The services provided
by Public Works include the maintenance, repair, and construction of the Town's infrastructure, roads,
equipment, and property. The DPW is responsible for 284 lane miles of road, 154 miles of water
mains, 34 miles of trunk sewer lines, 119 miles of street sewer lines, 4,700 catch basins, 160 pieces of
equipment, 9 parks, 4 cemeteries, and the 5.5 mile-long Jack Eddison Memorial Bikeway. Public Works
supports Town functions through the maintenance and repair of facilities such as playing fields and the
bikeway. This program also includes the Town's water and sewer operations, which function as
separate enterprise funds and are shown in separate enterprise budgets.
Along with the day-to-day duties of DPW staff, many are also actively involved or work with Town
committees. Those committees include the Permanent Building Committee, the Tree Committee, the
Center Committee, the Water and Sewer Abatement Board, the Capital Expenditures Committee, the
Appropriation Committee, the Transportation Safety Group, the Bicycle Advisory Committee, the
Commission on Disabilities, the Monuments and Memorials Committee, Sustainable Lexington
Committee, the Noise Advisory Committee and the Recreation Committee. Committee members and
staff also work collaboratively on internal committees and teams.
Departmental Initiatives:
1. Coordinate Administrative and Operations functions to maintain a functionally efficient
organization.
2. Continue to research, test and implement new technologies to improve efficiencies.
3. Ensure staff accessibility and participation for training and advancement opportunities.
3000-3500 DPW Summary Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-2
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Department of Public Works - General Fund
Director of Public Works 1 1 1 1
Manager of Operations 1 1 1 1
Management Analyst 1 1 1 1
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Department Account Assistants*2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6
Department Assistant - Pub Grounds/Cemetery 1 1 1 1
Department Lead Assistant 1 1 1 1
Town Engineer 1 1 1 1
Assistant Town Engineer 1 1 1 1
Senior Civil Engineers 4 4 4 4
Engineering Assistants/Inspectors 2 2 2 2
Engineering Aide 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
Supt. of Equipment, Highways & Drains 1 1 1 1
Highway Foreman 1 1 1 1
Crew Chief 6 6 6 6
Heavy Equipment Operators 16 16 16 16
Information Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Seasonal Laborers 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1
Equipment Foreman 1 1 1 1
Mechanic 4 4 4 4
Superintendent of Public Grounds 1 1 1 1
Asst. Supt. of Public Grounds**——1 1
Leadmen 7 7 7 7
Arborists 3 3 3 3
Cemetery Foreman 1 1 1 1
Department of Public Works - Compost Revolving Fund
Superintendent of Environmental Services 1 1 1 1
Compost Facility Foreman 1 1 1 1
Leadman 1 1 1 1
Heavy Equipment Operator***1 2 2 2
Seasonal Attendant***0.7 0 0 0
Total FTE 65.1 65.4 66.4 66.4
Total FT/PT 62 FT/5 PT 63 FT/4 PT 64 FT/4 PT 64 FT/4 PT
*One full-time Department Account Assistant is shown as 0.6 FTE from the General Fund; 0.4 FTE is charged to the Water/Sewer Enterprise Funds.
**An Assistant Superintendent of Public Grounds position was created via a program improvement request in FY2025
***In FY2023, Special Town Meeting 2022-3 voted to upgrade a part-time Seasonal Attendant position to a full-time benefited Heavy Equipment Operator position.
3000-3500 DPW Summary Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-3
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Public Works budget inclusive of the General Fund operating
budget and the Burial Containers, Compost Operations, Lexington Tree Fund and Minuteman
Household Hazardous Waste revolving funds is $15,385,183. The recommended budget is a
$1,011,709, or 7.04% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The FY2026 recommended Public Works General Fund operating budget is $13,971,800, which is a
$886,694, or 6.78% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $5,428,165, and reflects a $192,345 or 3.67%
increase, which is attributable to the cost of contractually obligated step increases and cost of living
adjustments. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for
contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the
Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $8,543,634.57 and reflects a $694,349 or 8.85%
increase.
The combined FY2026 recommended Revolving Fund budgets (see page V-6) are $1,578,383 which is
a $290,015 or 22.51% increase from the FY2025 budget due to an increase in contract services.
Please see the division sections on the following pages for a detailed explanation of the FY2026 budget
changes.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)
Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Additional Removal & Pruning from Tree Inventory $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ —
Recommended to be funded by Free Cash as a one-time expense in FY2026.
3000-3500 DPW Summary Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-4
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources (General Fund)FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 10,084,905 $ 10,430,440 $ 12,052,644 $ 12,664,887 $ — $ 12,664,887 $ 612,243 5.08 %
Enterprise Funds (Indirects)$ 519,198 $ 614,351 $ 633,912 $ 652,612 $ — $ 652,612 $ 18,700 2.95 %
Fees, Charges and Available Funds
Parking Fund $ — $ — $ — $ 39,000 $ — $ 39,000 $ 39,000 — %
ARPA Funds $ — $ — $ — $ 165,000 $ — $ 165,000 $ 165,000 — %
Cemetery Trust $ 101,500 $ 130,898 $ 70,000 $ 100,000 $ — $ 100,000 $ 30,000 42.86 %
Cemetery Prep Fees $ 308,826 $ 324,748 $ 250,000 $ 298,000 $ — $ 298,000 $ 48,000 19.20 %
Misc. Charges for Service $ 142 $ 192 $ 200 $ 200 $ — $ 200 $ — — %
Licenses & Permits $ 55,239 $ 59,792 $ 78,350 $ 52,100 $ — $ 52,100 $ (26,250) (33.50) %
Total 3100-3500 DPW Gen'l Fund $ 11,069,810 $ 11,560,421 $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ — $ 13,971,800 $ 886,693 6.78 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 4,649,707 $ 4,883,018 $ 5,235,820 $ 5,428,165 $ — $ 5,428,165 $ 192,345 3.67 %
Expenses $ 6,420,103 $ 6,677,403 $ 7,849,286 $ 8,543,635 $ — $ 8,543,635 $ 694,349 8.85 %
Total 3100-3500 DPW Gen'l Fund $ 11,069,810 $ 11,560,421 $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ — $ 13,971,800 $ 886,694 6.78 %
Program Summary (General Fund)FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 3110 Administration $ 759,892 $ 786,714 $ 786,196 $ 881,368 $ — $ 881,368 $ 95,172 12.11 %
Total 3120 Town Engineering $ 998,807 $ 1,012,880 $ 1,172,113 $ 1,220,210 $ — $ 1,220,210 $ 48,097 4.10 %
Total 3130 Street Lighting $ 189,845 $ 167,412 $ 190,500 $ 190,000 $ — $ 190,000 $ (500) (0.26) %
Total 3210 Highway $ 1,382,961 $ 1,513,529 $ 1,701,427 $ 1,705,224 $ — $ 1,705,224 $ 3,797 0.22 %
Total 3220 Equipment Maint.$ 944,698 $ 930,756 $ 961,531 $ 1,024,781 $ — $ 1,024,781 $ 63,250 6.58 %
Total 3230 Snow Removal $ 1,434,533 $ 1,122,072 $ 1,594,186 $ 1,633,977 $ — $ 1,633,977 $ 39,791 2.50 %
Total 3310 Parks $ 1,424,014 $ 1,445,245 $ 1,735,328 $ 1,760,735 $ — $ 1,760,735 $ 25,407 1.46 %
Total 3320 Forestry $ 509,407 $ 436,535 $ 555,920 $ 578,422 $ — $ 578,422 $ 22,502 4.05 %
Total 3330 Cemetery $ 339,020 $ 381,044 $ 412,761 $ 459,348 $ — $ 459,348 $ 46,587 11.29 %
Total 3410 Refuse Collection $ 1,084,157 $ 1,390,417 $ 1,255,735 $ 1,437,563 $ — $ 1,437,563 $ 181,828 14.48 %
Total 3420 Recycling $ 1,314,058 $ 1,675,580 $ 1,995,928 $ 2,300,418 $ — $ 2,300,418 $ 304,490 15.26 %
Total 3430 Refuse Disposal $ 688,418 $ 698,237 $ 723,481 $ 779,754 $ — $ 779,754 $ 56,273 7.78 %
Total 3100-3500 DPW Gen'l Fund $ 11,069,810 $ 11,560,421 $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ — $ 13,971,800 $ 886,693 6.78 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 4,076,586 $ 4,303,511 $ 4,752,560 $ 4,929,098 $ — $ 4,929,098 $ 176,538 3.71 %
Overtime $ 573,122 $ 579,507 $ 483,260 $ 499,067 $ — $ 499,067 $ 15,807 3.27 %
Personal Services $ 4,649,707 $ 4,883,018 $ 5,235,820 $ 5,428,165 $ — $ 5,428,165 $ 192,345 3.67 %
Contractual Services $ 4,709,004 $ 5,212,152 $ 5,906,386 $ 6,622,735 $ — $ 6,622,735 $ 716,349 12.13 %
Utilities $ 474,007 $ 423,989 $ 514,100 $ 493,100 $ — $ 493,100 $ (21,000) (4.08) %
Supplies $ 1,167,569 $ 965,116 $ 1,243,800 $ 1,286,900 $ — $ 1,286,900 $ 43,100 3.47 %
Small Capital $ 69,522 $ 76,147 $ 185,000 $ 140,900 $ — $ 140,900 $ (44,100) (23.84) %
Expenses $ 6,420,103 $ 6,677,403 $ 7,849,286 $ 8,543,635 $ — $ 8,543,635 $ 694,348 8.85 %
Total 3100-3500 DPW Gen'l Fund $ 11,069,810 $ 11,560,421 $ 13,085,106 $ 13,971,800 $ — $ 13,971,800 $ 886,693 6.78 %
3000-3500 DPW Summary Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-5
Budget Summary - Grants & Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources (Non-General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Lexington Tree Fund $ 217,571 $ 38,800 $ 120,000 $ 150,000 $ — $ 150,000 $ 30,000 25.00 %
Burial Containers $ 57,323 $ 40,490 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 $ — $ 60,000 $ — — %
Compost Operations $ 881,867 $ 1,098,040 $ 858,368 $ 953,383 $ — $ 953,383 $ 95,015 11.07 %
ARPA Grant Funds $ — $ — $ — $ 165,000 $ — $ 165,000 $ — — %
Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste $ 171,732 $ 259,476 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ — $ 250,000 $ — — %
Total 3100-3500 DPW Rev. Funds $ 1,328,493 $ 1,436,806 $ 1,288,368 $ 1,578,383 $ — $ 1,578,383 $ 290,015 22.51 %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriation Summary (Non-General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Tree Revolving Fund (3320)
Expenses $ 115,457 $ 70,336 $ 120,000 $ 150,000 $ — $ 150,000 $ 30,000 25.00 %
Burial Containers Revolving Fund (3330)
Expenses $ 33,460 $ 26,690 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 $ — $ 60,000 $ — — %
Compost Operations Rev. Fund (3420)$ 929,350 $ 940,275 $ 858,368 $ 953,383 $ — $ 953,383 $ 95,015 11.07 %
Compensation $ 346,268 $ 360,383 $ 368,821 $ 418,455 $ — $ 418,455 $ 49,634 13.46 %
Expenses $ 274,804 $ 315,730 $ 225,600 $ 257,600 $ — $ 257,600 $ 32,000 14.18 %
Benefits $ 80,803 $ 75,726 $ 81,981 $ 95,362 $ — $ 95,362 $ 13,381 16.32 %
Debt $ 227,475 $ 188,436 $ 181,966 $ 181,966 $ — $ 181,966 $ — — %
Refuse & Recycling Collection Rev. Fund (3420)
Expenses $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
ARPA Grant Funds
Expenses $ — $ — $ — $ 165,000 $ — $ 165,000 $ — — %
Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste (3420)
Expenses $ 155,685 $ 190,685 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ — $ 250,000 $ — — %
Total 3100-3500 DPW Rev. Funds $ 1,233,952 $ 1,227,984 $ 1,288,368 $ 1,578,383 $ — $ 1,578,383 $ 290,015 22.51 %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary (All Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 4,995,975 $ 5,243,401 $ 5,604,641 $ 5,846,620 $ — $ 5,846,620 $ 241,979 4.32 %
Expenses $ 6,999,509 $ 7,280,844 $ 8,504,886 $ 9,261,235 $ — $ 9,261,235 $ 756,349 8.89 %
Benefits (Revolving Funds)$ 80,803 $ 75,726 $ 81,981 $ 95,362 $ — $ 95,362 $ 13,381 16.32 %
Debt Service (Revolving Fund)$ 227,475 $ 188,436 $ 181,966 $ 181,966 $ — $ 181,966 $ — — %
Total 3100-3500 DPW All Funds $ 12,303,762 $ 12,788,405 $ 14,373,474 $ 15,385,183 $ — $ 15,385,183 $ 1,011,709 7.04 %
3000-3500 DPW Summary Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-6
Mission: This element of the budget provides executive direction and leadership to all aspects of the
Department of Public Works (DPW) by promoting best management practices, administering Town
policies and providing engineering support to other DPW divisions and Town departments.
Budget Overview:
DPW Administration includes Administration, Operations, Engineering and Street Lighting. DPW
Administration Management staff plan, supervise, coordinate, schedule and direct the department's
activities. Staff are responsible for preparing budgets, monitoring expenditures, developing bid
specifications for DPW procurements, responding to citizens' questions and concerns, evaluating work
performance, performing inspections, managing projects and scheduling work assignments.
Staff also support various committees including the Permanent Building Committee, the Center
Committee, the Capital Expenditures Committee, the Conservation Committee, the Bicycle Advisory
Committee, the Tree Committee, and Sustainable Lexington.
Division Initiatives:
1.Continue use of work order system and explore other programs that ensure the efficiency of
customer response and also enhance employee skills.
2.Continue to research and implement new technologies that improve efficiency and
effectiveness.
3.Maintain and create a diverse and talented workforce by utilizing improved employee
recruitment processes and and continuing to promote professional growth and development of
staff.
4.Continue to research and implement environmental initiatives.
3100 DPW Administration & Engineering Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-7
3100 DPW Administration & Engineering Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-8
Authorized/Appropriated StaffingAuthorized/Appropriated Staffing FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Element 3110: DPW Administration
Director of Public Works 1 1 1 1
Manager of Operations 1 1 1 1
Management Analyst 1 1 1 1
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Department Lead Assistant 1 1 1 1
Department Account Assistants*2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6
Information Coordinator**0 0 1 1
Subtotal FTE 7.6 7.6 8.6 8.6
Subtotal FT/PT 8 FT/0 PT 8 FT/0 PT 9 FT/0 PT 9 FT/0 PT
Element 3120: Engineering
Town Engineer 1 1 1 1
Assistant Town Engineer 1 1 1 1
Senior Civil Engineer 4 4 4 4
Engineering Assistant 2 2 2 2
Engineering Aide 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
Subtotal FTE 8.7 8.7 8.7 8.7
Subtotal FT/PT 8 FT/1 PT 8 FT/1 PT 8 FT/1 PT 8 FT/1 PT
Total FTE 16.3 16.3 17.3 17.3
Total FT/PT 15 FT/2 PT 15 FT/1 PT 16 FT/1 PT 16 FT/1 PT
*One full-time Department Account Assistant is split between the DPW Admin, Water, and Sewer divisions.
**In FY2025, the Information Coordinator was moved from the Highway division to Administration.
3100 DPW Administration & Engineering Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-9
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Administration and Engineering budget, inclusive of the General
Fund operating budgets for Administration, Engineering, and Street Lighting, is $2,291,578. The
recommended budget is a $142,769 or 6.64% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The recommended FY2026 Administration and Engineering General Fund operating budget is
$2,291,578 which is a $142,769, or 6.64% increase from FY2025. Of this amount, $1,801,578 is for
Compensation and reflects a $92,769 or 5.43% increase, which is attributable to the cost of step
increases. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for
contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the
Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The recommended FY2026 Administration and Engineering General Fund operating budget for
Expenses is $490,000 and reflects a $50,000, or 11.36% increase. This net increase is due to an
increase in professional services in the Engineering budget, and a decrease of $(500) or (0.27)% in the
Street Lighting expense budget which realizes savings from the LED Street Light conversion.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
3100 DPW Administration & Engineering Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-10
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 1,450,199 $ 1,458,545 $ 1,601,418 $ 1,756,606 $ — $ 1,756,606 $ 155,188 9.69 %
Enterprise Funds (Indirects)$ 442,964 $ 448,477 $ 468,841 $ 482,672 $ — $ 482,672 $ 13,831 2.95 %
Fees & Charges
Charges for Service $ 142 $ 192 $ 200 $ 200 $ — $ 200 $ — — %
Licenses & Permits $ 55,239 $ 59,792 $ 78,350 $ 52,100 $ — $ 52,100 $ (26,250) (33.50) %
Parking Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Total 3100 - General Fund $ 1,948,544 $ 1,967,006 $ 2,148,809 $ 2,291,578 $ — $ 2,291,578 $ 142,769 6.64 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 1,534,186 $ 1,622,476 $ 1,708,809 $ 1,801,578 $ — $ 1,801,578 $ 92,769 5.43 %
Expenses $ 414,358 $ 344,530 $ 440,000 $ 490,000 $ — $ 490,000 $ 50,000 11.36 %
Total 3100 - General Fund $ 1,948,544 $ 1,967,006 $ 2,148,809 $ 2,291,578 $ — $ 2,291,578 $ 142,769 6.64 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 3110 DPW Administration $ 759,892 $ 786,714 $ 786,196 $ 881,368 $ — $ 881,368 $ 95,172 12.11 %
Total 3120 Engineering $ 998,807 $ 1,012,880 $ 1,172,113 $ 1,220,210 $ — $ 1,220,210 $ 48,097 4.10 %
Total 3130 Street Lighting $ 189,845 $ 167,412 $ 190,500 $ 190,000 $ — $ 190,000 $ (500) (0.26) %
Total 3100 - General Fund $ 1,948,544 $ 1,967,006 $ 2,148,809 $ 2,291,578 $ — $ 2,291,578 $ 142,769 6.64 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 1,530,117 $ 1,617,618 $ 1,696,551 $ 1,789,178 $ — $ 1,789,178 $ 92,627 5.46 %
Overtime $ 4,069 $ 4,858 $ 12,258 $ 12,400 $ — $ 12,400 $ 142 1.16 %
Personal Services $ 1,534,186 $ 1,622,476 $ 1,708,809 $ 1,801,578 $ — $ 1,801,578 $ 92,769 5.43 %
Contractual Services $ 270,612 $ 197,857 $ 288,900 $ 343,600 $ — $ 343,600 $ 54,700 18.93 %
Utilities $ 91,623 $ 113,425 $ 102,200 $ 102,200 $ — $ 102,200 $ — — %
Supplies $ 52,059 $ 33,075 $ 47,900 $ 43,300 $ — $ 43,300 $ (4,600) (9.60) %
Small Capital $ 64 $ 172 $ 1,000 $ 900 $ — $ 900 $ (100) (10.00) %
Expenses $ 414,358 $ 344,530 $ 440,000 $ 490,000 $ — $ 490,000 $ 50,000 11.36 %
Total 3100 - General Fund $ 1,948,544 $ 1,967,006 $ 2,148,809 $ 2,291,578 $ — $ 2,291,578 $ 142,769 6.64 %
3100 DPW Administration & Engineering Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-11
Mission: The Highway Division maintains the town streets, sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure,
providing for the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The Highway Division performs
minor construction repairs, snow and ice operations for roadways and sidewalks, maintains all traffic
signage, traffic markings and supervises contractual service providers that perform repairs, cleaning
and maintenance work. In addition, the Equipment Maintenance Division ensures the Town's fleet is
operational and well maintained by performing repairs, preventive maintenance and managing the fuel
management program.
Budget Overview: The Highway Division includes Highway Maintenance, Equipment Maintenance
and Snow Removal.
•Highway Maintenance is responsible for all public streets, sidewalks, town parking lots, drainage
infrastructure and brooks, performing minor construction repairs, as well as maintaining all
traffic signage and traffic markings.
•Equipment Maintenance is responsible for the repair and preventive maintenance of 160
vehicles, rolling stock and equipment.
•Snow Removal is responsible for removing snow and treating 155 miles of roads and 62 miles of
sidewalks.
The Highway Division staff works with and provides support to the Sidewalk and Center Committees.
Division Initiatives:
1.Continue with the repair and replacement of sidewalks based on the 2020 BETA sidewalk
assessment report.
2.Continue with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting requirements including
street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, culvert cleaning, brook cleaning and stormwater best
management practices.
3.Take proactive measures to clean and repair catch basins townwide.
4.Provide timely and efficient response to road hazards that arise on Town roads.
3200 Highway Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-12
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Element 3210: Highway Maintenance
Supt. of Equipment, Highways & Drains 1 1 1 1
Highway Foreman 1 1 1 1
Crew Chief 2 2 2 2
Leadman 2 2 2 2
Shovel Operator 1 1 1 1
Heavy Equipment Operator 5 5 5 5
Information Coordinator**1 1 0 0
Seasonal Laborer 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Subtotal FTE 13.5 13.5 12.5 12.5
Subtotal FT/PT 13 FT/1 PT 13 FT/1 PT 12 FT/1 PT 12 FT/1 PT
Element 3220: Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Foreman 1 1 1 1
Mechanic 4 4 4 4
Subtotal FTE 5 5 5 5
Subtotal FT/PT 5 FT/0 PT 5 FT/0 PT 5 FT/0 PT 5 FT/0 PT
Total FTE 18.5 18.5 17.5 17.5
Total FT/PT 18 FT/1 PT 18 FT/1 PT 17 FT/1 PT 17 FT/1 PT
**In FY2025, the Information Coordinator was moved from the Highway division to Administration.
3200 Highway Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-13
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Highway budget inclusive of the Highway Maintenance, Equipment
Maintenance and Snow Removal divisions is $4,363,982. The recommended budget is a $106,838, or
2.51%, increase from the FY2025 budget.
The budget for Compensation is $1,633,182, and reflects an increase of $18,580 or 1.15%, which is
attributable to the cost of contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments in the
contract with Public Works staff.
The budget for Expenses is $2,730,800 and reflects an $88,258 or 3.34% increase which is due to an
increase in EV charger maintenance costs, vehicle parts and supplies, contract services, and plow
contract costs, offset by a decrease in gasoline/diesel costs.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
3200 Highway Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-14
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 3,685,958 $ 3,497,446 $ 4,191,945 $ 4,257,860 $ — $ 4,257,860 $ 65,915 1.57 %
Enterprise Funds (Indirects)$ 76,234 $ 68,911 $ 65,199 $ 67,122 $ — $ 67,122 $ 1,923 2.95 %
Fees & Charges
Parking Fund $ — $ — $ — $ 39,000 $ — $ 39,000 $ 39,000 — %
Total 3200 Highway $ 3,762,192 $ 3,566,357 $ 4,257,144 $ 4,363,982 $ — $ 4,363,982 $ 106,838 2.51 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 1,561,421 $ 1,540,345 $ 1,614,602 $ 1,633,182 $ — $ 1,633,182 $ 18,580 1.15 %
Expenses $ 2,200,770 $ 2,026,012 $ 2,642,542 $ 2,730,800 $ — $ 2,730,800 $ 88,258 3.34 %
Total 3200 Highway $ 3,762,192 $ 3,566,357 $ 4,257,144 $ 4,363,982 $ — $ 4,363,982 $ 106,838 2.51 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 3210 Highway Maintenance $ 1,382,961 $ 1,513,529 $ 1,701,427 $ 1,705,224 $ — $ 1,705,224 $ 3,797 0.22 %
Total 3220 Equipment Maintenance $ 944,698 $ 930,756 $ 961,531 $ 1,024,781 $ — $ 1,024,781 $ 63,250 6.58 %
Total 3230 Snow Removal $ 1,434,533 $ 1,122,072 $ 1,594,186 $ 1,633,977 $ — $ 1,633,977 $ 39,791 2.50 %
Total 3200 Highway $ 3,762,192 $ 3,566,357 $ 4,257,144 $ 4,363,982 $ — $ 4,363,982 $ 106,838 2.51 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 1,188,253 $ 1,235,496 $ 1,280,088 $ 1,287,542 $ — $ 1,287,542 $ 7,454 0.58 %
Overtime $ 373,168 $ 304,849 $ 334,514 $ 345,640 $ — $ 345,640 $ 11,126 3.33 %
Personal Services $ 1,561,421 $ 1,540,345 $ 1,614,602 $ 1,633,182 $ — $ 1,633,182 $ 18,580 1.15 %
Contractual Services $ 1,002,528 $ 1,000,002 $ 1,277,042 $ 1,352,300 $ — $ 1,352,300 $ 75,258 5.89 %
Utilities $ 263,746 $ 229,761 $ 319,100 $ 289,100 $ — $ 289,100 $ (30,000) (9.40) %
Supplies $ 871,196 $ 732,233 $ 949,400 $ 982,400 $ — $ 982,400 $ 33,000 3.48 %
Small Capital $ 63,300 $ 64,017 $ 97,000 $ 107,000 $ — $ 107,000 $ 10,000 10.31 %
Expenses $ 2,200,770 $ 2,026,012 $ 2,642,542 $ 2,730,800 $ — $ 2,730,800 $ 88,258 3.34 %
Total 3200 Highway $ 3,762,192 $ 3,566,357 $ 4,257,144 $ 4,363,982 $ — $ 4,363,982 $ 106,838 2.51 %
3200 Highway Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-15
Mission: The Public Grounds Division, working with other Town Departments, user groups and
concerned citizens, supports various Town services and recreational opportunities that help to preserve
the Town’s green character and open spaces, and promote public safety. Through the Cemetery
Division, it also serves bereaved families and provides well-maintained cemetery grounds.
Budget Overview: The Public Grounds Division is comprised of the Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery
functions.
•The Parks staff maintain 9 parks, 12 playgrounds, 28 conservation areas, 41 athletic fields, 12
school grounds, 4 tennis facilities, 3 historical sites, the pool and reservoir complexes as well as
the Town’s bicycle, fitness and conservation trails totaling approximately 630 acres. Lexington's
athletic fields are used by many groups, which put excessive demands on these facilities. The
new turf program has continued to make a marked improvement in the safety and playability of
these fields.
•The Forestry staff maintain approximately 10,000 street trees, an undetermined number of
trees on Park and Conservation lands and numerous shrub bed plantings on park, cemetery,
school and conservation properties and along right-of-ways.
•The Cemetery staff is responsible for the administration and maintenance of four cemeteries
including 21.5 acres in Westview, 6.9 acres in Munroe, 1.28 acres in Colonial and 0.5 acres in
Robbins.
Staff support the Recreation, Tree and Bicycle Advisory Committees.
Division Initiatives:
1.Continue the implementation of a proactive park maintenance program to provide safe, well-
maintained, aesthetically pleasing parks, athletic fields and public ground areas.
2.Continue to improve two turf areas per year; Varsity Football and Center One Baseball areas
are targeted for FY2026.
3.Continue to plant 140 trees in the Town Right-of-Ways, parks, public grounds areas, and
setback areas on private property.
4.Continue the implementation of a proactive tree maintenance program to minimize hazard trees
and perform timely tree pruning to promote good tree health, safety and aesthetics.
5.Begin using the tree inventory for Town trees.
6.Continue the GPS location of graves at Westview Cemetery and begin plans for the other
cemeteries.
7.Become acclimated with using the new Westview Cemetery building.
8.Continue to develop the Green Burial program.
3300 Public Grounds Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-16
3300 Public Grounds Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-17
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Element 3310: Parks Division Budget Budget Budget Request
Superintendent of Public Grounds 1 1 1 1
Asst. Supt. of Public Grounds*——1 1
Crew Chief 3 3 3 3
Leadman 4 4 4 4
Heavy Equipment Operator 8 8 8 8
Subtotal FTE 16 16 17 17
Subtotal FT/PT 16 FT/0 PT 16 FT/0 PT 17 FT/0 PT 17 FT/0 PT
Element 3320: Forestry Division
Crew Chief 1 1 1 1
Arborists 3 3 3 3
Heavy Equipment Operator 1 1 1 1
Seasonal Laborer 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Subtotal FTE 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3
Subtotal FT/PT 5 FT/1 PT 5 FT/1 PT 5 FT/1 PT 5 FT/1 PT
Element 3330: Cemetery Division
Cemetery Foreman 1 1 1 1
Leadman 1 1 1 1
Heavy Equipment Operator 1 1 1 1
Department Assistant 1 1 1 1
Seasonal Laborer 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Subtotal FTE 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3
Subtotal FT/PT 4 FT/1 PT 4 FT/1 PT 4 FT/1 PT 4 FT/1 PT
Total FTE 25.6 25.6 26.6 26.6
Total FT/PT 25 FT/2 PT 25 FT/2 PT 25 FT/2 PT 25 FT/2 PT
*In FY2025, an Assistant Superintendent of Public Grounds position was created via a program improvement.
3300 Public Grounds Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-18
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Public Grounds budget inclusive of the General Fund operating
budgets for the Parks, Forestry and Cemetery divisions and the Burial Containers and Lexington Tree
Fund Revolving Funds is $3,008,505, which is a $124,496 or 4.32% increase over the FY2025 budget.
The combined Parks, Forestry and Cemetery FY2026 recommended General Fund operating budget is
$2,798,505 which is a $94,496 or 3.49% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget.
The combined Parks, Forestry and Cemetery General Fund operating budget for Compensation is
$1,993,405 and reflects a $80,996 or 4.24% increase, which is attributable to the cost of contractually
obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments in the contract with Public Works staff.
The combined Parks, Forestry and Cemetery General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $805,100
and reflects a $13,500 or 1.71% increase due to contract costs and tree service expenses.
The combined FY2026 revolving fund budgets are funded at $210,000, an increase of $30,000,
attributable to the Tree Revolving Fund. The increase in the Tree Revolving budget is supported by
increasing tree removal mitigation payments and will allow for additional tree planting in FY2026.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Additional Removal & Pruning from Tree Inventory $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ —
Recommended to be funded by Free Cash as a one-time expense in FY2026.
3300 Public Grounds Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-19
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 1,862,116 $ 1,710,215 $ 2,284,137 $ 2,297,687 $ — $ 2,297,687 $ 13,550 0.59 %
Enterprise Funds (Indirects)$ — $ 96,963 $ 99,872 $ 102,818 $ — $ 102,818 $ 2,946 2.95 %
Fees & Charges
Cemetery Prep Fees $ 308,826 $ 324,748 $ 250,000 $ 298,000 $ — $ 298,000 $ 48,000 19.20 %
Directed Funding
Cemetery Trust $ 101,500 $ 130,898 $ 70,000 $ 100,000 $ — $ 100,000 $ 30,000 42.86 %
Total 3300 - General Fund $ 2,272,442 $ 2,262,824 $ 2,704,009 $ 2,798,505 $ — $ 2,798,505 $ 94,496 3.49 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 1,554,100 $ 1,720,196 $ 1,912,409 $ 1,993,405 $ — $ 1,993,405 $ 80,996 4.24 %
Expenses $ 718,342 $ 542,627 $ 791,600 $ 805,100 $ — $ 805,100 $ 13,500 1.71 %
Total 3300 - General Fund $ 2,272,442 $ 2,262,824 $ 2,704,009 $ 2,798,505 $ — $ 2,798,505 $ 94,496 3.49 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 3310 Parks Division $ 1,424,014 $ 1,445,245 $ 1,735,328 $ 1,760,735 $ — $ 1,760,735 $ 25,407 1.46 %
Total 3320 Forestry $ 509,407 $ 436,535 $ 555,920 $ 578,422 $ — $ 578,422 $ 22,502 4.05 %
Total 3330 Cemetery $ 339,020 $ 381,044 $ 412,761 $ 459,348 $ — $ 459,348 $ 46,587 11.29 %
Total 3300 - General Fund $ 2,272,442 $ 2,262,824 $ 2,704,009 $ 2,798,505 $ — $ 2,798,505 $ 94,496 3.49 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 1,358,215 $ 1,450,397 $ 1,775,921 $ 1,852,378 $ — $ 1,852,378 $ 76,457 4.31 %
Overtime $ 195,885 $ 269,800 $ 136,488 $ 141,027 $ — $ 141,027 $ 4,539 3.33 %
Personal Services $ 1,554,100 $ 1,720,196 $ 1,912,409 $ 1,993,405 $ — $ 1,993,405 $ 80,996 4.24 %
Contractual Services $ 381,890 $ 264,887 $ 405,200 $ 449,300 $ — $ 449,300 $ 44,100 10.88 %
Utilities $ 118,638 $ 80,803 $ 92,800 $ 101,800 $ — $ 101,800 $ 9,000 9.70 %
Supplies $ 211,656 $ 184,980 $ 206,600 $ 221,000 $ — $ 221,000 $ 14,400 6.97 %
Small Capital $ 6,158 $ 11,958 $ 87,000 $ 33,000 $ — $ 33,000 $ (54,000) -62.07 %
Expenses $ 718,342 $ 542,627 $ 791,600 $ 805,100 $ — $ 805,100 $ 13,500 1.71 %
Total 3300 - General Fund $ 2,272,442 $ 2,262,824 $ 2,704,009 $ 2,798,505 $ — $ 2,798,505 $ 94,496 3.49 %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Lexington Tree Fund $ 217,571 $ 38,800 $ 120,000 $ 150,000 $ — $ 150,000 $ 30,000 25.00 %
Burial Containers $ 57,323 $ 40,490 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 $ — $ 60,000 $ — — %
Total 3300 - Revolving Funds $ 274,894 $ 79,290 $ 180,000 $ 210,000 $ — $ 210,000 $ 30,000 16.67 %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Lexington Tree Revolving Fund
Expenses $ 115,457 $ 70,336 $ 120,000 $ 150,000 $ — $ 150,000 $ 30,000 25.00 %
Burial Container Revolving Fund
Expenses $ 33,460 $ 26,690 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 $ — $ 60,000 $ — — %
Total 3300 - Revolving Funds $ 148,917 $ 97,026 $ 180,000 $ 210,000 $ — $ 210,000 $ 30,000 16.67 %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 1,554,100 $ 1,720,196 $ 1,912,409 $ 1,993,405 $ — $ 1,993,405 $ 80,996 4.24 %
Expenses $ 867,259 $ 639,653 $ 971,600 $ 1,015,100 $ — $ 1,015,100 $ 43,500 4.48 %
Total 3300 - All Funds $ 2,421,359 $ 2,359,850 $ 2,884,009 $ 3,008,505 $ — $ 3,008,505 $ 124,496 4.32 %
3300 Public Grounds Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-20
Mission: The Environmental Services Division manages the solid waste, recyclables, yard waste and
household hazardous products generated by households and municipal facilities. The Division also
provides educational materials on ways to reduce solid waste, increase recycling and composting, and
reduce the toxicity of the waste stream.
Budget Overview: The Environmental Services Division includes Refuse Collection and Disposal,
Recycling, Yard Waste and Appliance/Electronic Waste.
Refuse collection is the curbside collection of non-recyclable residential solid waste and the separate
collection of large appliances and yard waste. Recycling is the curbside collection of recyclable
products, management of yard waste operations at the Hartwell Avenue Compost Facility, operation of
the Minuteman Household Hazardous Products regional facility and curbside collection of televisions,
computer monitors and other electronics (CRTs) and drop-off of corrugated cardboard.
The Town entered into a 5-year contract for the collection of trash and recyclables with Capitol Waste
beginning July 1, 2023 running through June 30, 2028. This budget incorporates contract prices.
In FY2024 the Town Manager recommended, and Town Meeting voted, to create a Refuse Collection
Revolving Fund which was intended to generate a fee for collection and disposal of bulky items and
white goods. After further discussion and consideration the Select Board chose not to implement a fee
for this service during FY2024. The cost for collection and disposal of these items remains in the
Town's Refuse Collection budget at no additional cost to the user.
The Town is also currently under contract with Wheelabrator in North Andover for refuse disposal
through June 30, 2025.
Division Initiatives:
1.Continue to monitor the Capitol Waste contract to ensure quality and timely service.
2.Continue to support programs to divert organics and other hard-to-manage items such as
mattresses, food waste, and carpet from residential trash
3.Assess markets and pricing for compost, loam, leaf, bark mulch and yard waste disposal permits.
Propose increase of disposal rates and product pricing reflected in the local markets.
4.Continue to support Zero Waste activities and programs, to promote waste reduction programs at
public events such as Discovery Day, community fairs and other events.
5.Continue the implementation of DPW yard/compost facility operation's plan including gate
installation, security and conservation improvements.
6.Develop and implement cost effective management plan to divert organics from Lexington's
municipal solid waste (MSW).
7.Continue compliance as directed by Mass DEP waste bans of mattresses, carpet and organics.
8.Continue to develop a long term plan to identify waste streams and implement waste reduction
and diversion programs and explore alternative disposal options available in the future.
3400 Environmental Services Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-21
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Element 3420: Recycling* (Compost Facility)
Superintendent of Environmental Services 1 1 1 1
Compost Facility Foreman 1 1 1 1
Leadman 1 1 1 1
Heavy Equipment Operator**1 2 2 2
Seasonal Attendant**0.7 ———
Subtotal FTE 4.7 5 5 5
Subtotal FT/PT 4 FT/1 PT*5 FT*5 FT*5 FT*
Total FTE 4.7 5 5 5
Total FT/PT 4 FT/1 PT 5 FT 5 FT 5 FT
*The positions shown in Element 3420: Recycling are paid from the DPW Compost Revolving Fund.
**In FY2023, Special Town Meeting 2022-3 voted to upgrade a part-time Seasonal Attendant position to a full-time benefited Heavy Equipment Operator position.
3400 Environmental Services Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-22
Budget Recommendations:
The recommended FY2026 All Funds Environmental Services budget inclusive of the General Fund
operating budgets for the Refuse Collection, Recycling and Refuse Disposal divisions and the Compost
Operations and Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste Program Revolving Funds is $5,886,118,
which is a net $802,606 or 15.79% increase from the FY2025 budget.
There is no Compensation in the Refuse Collection, Recycling and Refuse Disposal General Fund
operating budget as all staff are funded within the Compost Operations Revolving Fund budget.
The combined General Fund Refuse Collection, Recycling and Refuse Disposal operating budget for
Expenses is $4,517,735 and reflects a $542,591 or 13.65% increase. The Refuse Collection expense
budget is recommended at $1,437,563, an increase of $181,828 or 14.48%, and the Recycling expense
budget is recommended at $2,300,418 an increase of $304,490 or 15.26%, both of which reflect the
Town’s contracts for refuse and recycling collections. The Refuse Disposal expense budget is
recommended at $779,754, an increase of $56,273 or 7.78%, based on contractual increases.
In FY2025 the Town piloted an expansion of the household curbside compost collection program. In
FY2026, this budget will maintain this program for 4,000 households at the cost of $396,000 which is
partly funded by the General Fund and partly funded by ARPA funds. The full cost of this program will
be incorporated into the General Fund budget for FY2027.
For FY2026 the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools have agreed to share the cost of the
Town's contracted Refuse and Recycling collection and disposal costs for Municipal and School
buildings. Previously this cost was included in this Department of Public Works - Environmental
Services expense budget. This Preliminary Recommended Budget and Financing Plan has moved the
estimated cost of $112,128 to Shared Expenses and therefore it is not included in the budget request
below.
The FY2026 revolving fund budgets are recommended at $1,368,383, a $260,015 or 23.46% net
increase due to contractually obligated step increases and health benefits. The Minuteman Household
Hazardous Waste Program Revolving Fund is level at $250,000 to reflect historic activity and
contractual agreements. The Compost Operations Revolving Fund is recommended at $953,383, a
$95,015 or 11.07% increase.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
3400 Environmental Services Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-23
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,591 13.65 %
Total 3400 - General Fund $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,590 13.65 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,591 13.65 %
Total 3400 - General Fund $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,590 13.65 %
Program Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 3410 Refuse Collection $ 1,084,157 $ 1,390,417 $ 1,255,735 $ 1,437,563 $ — $ 1,437,563 $ 181,828 14.48 %
Total 3420 Recycling $ 1,314,058 $ 1,675,580 $ 1,995,928 $ 2,300,418 $ — $ 2,300,418 $ 304,490 15.26 %
Total 3430 Refuse Disposal $ 688,418 $ 698,237 $ 723,481 $ 779,754 $ — $ 779,754 $ 56,273 7.78 %
Total 3400 - General Fund $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,591 13.65 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Personal Services $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Contractual Services $ 3,053,974 $ 3,749,405 $ 3,935,244 $ 4,477,535 $ — $ 4,477,535 $ 542,291 13.78 %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Supplies $ 32,658 $ 14,828 $ 39,900 $ 40,200 $ — $ 40,200 $ 300 0.75 %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,590 13.65 %
Total 3400 - General Fund $ 3,086,633 $ 3,764,234 $ 3,975,144 $ 4,517,735 $ — $ 4,517,735 $ 542,590 13.65 %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds* and Grants
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Funding Sources Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Compost Operations Rev. Fund $ 881,867 $ 1,098,040 $ 858,368 $ 953,383 $ — $ 953,383 $ 95,015 11.07 %
Refuse & Recycling Collection Rev. Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Minuteman Haz. Waste Rev. Fund $ 171,732 $ 259,476 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ — $ 250,000 $ — — %
ARPA Grant Funds $ — $ — $ — $ 165,000 $ — $ 165,000 $ 165,000 — %
Total 3400 - Revolving Funds $ 1,053,599 $ 1,357,516 $ 1,108,368 $ 1,368,383 $ — $ 1,368,383 $ 95,015 8.57 %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compost Operations Rev. Fund $ 929,350 $ 940,275 $ 858,368 $ 953,383 $ — $ 953,383 $ 95,015 11.07 %
Compensation $ 346,268 $ 360,383 $ 368,821 $ 418,455 $ — $ 418,455 $ 49,634 13.46 %
Expenses $ 274,804 $ 315,730 $ 225,600 $ 257,600 $ — $ 257,600 $ 32,000 14.18 %
Benefits $ 80,803 $ 75,726 $ 81,981 $ 95,362 $ — $ 95,362 $ 13,381 16.32 %
Debt $ 227,475 $ 188,436 $ 181,966 $ 181,966 $ — $ 181,966 $ — — %
Refuse & Recycling Collection Rev. Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Minuteman Haz. Waste Rev. Fund $ 155,685 $ 190,685 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ — $ 250,000 $ — — %
Expenses $ 155,685 $ 190,685 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ — $ 250,000 $ — — %
3400 Environmental Services Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-24
ARPA Grant Funds $ — $ — $ — $ 165,000 $ — $ 165,000 $ 165,000 — %
Expenses $ — $ — $ — $ 165,000 $ — $ 165,000 $ 165,000 — %
Total 3400 - Revolving Funds $ 1,085,035 $ 1,130,959 $ 1,108,368 $ 1,368,383 $ — $ 1,368,383 $ 260,015 23.46 %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 346,268 $ 360,383 $ 368,821 $ 418,455 $ — $ 418,455 $ 49,634 13.46 %
Expenses $ 3,517,121 $ 4,270,649 $ 4,450,744 $ 5,190,335 $ — $ 5,190,335 $ 739,591 16.62 %
Benefits (Revolving Fund)$ 80,803 $ 75,726 $ 81,981 $ 95,362 $ — $ 95,362 $ 13,381 16.32 %
Debt Service (Revolving Fund)$ 227,475 $ 188,436 $ 181,966 $ 181,966 $ — $ 181,966 $ — — %
Total 3400 - All Funds $ 4,171,667 $ 4,895,192 $ 5,083,512 $ 5,886,118 $ — $ 5,886,118 $ 802,606 15.79 %
3400 Environmental Services Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-25
Mission: The Water/Sewer Division strives to enhance the quality of life in Lexington by providing
quality drinking water, and ensuring the proper and safe discharge of our wastewater and by
maintaining our commitment to improving the infrastructure.
Budget Overview: The Water Division budget is comprised of Water Operations, Massachusetts
Water Resources Authority (MWRA) purchases and indirect support from the General Fund.
The Water Operations maintains and repairs the water system that delivers water to Lexington homes
and businesses through 154 miles of water mains, 1,747 fire hydrants and two water towers that store
3.24 million gallons of water. The Town has a three-block inclining rate structure to encourage water
conservation. As a customer uses more water, the water rate for the additional units increases.
Customers are billed twice per year. The Town also sells water to the Town of Bedford at the MWRA
wholesale rate plus an administrative fee. The MWRA provides water to Lexington and greater Boston.
Indirect support from the General Fund reflects Water Enterprise Fund expenses (benefits, insurance
and engineering support) that are appropriated in the General Fund. The Water Enterprise Fund,
therefore, reimburses the General Fund for these expenses through an indirect cost transfer. In
FY2026, the Water Enterprise Fund will contribute to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust
Fund in a funding level that matches the contributions of the General Fund.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Continue with the Hydrant Maintenance Program.
2.Continue implementation of the Automatic Meter Reading Infrastructure System (AMI).
3.Continue working on a valve/hydrant maintenance and/or backflow/cross connection program.
4.Continue to evaluate water usage, to move towards conservation efforts.
3600 Water Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-26
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Superintendent of Water & Sewer 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer*——0.5 0.5
Utility Billing Manager 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Crew Chief 2 2 2 2
Grader-Shovel Operator 1 1 1 1
Leadman/Cross Connector Inspector**2 3 4 4
Heavy Equipment Operator**4 3 2 2
Laborer-Meter Reader 1 1 1 1
Dept. Account Assistant***0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Total FTE 11.2 11.2 11.7 11.7
Total FT/PT 10 FT/3 PT 10 FT/3 PT 10 FT/4 PT 10 FT/4 PT
*In FY2025, an Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer position was created via a program improvement. This position is shared between the Water & Sewer Enterprise Funds.
**In FY2025, a Heavy Equipment Operator was upgraded to a Leadman via a program improvement.
***One full-time Department Account Assistant is split between the DPW Admin, Water, and Sewer divisions.
3600 Water Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-27
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Water operating budget is $14,643,809, inclusive of indirect costs. The
recommended budget reflects a $1,268,284 or 9.48% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The budget for Compensation is $1,074,990, and reflects a $103,572 or 10.66% increase, which is
attributable to the cost of contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments in the
contract with Public Works staff.
The budget for Expenses is $650,100 which is an increase of $35,700, or 5.81% from FY2025, and is
primarily due to an increase in contractual services.
In FY2021, a new budget category of Cash Capital was initiated to begin to transition the ongoing
water main replacement program to being funded directly by user charges instead of debt financing.
This is the sixth year of an 11-year transition to move the entire $2,200,000 annual program to cash
financing. In doing so, rate payers will save a considerable amount on interest costs in the long-term.
The FY2026 recommendation for cash capital is $1,200,000.
Debt service is recommended to be increase by $51,849 or 3.74% as bonds have been issued for
previously approved projects.
The preliminary MWRA Assessment is $9,275,424, which is a $843,220 or 10.00% increase from
FY2025. This is a conservative placeholder as the final assessment will be issued in June 2025.
In FY2026, it is recommended that the Water Enterprise Fund continue contributing to the Other Post-
Employment Benefits Trust Fund, which was initiated in FY2018.
Indirect payments to the General Fund for those costs borne by the General Fund in support of water
operations are projected at $1,002,244, an increase of $33,943 or 3.51% due to increased benefits
expenses.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
Water Retained Earnings/Fund Balance
3600 Water Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-28
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Enterprise Funds
Retained Earnings $ — $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
User Charges $ 14,786,042 $ 12,983,236 $ 12,352,798 $ 13,621,082 $ — $ 13,621,082 $ 1,268,284 10.27 %
Meter Charges $ 69,806 $ 53,980 $ 53,980 $ 53,980 $ — $ 53,980 $ — — %
Investment Income $ 328,490 $ 619,717 $ 619,717 $ 619,717 $ — $ 619,717 $ — — %
Fees & Charges $ 293,494 $ 349,030 $ 349,030 $ 349,030 $ — $ 349,030 $ — — %
Total 3600 Water Enterprise $ 15,477,833 $ 14,505,963 $ 13,375,525 $ 14,643,809 $ — $ 14,643,809 $ 1,268,284 9.48 %
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 769,073 $ 820,510 $ 971,418 $ 1,074,990 $ — $ 1,074,990 $ 103,572 10.66 %
Expenses $ 380,220 $ 544,206 $ 614,400 $ 650,100 $ — $ 650,100 $ 35,700 5.81 %
Cash Capital $ 600,000 $ 800,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,200,000 $ — $ 1,200,000 $ 200,000 20.00 %
Debt $ 1,195,179 $ 2,375,660 $ 1,386,157 $ 1,438,006 $ — $ 1,438,006 $ 51,849 3.74 %
MWRA $ 8,493,467 $ 8,832,742 $ 8,432,204 $ 9,275,424 $ — $ 9,275,424 $ 843,220 10.00 %
OPEB $ 2,761 $ 2,761 $ 3,045 $ 3,045 $ — $ 3,045 $ — — %
Indirects $ 977,093 $ 1,011,340 $ 968,301 $ 1,002,244 $ — $ 1,002,244 $ 33,943 3.51 %
Total 3600 Water Enterprise $ 12,417,793 $ 14,387,220 $ 13,375,525 $ 14,643,809 $ — $ 14,643,809 $ 1,268,284 9.48 %
Program Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
3610 Water Operations $ 2,344,472 $ 3,740,377 $ 2,971,975 $ 3,163,096 $ — $ 3,163,096 $ 191,121 6.43 %
3620 MWRA $ 8,493,467 $ 8,832,742 $ 8,432,204 $ 9,275,424 $ — $ 9,275,424 $ 843,220 10.00 %
Cash Capital $ 600,000 $ 800,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,200,000 $ — $ 1,200,000 $ 200,000 20.00 %
OPEB $ 2,761 $ 2,761 $ 3,045 $ 3,045 $ — $ 3,045 $ — — %
Indirects $ 977,093 $ 1,011,340 $ 968,301 $ 1,002,244 $ — $ 1,002,244 $ 33,943 3.51 %
Total 3600 Water Enterprise $ 12,417,793 $ 14,387,220 $ 13,375,525 $ 14,643,809 $ — $ 14,643,809 $ 1,268,284 9.48 %
Object Code Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 609,678 $ 667,122 $ 780,362 $ 881,451 $ — $ 881,451 $ 101,089 12.95 %
Overtime $ 159,395 $ 153,389 $ 191,056 $ 193,539 $ — $ 193,539 $ 2,483 1.30 %
Personal Services $ 769,073 $ 820,510 $ 971,418 $ 1,074,990 $ — $ 1,074,990 $ 103,572 10.66 %
Contractual Services $ 261,544 $ 276,843 $ 392,200 $ 403,200 $ — $ 403,200 $ 11,000 2.80 %
Utilities $ 17,712 $ 16,864 $ 18,000 $ 20,500 $ — $ 20,500 $ 2,500 13.89 %
Supplies $ 100,165 $ 195,363 $ 174,200 $ 191,400 $ — $ 191,400 $ 17,200 9.87 %
Small Capital $ 800 $ 55,137 $ 30,000 $ 35,000 $ — $ 35,000 $ 5,000 16.67 %
Expenses $ 380,220 $ 544,206 $ 614,400 $ 650,100 $ — $ 650,100 $ 35,700 5.81 %
Cash Capital $ 600,000 $ 800,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,200,000 $ — $ 1,200,000 $ 200,000 20.00 %
Debt $ 1,195,179 $ 2,375,660 $ 1,386,157 $ 1,438,006 $ — $ 1,438,006 $ 51,849 3.74 %
MWRA $ 8,493,467 $ 8,832,742 $ 8,432,204 $ 9,275,424 $ — $ 9,275,424 $ 843,220 10.00 %
OPEB $ 2,761 $ 2,761 $ 3,045 $ 3,045 $ — $ 3,045 $ — — %
Indirects $ 977,093 $ 1,011,340 $ 968,301 $ 1,002,244 $ — $ 1,002,244 $ 33,943 3.51 %
Total 3600 Water Enterprise $ 12,417,793 $ 14,387,220 $ 13,375,525 $ 14,643,809 $ — $ 14,643,809 $ 1,268,284 9.48 %
3600 Water Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-29
Mission: The Water/Sewer Division strives to enhance the quality of life in Lexington by providing
quality drinking water, by ensuring the proper and safe discharge of wastewater and by maintaining
our commitment to improving the infrastructure.
Budget Overview: The Sewer Division budget is comprised of Wastewater Operations,
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) purchases and indirect support from the General
Fund.
The Sewer Division maintains the wastewater system that serves 99 percent of Town residences and
businesses through 34 miles of trunk lines, 119 miles of street lines and 10,326 service connections.
There are also ten sewage-pumping stations operated by the Sewer Division. The Town has a three-
block inclining rate structure to encourage conservation. Customer sewer usage is determined based
on water usage over the same period, with the exception of meters dedicated to outdoor irrigation.
The MWRA provides wastewater treatment to Lexington and Greater Boston at the Deer Island
treatment facility.
Indirect support from the General Fund reflects Sewer Enterprise Fund expenses (benefits, insurance
and engineering support) that are appropriated in the General Fund. The Sewer Enterprise Fund,
therefore, reimburses the General Fund for these expenses through an indirect cost transfer.
In FY2026, the Sewer Enterprise Fund is recommended to contribute to the Other Post-Employment
Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund in a funding level that matches the contributions of the General Fund.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Continue the pipe flushing program and root removal in all areas.
2.Work with the Water Enterprise Division on the ongoing Automatic Meter Infrastructure System
project (AMI).
3.Continue to educate the public on the costs and problems created by Inflow & Infiltration.
3700 Sewer Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-30
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Supt. of Water & Sewer 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer*——0.5 0.5
Utility Billing Manager 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Crew Chief 1 1 1 1
Leadman**—1 1 1
Heavy Equipment Operator**2 1 1 1
Dept. Account Assistant***0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Seasonal Assistant 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
Seasonal Laborer 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Total FTE 4.9 4.9 5.4 5.4
Total FT/PT 3 FT/5 PT 3 FT/5 PT 3 FT/6 PT 3 FT/6 PT
*In FY2025, an Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer position was created via a program improvement. This position is shared between the Water & Sewer Enterprise Funds.
**In FY2024, a Heavy Equipment Operator was upgraded to a Leadman via a program improvement.
***One full-time Department Account Assistant is split between the DPW Admin, Water, and Sewer divisions.
3700 Sewer Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-31
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Sewer operating budget, inclusive of indirect costs, is $14,045,519, a
$1,200,917 or 9.35% increase over the FY2025 budget.
The budget for Compensation is $497,353 and reflects a $32,495 or 6.99% increase, which is
attributable to the cost of contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments in the
contract with Public Works staff.
The budget for Expenses is $592,100, an increase of $55,700 or 10.38%, which reflects anticipated
inflationary increases for electricity, supplies and materials, and software maintenance, and facility
service and repair.
In FY2021, a new budget category of Cash Capital was initiated to begin to transition the ongoing
sanitary sewer main replacement program to being funded directly by user charges instead of debt
financing. This is the sixth year of a 10-year transition to move the entire $1,000,000 annual program
to cash financing. In doing so, rate payers will save a considerable amount on interest costs in the
long-term. The FY2026 recommendation for cash capital is $600,000.
Debt service is recommended to increase by $79,228 or 4.97% as bonds have been issued for
previously approved projects.
The preliminary MWRA Assessment is $10,068,687, which is a $915,335 or 10% increase from FY2025.
This is a conservative placeholder as the final assessment will be issued in June 2025.
In FY2026, it is recommended that the Sewer Enterprise Fund continue contributing to the Other Post-
Employment Benefits Trust Fund, which was initiated in FY2018.
Indirect payments to the General Fund for those costs borne by the General Fund in support of sewer
operations are projected at $614,684, an increase of $18,159 or 3.04%.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
Sewer Retained Earnings/Fund Balance
3700 Sewer Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-32
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Enterprise Funds
Retained Earnings $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
User Charges $ 11,711,865 $ 11,876,188 $ 12,462,602 $ 13,663,519 $ — $ 13,663,519 $ 1,200,917 9.64 %
Connection Fees $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Investment Income $ 111,770 $ 61,612 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ — — %
Fees & Charges $ 241,624 $ 625,248 $ 362,000 $ 362,000 $ — $ 362,000 $ — — %
Total 3700 Sewer Enterprise $ 12,065,259 $ 12,563,047 $ 12,844,602 $ 14,045,519 $ — $ 14,045,519 $ 1,200,917 9.35 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 348,279 $ 356,647 $ 464,858 $ 497,353 $ — $ 497,353 $ 32,495 6.99 %
Expenses $ 317,951 $ 338,893 $ 536,400 $ 592,100 $ — $ 592,100 $ 55,700 10.38 %
Cash Capital $ 300,000 $ 400,000 $ 500,000 $ 600,000 $ — $ 600,000 $ 100,000 20.00 %
Debt $ 1,561,467 $ 1,406,381 $ 1,592,858 $ 1,672,086 $ — $ 1,672,086 $ 79,228 4.97 %
MWRA $ 8,432,789 $ 8,861,891 $ 9,153,352 $ 10,068,687 $ — $ 10,068,687 $ 915,335 10.00 %
OPEB $ 3,004 $ 3,004 $ 609 $ 609 $ — $ 609 $ — — %
Indirects $ 542,416 $ 588,040 $ 596,525 $ 614,684 $ — $ 614,684 $ 18,159 3.04 %
Total 3700 Sewer Enterprise $ 11,505,906 $ 11,954,855 $ 12,844,602 $ 14,045,519 $ — $ 14,045,519 $ 1,200,917 9.35 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
3710 Sewer Enterprise $ 2,227,697 $ 2,101,920 $ 2,594,116 $ 2,761,539 $ — $ 2,761,539 $ 167,423 6.45 %
3720 - MWRA $ 8,432,789 $ 8,861,891 $ 9,153,352 $ 10,068,687 $ — $ 10,068,687 $ 915,335 10.00 %
Cash Capital $ 300,000 $ 400,000 $ 500,000 $ 600,000 $ — $ 600,000 $ 100,000 20.00 %
OPEB $ 3,004 $ 3,004 $ 609 $ 609 $ — $ 609 $ — — %
Indirects $ 542,416 $ 588,040 $ 596,525 $ 614,684 $ — $ 614,684 $ 18,159 3.04 %
Total 3700 Sewer Enterprise $ 11,505,906 $ 11,954,855 $ 12,844,602 $ 14,045,519 $ — $ 14,045,519 $ 1,200,917 9.35 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 291,096 $ 290,451 $ 376,795 $ 408,145 $ — $ 408,145 $ 31,350 8.32 %
Overtime $ 57,183 $ 66,196 $ 88,063 $ 89,208 $ — $ 89,208 $ 1,145 1.30 %
Personal Services $ 348,279 $ 356,647 $ 464,858 $ 497,353 $ — $ 497,353 $ 32,495 6.99 %
Contractual Services $ 190,563 $ 115,945 $ 308,400 $ 341,400 $ — $ 341,400 $ 33,000 10.70 %
Utilities $ 112,136 $ 166,976 $ 132,500 $ 142,500 $ — $ 142,500 $ 10,000 7.55 %
Supplies $ 14,892 $ 43,007 $ 79,500 $ 87,200 $ — $ 87,200 $ 7,700 9.69 %
Small Capital $ 360 $ 12,964 $ 16,000 $ 21,000 $ — $ 21,000 $ 5,000 31.25 %
Expenses $ 317,951 $ 338,893 $ 536,400 $ 592,100 $ — $ 592,100 $ 55,700 10.38 %
Cash Capital $ 300,000 $ 400,000 $ 500,000 $ 600,000 $ — $ 600,000 $ 100,000 20.00 %
Debt $ 1,561,467 $ 1,406,381 $ 1,592,858 $ 1,672,086 $ — $ 1,672,086 $ 79,228 4.97 %
MWRA $ 8,432,789 $ 8,861,891 $ 9,153,352 $ 10,068,687 $ — $ 10,068,687 $ 915,335 10.00 %
OPEB $ 3,004 $ 3,004 $ 609 $ 609 $ — $ 609 $ — — %
Indirects $ 542,416 $ 588,040 $ 596,525 $ 614,684 $ — $ 614,684 $ 18,159 3.04 %
Total 3700 Sewer Enterprise $ 11,505,906 $ 11,954,855 $ 12,844,602 $ 14,045,519 $ — $ 14,045,519 $ 1,200,917 9.35 %
3700 Sewer Enterprise Program: Public Works
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
V-33
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Section VI: Program 4000: Public Safety
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for
public safety. It includes:
•4100 Law Enforcement VI-3
•4200 Fire & Rescue VI-10
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-1
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Mission: The Lexington Police Department provides public safety services to enhance the quality of
life in Lexington. A team of dedicated police officers, detectives, dispatchers and support staff work in
a coordinated manner to effectively intervene in emergencies, promote traffic safety, suppress crime,
reduce fear and deliver services to the community through a variety of prevention, problem solving and
law enforcement programs.
Budget Overview: The Police Department is comprised of seven divisions: Administration, Patrol
and Enforcement, Traffic Bureau, Investigations, Dispatch, Animal Control and Crossing Guards. In
FY2024, the Police Department responded to 15,439 calls for service with 924 crimes investigated.
The Administration division is comprised of 11 full-time and 6 part-time employees including: the Chief
and two Captains who oversee administrative and operational functions including budget, planning,
training, personnel administration, public affairs and policy development; four Lieutenants who each
lead a workgroup consisting of patrol officers, dispatchers and a Sergeant providing 24/7 policing
services; an administrative Sergeant who tends to the accreditation program as well as detail
assignments and event planning; an office manager and clerk who handle records management,
accounting and payroll; a code enforcement officer who enforces town bylaws; 6 cadets who provide
administrative support; and a mechanic who purchases, equips and maintains the vehicle fleet and
other specialized equipment.
The Patrol and Enforcement division is comprised of 34 officers (29 patrol officers and five sergeants)
responsible for responding to a variety of critical front-line services 24/7 including intervening in
emergencies, promoting crime prevention and traffic safety as well as suppressing crime.
The Traffic Bureau has one supervisor who oversees the Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) and one
account assistant. Meter and parking enforcement in Lexington Center is done by the PEO. The Traffic
Bureau supervisor also manages the school crossing guard program.
The Investigations division is supervised by a Detective Lieutenant who is assisted by the Sergeant
Prosecutor and oversees six detectives responsible for investigation and prevention including: two
major case detectives, a family services detective, a Community Resource Officer (CRO) and two
School Resource Officers (SRO).
The Dispatch division is comprised of ten civilian dispatchers responsible for directing the proper
resources for over 15,000 service calls that require a police, fire or medical unit response.
The Animal Control division entered into an agreement to share a full-time Animal Control Officer (ACO)
with the Town of Bedford in October 2015, with 70%, or 27 hours per week allocated to Lexington.
The ACO is an employee of the Town of Bedford, but will continue to work collaboratively with the
Lexington Board of Health regarding animal related health issues.
The School Crossing guard program has 18 part-time civilian members who cover 16 school crossings
during the school year.
4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-3
Departmental Initiatives:
1. The staffing of the Lexington Police Department has not significantly changed in over 50 years. It is
imperative to continue to review and evaluate current programs and positions within the department.
This process most likely will result in a request for staffing increases to ensure the department is
meeting the demands of the Massachusetts POST and Accreditation Commissions and high
expectations of the community.
2. The staff took occupancy of the new Police Headquarters in early FY2025. This new modern space
requires the administration to review and amend some of our policies and procedures to ensure that
strict Accreditation standards are being met. This process will require a great deal of teamwork among
staff to ensure the department is as efficient as possible in delivering service to the community. There
are still aspects of the project not yet completed, including punch list items, installation of the Virtra
De-escalation system and the solar canopy phase of the project. These aspects will likely extend into
FY26 and will require continued collaboration between the Facilities Department, CTA and staff to
complete.
3. The Lexington Police Department is dedicated to building trust and legitimacy in the community.
Over the past few years, the department's Community Engagement Programs have made a concerted
effort to be involved in the community on multiple levels and with all segments of the community. The
department will continue its commitment to meet with cultural and affinity groups to get their input on
policing in the community. We will continue to attend community events and celebrations. We will
continue to evaluate our programs and look to improve efforts on connecting to the community as we
have with our two community resource dogs which have been outstanding tools in removing barriers in
connecting with the youth, school population and victims in the community.
4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-4
4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-5
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Chief 1 1 1 1
Captain of Operations 1 1 1 1
Captain of Administration 1 1 1 1
Administrative Sergeant 1 1 1 1
Patrol Lieutenants 4 4 4 4
Patrol Sergeants 5 5 5 5
Police Officers 29 29 29 29
Detective Lieutenant 1 1 1 1
Detective - Sergeant Prosecutor 1 1 1 1
Detectives - Major Cases*3 3 2 2
Detective - Family Services 1 1 1 1
Detectives - School Resource Officer*1 1 2 2
Detective - Community Resource Officer 1 1 1 1
Cadets - 6 part-time 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06
Parking Enforcement Officer 1 1 1 1
Code Enforcement Officer**——0.22 0.22
Dispatch Supervisor 1 1 1 1
Dispatchers 9 9 9 9
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Traffic Bureau Supervisor 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Department Account Assistant 1 1 1 1
Mechanic 1 1 1 1
Animal Control Officer***————
Crossing Guards - 18 part-time 3.91 3.91 3.91 3.91
Total FTE 72.97 72.97 73.19 73.19
50 Officers 50 Officers 50 Officers 50 Officers
Total FT/PT 66FT/24PT 66FT/25PT 66FT/26PT 66FT/26PT
*In FY2025, one Detective - Major Cases reassigned to School Resource Officer.
**In FY2025, a part-time seasonal Code Enforcement Officer position was created via a program improvement.
***The Animal Control Officer is a part-time position shared with the Town of Bedford that is paid as a contract service and does not add to headcount.
4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-6
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Police Department budget is $9,745,978 which is a $209,655 or 2.20%
increase from the FY2025 budget.
The budget for Compensation is $8,464,958, an increase of $131,832 or 1.58%, which reflects step
increases, stipend increases and education incentives. Compensation does not include any estimate of
prospective cost of living increases for contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for
prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s
budget.
The budget for Expenses is $1,281,020 and reflects an increase of $77,823 or 6.47%, primarily due to
equipment expenses, contract services, and vehicle replacement.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Deputy Chief Position $ 195,000 $ 23,061 $ 218,061 $ — $ — $ — $ 218,061
Professional Standards Lieutenant $ 133,026 $ 22,162 $ 155,188 $ — $ — $ — $ 155,188
Fraud Investigator $ 111,809 $ 21,854 $ 133,663 $ — $ — $ — $ 133,663
4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-7
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 8,349,428 $ 8,570,441 $ 9,070,323 $ 9,131,478 $ — $ 9,131,478 $ 61,155 0.67 %
Fees & Charges
Fees $ 118,272 $ 141,342 $ 115,000 $ 108,000 $ — $ 108,000 $ (7,000) (6.09) %
Fines & Forfeitures $ 111,594 $ 172,123 $ 98,000 $ 116,000 $ — $ 116,000 $ 18,000 18.37 %
Licenses & Permits $ 3,313 $ 4,863 $ 3,000 $ 4,000 $ — $ 4,000 $ 1,000 33.33 %
Parking Fund*$ — $ 100,000 $ 250,000 $ 386,500 $ — $ 386,500 $ 136,500 54.60 %
Total 4100 Law Enforcement $ 8,582,607 $ 8,988,768 $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ — $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.20 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 7,486,343 $ 7,878,682 $ 8,333,126 $ 8,464,958 $ — $ 8,464,958 $ 131,832 1.58 %
Expenses $ 1,096,264 $ 1,110,086 $ 1,203,197 $ 1,281,020 $ — $ 1,281,020 $ 77,823 6.47 %
Total 4100 Law Enforcement $ 8,582,607 $ 8,988,768 $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ — $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.20 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 4110 Police Administration $ 1,858,784 $ 1,920,104 $ 1,971,105 $ 2,005,837 $ — $ 2,005,837 $ 34,732 1.76 %
Total 4120 Patrol & Enforcement $ 4,374,425 $ 4,691,128 $ 5,091,672 $ 5,171,589 $ — $ 5,171,589 $ 79,917 1.57 %
Total 4130 Traffic Bureau $ 403,575 $ 430,641 $ 407,443 $ 452,147 $ — $ 452,147 $ 44,704 10.97 %
Total 4140 Investigations $ 893,449 $ 890,163 $ 1,028,121 $ 1,064,160 $ — $ 1,064,160 $ 36,039 3.51 %
Total 4150 Dispatch $ 820,628 $ 830,744 $ 788,957 $ 801,958 $ — $ 801,958 $ 13,001 1.65 %
Total 4160 Animal Control $ 69,222 $ 68,223 $ 78,248 $ 74,153 $ — $ 74,153 $ (4,095) (5.23) %
Total 4170 Crossing Guards $ 162,524 $ 157,765 $ 170,777 $ 176,134 $ — $ 176,134 $ 5,357 3.14 %
Total 4100 Law Enforcement $ 8,582,607 $ 8,988,768 $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ — $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.20 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 5,981,442 $ 6,451,236 $ 7,170,150 $ 7,282,365 $ — $ 7,282,365 $ 112,215 1.57 %
Overtime $ 1,504,901 $ 1,427,447 $ 1,162,976 $ 1,182,593 $ — $ 1,182,593 $ 19,617 1.69 %
Personal Services $ 7,486,343 $ 7,878,682 $ 8,333,126 $ 8,464,958 $ — $ 8,464,958 $ 131,832 1.58 %
Contractual Services $ 366,306 $ 383,729 $ 416,577 $ 469,495 $ — $ 469,495 $ 52,918 12.70 %
Utilities $ 113,103 $ 85,005 $ 134,053 $ 103,853 $ — $ 103,853 $ (30,200) (22.53) %
Supplies $ 290,577 $ 233,929 $ 231,567 $ 234,672 $ — $ 234,672 $ 3,105 1.34 %
Small Capital $ 326,279 $ 407,422 $ 421,000 $ 473,000 $ — $ 473,000 $ 52,000 12.35 %
Expenses $ 1,096,264 $ 1,110,086 $ 1,203,197 $ 1,281,020 $ — $ 1,281,020 $ 77,823 6.47 %
Total 4100 Law Enforcement $ 8,582,607 $ 8,988,768 $ 9,536,323 $ 9,745,978 $ — $ 9,745,978 $ 209,655 2.20 %
*Reflects transfers from the Parking Fund to the General Fund rather than actual revenue from parking permits, Pay-by-Phone and meter revenue. The fund balance was insufficient to support a transfer to the General Fund in FY2023 due to effects from the pandemic as well as sizeable capital projects in FY2022. FY2024 included
a partial transfer, and since FY2025 this amount has further increased as the Town has recently started to enforce parking fees which will rebuild the balance in the Parking Fund.
4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-8
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4100 Law Enforcement Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-9
Mission: The Lexington Fire Department protects the people, homes and businesses in our
community from fire, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents and natural disasters. This is
accomplished through public education, safety code management and emergency response.
Budget Overview: The Fire Department is comprised of five divisions: Administration, Fire
Prevention, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management.
•Administration is responsible for developing policies and procedures, training, inventory control,
financial and budgetary oversight, and managing the day-to-day operations of the Department.
•Fire Prevention is responsible for fire code enforcement activities, public education, plan review,
permit application and approval, flammable/combustible liquid storage approval and regulatory
enforcement of blasting applications and permits.
•Fire Suppression is staffed 24/7, operating out of two stations and responding to emergency
calls including: fire suppression, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous
material responses, and other emergency incidents.
•Emergency Medical Services operates in conjunction with the Fire Suppression division, staffing
two ambulances 24/7 at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level. These vehicles respond to over
3,353 calls for assistance annually.
•Emergency Management is responsible for communications with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA),
as well as reviewing and commenting on numerous Townwide emergency operation plans. The
Chief serves as the Emergency Management Director and the department’s administrative staff
support this division.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Continue to develop and implement online inventory tracking.
2.Continue to refine and expand the fire permitting process.
3.Develop an improved employee recruitment process to address diversity and retention.
4200 Fire & Rescue Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-10
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Fire Chief 1 1 1 1
Assistant Fire Chief 2 2 2 2
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Fire Inspectors*1 1 2 2
Fire Captains 4 4 4 4
Fire Lieutenants 12 12 12 12
Firefighters/Paramedics 44 44 44 44
Fire Prevention Assistant 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.86
Total FTE 65.86 65.86 66.86 66.86
Total FT/PT 65FT/1PT 65FT/1PT 66FT/1PT 66FT/1PT
*In FY2025, a second Fire Inspector position was created via a program improvement.
4200 Fire & Rescue Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-11
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Fire Department budget is $9,458,988. The recommended budget is a
$169,088 or 1.82% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The recommended budget for Compensation is $8,480,645, and reflects an increase of $77,689 or
0.92% from the FY2025 budget. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of
living increases for contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are
captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The budget for Expenses is $978,343 and reflects a net increase of $91,399 or 10.30%, which includes
anticipated increases in contract services, gear and equipment, equipment repair, and EMS supplies.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)
Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Rank Reclassification Captain Shift Commander to Deputy Chief (4 positions) and (4 positions) Lieutenant to Captain Non-Shift Commander
$ 148,718 $ 2,156 $ 150,874 $ — $ — $ — $ 150,874
Rank Reclassification 4 Lieutenants to Captain (non- shift commander)$ 68,621 $ 995 $ 69,616 $ — $ — $ — $ 69,616
Shift Commander's Aide/ Tactical Technician (4 positions)$ 389,459 $ 86,580 $ 476,039 $ — $ — $ — $ 476,039
4200 Fire & Rescue Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-12
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 6,285,250 $ 6,836,496 $ 7,651,225 $ 7,568,988 $ — $ 7,568,988 $ (82,237) (1.07) %
Fees & Charges
Ambulance Fees $ 1,728,905 $ 2,050,103 $ 1,550,000 $ 1,800,000 $ — $ 1,800,000 $ 250,000 16.13 %
Fire Department Fees $ 38,225 $ 31,700 $ 38,675 $ 36,000 $ — $ 36,000 $ (2,675) (6.92) %
Licenses & Permits $ 55,605 $ 50,725 $ 50,000 $ 54,000 $ — $ 54,000 $ 4,000 8.00 %
Total 4200 Fire & Rescue $ 8,107,985 $ 8,969,024 $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ — $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.82 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 7,278,612 $ 8,313,040 $ 8,402,956 $ 8,480,645 $ — $ 8,480,645 $ 77,689 0.92 %
Expenses $ 829,373 $ 655,984 $ 886,944 $ 978,343 $ — $ 978,343 $ 91,399 10.30 %
Total 4200 Fire & Rescue $ 8,107,985 $ 8,969,024 $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ — $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.82 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 4210 Fire Administration $ 672,213 $ 547,890 $ 677,182 $ 683,925 $ — $ 683,925 $ 6,743 1.00 %
Total 4220 Fire Prevention $ 250,438 $ 288,966 $ 358,149 $ 374,028 $ — $ 374,028 $ 15,879 4.43 %
Total 4320 Fire Suppression $ 6,915,554 $ 7,862,332 $ 7,949,568 $ 8,042,135 $ — $ 8,042,135 $ 92,567 1.16 %
Total 4240 Emergency Medical Services $ 264,641 $ 264,902 $ 296,701 $ 350,600 $ — $ 350,600 $ 53,899 18.17 %
Total 4250 Emergency Management $ 5,139 $ 4,934 $ 8,300 $ 8,300 $ — $ 8,300 $ — — %
Total 4200 Fire & Rescue $ 8,107,985 $ 8,969,024 $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ — $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.82 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 6,050,829 $ 6,736,641 $ 7,033,972 $ 7,093,864 $ — $ 7,093,864 $ 59,892 0.85 %
Overtime $ 1,227,783 $ 1,576,398 $ 1,368,984 $ 1,386,781 $ — $ 1,386,781 $ 17,797 1.30 %
Personal Services $ 7,278,612 $ 8,313,040 $ 8,402,956 $ 8,480,645 $ — $ 8,480,645 $ 77,689 0.92 %
Contractual Services $ 324,231 $ 370,367 $ 382,748 $ 402,748 $ — $ 402,748 $ 20,000 5.23 %
Utilities $ 71,719 $ 56,950 $ 76,831 $ 78,730 $ — $ 78,730 $ 1,899 2.47 %
Supplies $ 255,735 $ 202,049 $ 262,365 $ 271,865 $ — $ 271,865 $ 9,500 3.62 %
Small Capital $ 177,688 $ 26,618 $ 165,000 $ 225,000 $ — $ 225,000 $ 60,000 36.36 %
Expenses $ 829,373 $ 655,984 $ 886,944 $ 978,343 $ — $ 978,343 $ 91,399 10.30 %
Total 4200 Fire & Rescue $ 8,107,985 $ 8,969,024 $ 9,289,900 $ 9,458,988 $ — $ 9,458,988 $ 169,088 1.82 %
4200 Fire & Rescue Program: Public Safety
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VI-13
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Section VII: Program 5000: Culture & Recreation
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for
culture & recreation services. It includes:
•5100 Cary Memorial Library VII-3
•5200 Recreation and Community Programs VII-9
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-1
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FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-2
Mission: The Cary Memorial Library's mission is to ignite curiosity, engage minds, and connect our
community.
Budget Overview: Cary Memorial Library is comprised of three divisions: Administration and General
Services, Adult Services, and Youth Services.
•Administration and General Services includes administrative staff and webmaster salaries, as
well as the supply, equipment, and Minuteman Library Network membership costs.
•Adult Services includes all adult library, technology, and bibliographic services staff as well as
adult books and audiovisual materials.
•Youth Services includes all children’s library staff and also includes library materials for children
and teens.
Departmental Initiatives: Our Guiding Principles
1.Books, information, and so much more: We continue our 150-year-long tradition of providing
books and other materials that reflect the needs and interests of Lexington residents. Though
much has changed since our doors first opened in 1869, our essential function remains the
same - to bring the world of information and ideas to you.
2.At the intersection of learning, making, and play: In recent years, educational research has
increasingly shown that we learn best through experience - by making mistakes and trying
again. In furthering this effort, we are expanding these types of learning opportunities, giving
you more chances to build, create and play.
3.A place that works for everyone: We value the rich diversity of our community, and our
commitment to equitable service for all is unwavering. Efforts to identify and remove barriers
to access are ongoing - we are a work in progress.
4.With opportunities for human connection: In a world where technology is ever-present, we are
committed to fostering human interactions. Sometimes that is as simple as providing
comfortable chairs for a serendipitous meeting between old friends. Other times it takes the
shape of an elaborate event with community partners and hundreds of guests. Large and
small, these moments, shared among neighbors, strengthen the social fabric of Lexington.
5.A future as vibrant as our past: With more than a half million visitors each year, Cary Library is
a cherished community asset and a source of civic pride. Stewardship of this resource requires
equal attention to preservation and transformation.
5100 Cary Memorial Library Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-3
5100 Cary Memorial Library Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-4
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026BudgetBudgetBudgetRequest
Library Director 1 1 1 1
Deputy Library Director 1 1 1 1
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Web & Digital Engagement Specialist 1 1 1 1
Head of Adult Services 1 1 1 1
Head of Youth Services 1 1 1 1
Head of Technology & Training 1 1 1 1
Head of Bibliographic Services 1 1 1 1
Librarian I*9 12 12 12
Librarian II/Manager 3 3 3 3
Library Associates 6 9 9 9
Library Technician I*2.9 2.6 2.6 3
Library Technician II*6 ———
Adult Pages 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6
Seasonal/Sunday Substitutes As Needed As Needed As Needed As Needed
Total FTE 37.2 37.3 37.3 37.3
Total FT/PT 28FT/22PT 28FT/22PT 28FT/22PT 28FT/22PT
*In FY2024, the Town settled with the Library Staff Association for the years FY2024-2026. This contract reorganized several positions and eliminated the Library Technician II position.
5100 Cary Memorial Library Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-5
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended General Fund Library budget is $3,691,461, which is a $230,896 or 6.67%
increase from the FY2025 budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $2,950,596, and reflects a $202,125 or 7.35%
increase, which incorporates contractually obligated step increases and cost of living increases.
Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for contracts
expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the Salary
Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $740,865 and reflects a $28,771 or 4.04%
increase, which reflects anticipated expenses for FY2026.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Full Time Teen Services Librarian $ 80,038 $ 21,394 $ 101,432 $ — $ — $ — $ 101,432
5100 Cary Memorial Library Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-6
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 3,329,971 $ 3,380,551 $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ — $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.67 %
Total 5100 Library $ 3,329,971 $ 3,380,551 $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ — $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.67 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 2,650,088 $ 2,720,515 $ 2,748,471 $ 2,950,596 $ — $ 2,950,596 $ 202,125 7.35 %
Expenses $ 679,883 $ 660,036 $ 712,094 $ 740,865 $ — $ 740,865 $ 28,771 4.04 %
Total 5100 Library $ 3,329,971 $ 3,380,551 $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ — $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.67 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 5110 Admin. & General Services $ 656,328 $ 673,781 $ 677,590 $ 698,683 $ — $ 698,683 $ 21,093 3.11 %
Total 5120 Adult Services $ 1,743,146 $ 1,776,170 $ 1,832,244 $ 1,966,482 $ — $ 1,966,482 $ 134,238 7.33 %
Total 5130 Youth Services $ 930,497 $ 930,600 $ 950,731 $ 1,026,296 $ — $ 1,026,296 $ 75,565 7.95 %
Total 5100 Library $ 3,329,971 $ 3,380,551 $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ — $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.67 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Revised Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 2,588,481 $ 2,653,678 $ 2,683,345 $ 2,885,470 $ — $ 2,885,470 $ 202,125 7.53 %
Overtime (Sunday Premium)$ 61,607 $ 66,837 $ 65,126 $ 65,126 $ — $ 65,126 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 2,650,088 $ 2,720,515 $ 2,748,471 $ 2,950,596 $ — $ 2,950,596 $ 202,125 7.35 %
Contractual Services $ 155,484 $ 154,362 $ 162,500 $ 168,199 $ — $ 168,199 $ 5,699 3.51 %
Utilities $ 430 $ 371 $ 500 $ 400 $ — $ 400 $ (100) (20.00) %
Supplies $ 492,839 $ 467,725 $ 514,094 $ 537,266 $ — $ 537,266 $ 23,172 4.51 %
Small Capital $ 31,131 $ 37,579 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ — $ 35,000 $ — — %
Expenses $ 679,883 $ 660,036 $ 712,094 $ 740,865 $ — $ 740,865 $ 28,771 4.04 %
Total 5100 Library $ 3,329,971 $ 3,380,551 $ 3,460,565 $ 3,691,461 $ — $ 3,691,461 $ 230,896 6.67 %
5100 Cary Memorial Library Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-7
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Mission: To provide the community opportunities to engage in quality, inclusive and accessible
programs and services. To be a leader in promoting inclusion, community engagement and a healthy
active lifestyle. Creating Community Through People, Parks, and Places.
Budget Overview: The Department operates as an Enterprise Fund whereby program and facility
fees must cover the direct cost of operations including all full- and part-time staff and program,
services and facility expenses including supplies, equipment, utilities and wages/overhead. As such,
the operating budget may increase or decrease year to year to meet changes in enrollment and facility
use demands. The Director of Recreation and Community Programs, through the Recreation
Committee, sets program fees with the approval of the Select Board. The operating budget supports
staff who manage and deliver programs along with the supplies and equipment needed to operate
those programs and services in addition to seven full-time staff. The Enterprise Fund is comprised of
five divisions: Recreation, Pine Meadows Golf, Community Center, the Administrative Division and
Therapeutic Recreation. The Therapeutic Recreation Division was created in FY2026 to centralize the
services associated with inclusion and adaptive programs, activities and initiatives.
In FY2026, revenues received (Recreation, Pine Meadows Golf, Community Center and Therapeutic
Recreation) will continue to help support the funding of Capital Improvement Projects.
The Department offers a wide variety of leisure, socialization and recreational opportunities for
individuals of all ages and abilities. Staff plan, schedule and coordinate programs, activities and special
events at Outdoor Recreation Facilities such as, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, hard court surfaces,
the Town Pool, Old Reservoir and Pine Meadows Golf Club. Other outdoor resources include
Conservation and Open Spaces. Additionally, the indoor facilities the department utilize include the
Community Center, the Public Schools, off-site and out-of-town venues.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Implement the Key Findings of the 2021-2022 Comprehensive Study of Athletic & Outdoor
Recreation Facilities and the 2023-2024 Lincoln Park Master Plan in the development of the
operational and capital improvement planning for the future needs of the community.
2.Actively participate in the planning and preparations for the 5-year impact on the community
with the permanent and temporary loss of outdoor recreation facilities at the Center Recreation
Complex.
3.Maintain and sustain the financial stability of the Recreation Enterprise Fund.
4.Continue the growth and implementation of the department's therapeutic, adaptive and
inclusive recreation programming.
5.Support Townwide cultural and historic events and initiatives such as diversity equity and
inclusion and Lex250.
5200 Recreation & Community Programs Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-9
Note: Pine Meadows staffing is provided via contractual services. Oversight is provided by the Director
of Recreation and Community Programs.
5200 Recreation & Community Programs Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-10
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
Element: 5210 Administration
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Director of Recreation and Community Programs 1 1 1 1
Administrative Manager 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1.8 1.8 2 2
Subtotal FTE 3.8 3.8 4.0 4.0
Subtotal FT/PT 3FT/1PT 3FT/1PT 3FT/1PT 3FT/1PT
Element: 5220 Recreation**
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Assistant Director 1 1 1 1
Recreation Supervisor 1 1 1 1
Recreation Coordinator*0.40 0.4 1 1
Seasonal (Part-time)220+/-220+/-220+/-220+/-
Subtotal FTE 2.4 2.4 3.0 3.0
Subtotal FT/PT 2FT/1PT 2FT/1PT 3FT/0PT 3FT/0PT
Element: 5240 Community Center
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Community Center Director 1 1 1 1
Youth & Family Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Municipal Assistant (3, PT)1 1 1 1
Building Supervisor (2, PT)1 1 1 1
Seasonal (Part-time)50+/-50+/-50+/-50+/-
Subtotal FTE 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Subtotal FT/PT 3 FT/5 PT 3 FT/5 PT 3 FT/5 PT 3 FT/5 PT
Element: 5250 Therapeutic Recreation**
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 1 1 1 1
Seasonal (Part-time)25+/-25+/-25+/-25+/-
Subtotal FTE 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Subtotal FT/PT 1 FT 1 FT 1 FT 1 FT
Total FTE 12.20 12.20 13.00 13.00
Total FT/PT 10FT/7PT + Seasonal 10FT/7PT + Seasonal 11FT/6PT + Seasonal 11FT/6PT + Seasonal
*In FY2025, the Recreation Coordinator transitioned from part-time to full-time via a program improvement.
**In FY2026, the Therapeutic Recreation division was created, breaking out staff formerly under the Recreation division.
5200 Recreation & Community Programs Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-11
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended budget for the Department of Recreation and Community Programs -
comprised of five divisions: Pine Meadows Golf, Recreation, Community Center, Therapeutic Recreation
and Administrative - is $3,784,450. The recommended budget is an increase of $70,792 or 1.91%
from the FY2025 budget.
It should be noted that the Recreation and Community Programs Department operating budget has
historically been supported solely from program fees. In FY2016, with the opening of the Community
Center, the tax levy began to contribute the equivalent of the wages and benefits for the three full-time
employees who are most closely involved with managing the Community Center operations and
programming. This will continue in FY2026, with $254,213 being proposed in General Fund support of
Community Center wages.
The Lexington Community Center is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We support the diversity of our community by modeling our core values of respect, trust, accountability, teamwork and open-mindedness. The Community Center provides drop-in program
space and offers leisure opportunities and classes promoting social, emotional, and cognitive wellness for residents of all ages and abilities. It provides residents a wide variety of programs that are designed to be fun, educational and life-enriching. Membership is free to Lexington residents to enjoy
the center with flexibility for use within a beautiful and friendly, year-round multi-generational center.
While the Recreation and Community Programs Department manages and operates the Community
Center, a shared customer service and collaborative approach to program delivery together with the Human Services Department provides a seamless experience for community members.
The recommended budget for Compensation is $1,875,354, which is a $50,438 or 2.76% increase from
the FY2025 budget, and reflects step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and a rate increase for
Seasonal staff to remain competitive with the current market.
The recommended budget for Expenses is $1,590,835 and reflects a $11,084 or 0.70% increase from
the FY2025 budget, primarily due to the financial restructuring of our vendor sports camps. The
recommended budget for the operation of the Pine Meadows Golf Course is $639,100 and reflects a net
increase of $21,100 or 3.41%. The current golf management contract is awarded to New England Golf
Corporation (NEGC). In September 2023, NEGC was awarded a new three-year contract, with an
option for two, one-year extensions.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Increase to DPF line item for Community Center Expenses $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 20,000
Strategic Plan $ 100,000 $ — $ 100,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000
Drainage Improvements for 1st & 2nd Fairways*$ 80,000 $ — $ 80,000 $ 80,000 $ — $ 80,000 $ —
*Recommended to be funded by Recreation Retained Earnings
5200 Recreation & Community Programs Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-12
5200 Recreation & Community Programs Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-13
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 242,790 $ 256,675 $ 272,708 $ 254,213 $ — $ 254,213 $ (18,495) (6.78) %
Enterprise Funds
Retained Earnings $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ — $ 375,000 $ — — %
Recreation User Charges $ 1,508,486 $ 1,525,297 $ 1,730,340 $ 1,663,737 $ — $ 1,663,737 $ (66,603) (3.85) %
Therapeutic Recreation Charges $ — $ — $ — $ 22,500 $ — $ 22,500 $ 22,500 — %
Community Center User Charges $ 331,076 $ 352,045 $ 330,000 $ 369,000 $ — $ 369,000 $ 39,000 11.82 %
Golf User Charges $ 1,255,914 $ 1,270,066 $ 1,005,610 $ 1,100,000 $ — $ 1,100,000 $ 94,390 9.39 %
Investment Income $ 73,207 $ 110,888 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Total 5200 Recreation $ 3,786,473 $ 3,889,971 $ 3,713,658 $ 3,784,450 $ — $ 3,784,450 $ 70,792 1.91 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 1,451,308 $ 1,530,004 $ 1,824,916 $ 1,875,354 $ — $ 1,875,354 $ 50,438 2.76 %
Expenses $ 1,380,134 $ 1,359,301 $ 1,579,751 $ 1,590,835 $ — $ 1,590,835 $ 11,084 0.70 %
Debt Service $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Indirect Costs (Trans. to Gen. Fund)$ 286,104 $ 294,687 $ 308,991 $ 318,261 $ — $ 318,261 $ 9,270 3.00 %
Total 5200 Recreation $ 3,117,546 $ 3,183,992 $ 3,713,658 $ 3,784,450 $ — $ 3,784,450 $ 70,792 1.91 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Total 5210 Administration $ 459,540 $ 528,188 $ 593,961 $ 582,106 $ — $ 582,106 $ (11,855) (2.00) %
Total 5220 Recreation $ 1,044,822 $ 1,064,301 $ 1,369,125 $ 1,417,362 $ — $ 1,417,362 $ 48,237 3.52 %
Total 5230 Pine Meadows $ 641,349 $ 595,761 $ 618,000 $ 639,100 $ — $ 639,100 $ 21,100 3.41 %
Total 5240 Community Center $ 560,058 $ 574,292 $ 694,997 $ 683,156 $ — $ 683,156 $ (11,841) (1.70) %
Total 5250 Therapeutic Recreation $ 125,674 $ 126,763 $ 128,584 $ 144,465 $ — $ 144,465 $ 15,881 12.35 %
Indirect Costs $ 286,104 $ 294,687 $ 308,991 $ 318,261 $ — $ 318,261 $ 9,270 3.00 %
Total 5200 Recreation $ 3,117,546 $ 3,183,992 $ 3,713,658 $ 3,784,450 $ — $ 3,784,450 $ 70,792 1.91 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 1,449,607 $ 1,526,913 $ 1,824,916 $ 1,869,354 $ — $ 1,869,354 $ 44,438 2.44 %
Overtime $ 1,702 $ 3,091 $ — $ 6,000 $ — $ 6,000 $ 6,000 — %
Personal Services $ 1,451,308 $ 1,530,004 $ 1,824,916 $ 1,875,354 $ — $ 1,875,354 $ 50,438 2.76 %
Contractual Services $ 1,148,981 $ 1,148,020 $ 1,349,816 $ 1,348,500 $ — $ 1,348,500 $ (1,316) (0.10) %
Utilities $ 47,172 $ 36,869 $ 77,350 $ 59,250 $ — $ 59,250 $ (18,100) (23.40) %
Supplies $ 178,858 $ 120,636 $ 135,585 $ 165,585 $ — $ 165,585 $ 30,000 22.13 %
Small Capital $ 5,123 $ 53,777 $ 17,000 $ 17,500 $ — $ 17,500 $ 500 2.94 %
Expenses $ 1,380,134 $ 1,359,301 $ 1,579,751 $ 1,590,835 $ — $ 1,590,835 $ 11,084 0.70 %
Debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Indirect $ 286,104 $ 294,687 $ 308,991 $ 318,261 $ — $ 318,261 $ 9,270 3.00 %
Total 5200 Recreation $ 3,117,546 $ 3,183,992 $ 3,713,658 $ 3,784,450 $ — $ 3,784,450 $ 70,792 1.91 %
5200 Recreation & Community Programs Program: Culture & Recreation
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VII-14
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Section VIII: Program 6000: Human Services & Health
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for
Human Services and Health. It includes:
•6100-6200 Human Services Administration; Veterans Services; Youth and Family Services and Community Programs; and Transportation Services VIII-2
•6500 Health VIII-8
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-1
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FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-2
Mission: The Human Services Department connects Lexington residents across the lifespan to
information, support and services that promote health and well being; and is responsible for managing
the Lexpress bus system, Lex-Connect taxi, and other transportation initiatives. The department seeks
to identify the unmet needs of our community by providing outreach and prevention services to
families, seniors, veterans and youth.
Budget Overview: The Human Services Department is organized to provide services and support to
residents of all ages. Department Staff oversee the following divisions: Administration and Outreach,
Senior Services, Youth and Family Services, Veterans Services and Transportation Services. Since
moving to the Lexington Community Center in 2015, attendance, walk-in visits, phone calls and
requests for information have increased significantly.
Staff from Senior Services and Youth and Family Services provide senior, youth and intergenerational
programming, assessments, information and referral, short-term counseling and case management,
financial assistance, and consultation on life changes. Veterans services staff provide veterans in
Lexington, Bedford, and Carlisle with information and connection to State and Federal benefits, as well
as work with colleagues to plan Town celebrations and special events that honor Veterans.
Transportation Staff manage the Lexpress bus and Lex-Connect taxi, as well as provide travel
consultation on other transit options.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all departmental internal operations and external
programming, services, and support.
2.Support and promote access to mental health services the department and community partners
offer. This includes developing a sustainable plan for additional mental health services or
support after the William James INTERFACE contract ends.
3.Market, outreach, and educate the community on the new Mental Health Task Force website
and how it can be utilized.
4.The department will seek more opportunities beyond just Veteran benefits to ensure that
Veterans and their families maximize all benefits available to our Lexington Veteran residents.
5.Increase the number of program offerings in the Youth and Family Services division.
6.Provide more training and support to other town departments on topics such as hoarding, de-
escalation, protective services, and suicide.
7.Participate in and advocate for housing-related initiatives that create more access to housing
resources, promote housing diversity across the lifespan, and allow residents to age in place.
8.In conjunction with the Assessors Office, the Human Services Department will provide more
community education about Property Tax Relief Programs.
9.Increase awareness and utilization of all transportation services, including MBTA and Lexpress
bus routes and demand responsive services, and further support active modes of transportation through Safe Routes to School and review of infrastructure and new developments to meet our many Town goals and polices related to mode shift.
6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-2
6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-3
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing:
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Director of Human Services 1 1 1 1
Senior Services Director 1 1 1 1
Youth & Family Services Manager 1 1 1 1
Clinical & Community Outreach Manager 1 1 1 1
Senior Services Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Health Outreach Clinician 0.57 0.57 0.57 0.57
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Department Assistant 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69
Veterans Services District Director*1 1 1 1
Veterans Services Officer*0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51
Transportation Services Manager 1 1 1 1
Department Transportation Assistant 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80
Registered Dietician**PT PT PT PT
Senior Services Assistant**PT PT PT PT
Total FTE 10.57 10.57 10.57 10.57
Total FT/PT 8FT / 6PT 8FT / 6PT 8FT / 6PT 8FT / 6PT
*The Veterans Services District Director and Officer are shared positions between Lexington, Bedford, and Carlisle.
**The part-time temporary positions of Registered Dietician and Senior Services Assistant are fully funded by grants from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-4
Budget Recommendations:
The recommended FY2026 All Funds Human Services budget is $2,179,884 which is a $86,189 or
4.12% increase from the revised FY2025 budget. The All Funds budget includes funding from a
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) grant, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority (MBTA) Suburban Transportation grant, and the Senior Services Revolving Fund. The Towns
of Bedford and Carlisle fund a portion of the Veterans Services budget through an Intermunicipal
Veterans District agreement.
The Human Services FY2026 recommended General Fund operating budget request is $1,703,597 and
reflects a $189,658 or 12.53% increase from the revised FY2025 budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $753,284, and reflects a $2,668 or 0.36%
increase, which reflects the cost of contractually obligated step increases and cost of living
adjustments, offset by staff turnover. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost
of living increases. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account
within the Town Manager’s budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $950,313 and reflects a $186,990 or 24.50%
increase, primarily due to an increase in contractual services following an open bidding process for the
Lexpress contract which has been extended through June 30, 2030 with the Town's current vendor. In
FY2025, the Town received a $200,000 Community Transit grant for transportation operating costs,
which the general fund budget has decreased by an equal amount. The grant has not been received for
FY2026 as of publication of this budget.
Beginning in FY2026, fuel for Lexpress will not be paid for as a contract service but will be included in
the Town's consortium contract for gasoline and diesel.
The FY2026 budget proposes to transfer $125,000 from the Transportation Demand Management
Stabilization Fund to cover transportation services, which is level from FY2025.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Community Center Coordinator $ 32,229 $ 467 $ 32,696 $ — $ — $ — $ 32,696
6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-5
Budget Summary - General Fund
Funding Sources (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 1,308,299 $ 1,360,304 $ 1,340,717 $ 1,538,375 $ — $ 1,538,375 $ 197,658 14.74 %
Veteran Benefits Reimbursement $ 61,498 $ 30,109 $ 18,222 $ 18,222 $ — $ 18,222 $ — — %
TDM Allocation $ 95,000 $ 125,000 $ 125,000 $ 125,000 $ 125,000 $ — — %
Fees
Lexpress Fares $ 12,417 $ 23,777 $ 30,000 $ 22,000 $ — $ 22,000 $ (8,000) (26.67) %
Total 6000 - General Fund $ 1,477,215 $ 1,539,190 $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ — $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.53 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 682,484 $ 688,752 $ 750,616 $ 753,284 $ — $ 753,284 $ 2,668 0.36 %
Expenses $ 794,731 $ 850,437 $ 763,323 $ 950,313 $ — $ 950,313 $ 186,990 24.50 %
Total 6000 - General Fund $ 1,477,215 $ 1,539,190 $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ — $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.53 %
Program Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 6110 Administration $ 241,021 $ 192,481 $ 232,561 $ 230,612 $ — $ 230,612 $ (1,949) (0.84) %
Total 6140 Veterans Services $ 54,940 $ 53,970 $ 94,992 $ 93,172 $ — $ 93,172 $ (1,820) (1.92) %
Total 6150 Youth & Family Services $ 170,996 $ 190,033 $ 224,907 $ 216,415 $ — $ 216,415 $ (8,492) (3.78) %
Total 6170 Senior Services & Community Programs $ 174,732 $ 194,074 $ 205,869 $ 214,480 $ — $ 214,480 $ 8,611 4.18 %
Total 6210 Transportation Services $ 835,525 $ 908,632 $ 755,610 $ 948,918 $ — $ 948,918 $ 193,308 25.58 %
Total 6000 - General Fund $ 1,477,215 $ 1,539,190 $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ — $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.53 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 682,484 $ 688,752 $ 750,616 $ 753,284 $ — $ 753,284 $ 2,668 0.36 %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Personal Services $ 682,484 $ 688,752 $ 750,616 $ 753,284 $ — $ 753,284 $ 2,668 0.36 %
Contractual Services $ 762,632 $ 821,325 $ 725,178 $ 857,393 $ — $ 857,393 $ 132,215 18.23 %
Utilities $ 2,075 $ 1,350 $ 3,265 $ 59,340 $ — $ 59,340 $ 56,075 1717.46 %
Supplies $ 26,450 $ 24,849 $ 30,380 $ 31,080 $ — $ 31,080 $ 700 2.30 %
Small Capital $ 3,574 $ 2,802 $ 4,500 $ 2,500 $ — $ 2,500 $ (2,000) (44.44) %
Expenses $ 794,731 $ 850,326 $ 763,323 $ 950,313 $ — $ 950,313 $ 186,990 24.50 %
Total 6000 - General Fund $ 1,477,215 $ 1,539,078 $ 1,513,939 $ 1,703,597 $ — $ 1,703,597 $ 189,658 12.53 %
6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-6
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds* and Grants
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
EOEA Grant $ 124,992 $ 126,112 $ 126,112 $ 126,112 $ — $ 126,112 $ — — %
Veterans Services Regional Funding $ 81,400 $ 111,899 $ 96,711 $ 100,374 $ — $ 100,374 $ 3,663 3.79 %
Senior Services Revolving Fund*$ 54,371 $ 58,496 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ — $ 75,000 $ — — %
Community Transit Grant $ — $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ — $ — $ (200,000) — %
Innovation Transit Grant $ — $ — $ — $ 90,000 $ — $ 90,000 $ — — %
MBTA Grant $ 65,000 $ 67,162 $ 81,933 $ 84,801 $ — $ 84,801 $ 2,868 3.50 %
Total 6000 - Non-General Fund $ 325,763 $ 363,668 $ 579,756 $ 476,287 $ — $ 476,287 $ (103,469) (17.85) %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriations Summary (Non-General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
EOEA Grant $ 85,299 $ 110,748 $ 126,112 $ 126,112 $ — $ 126,112 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 62,177 $ 85,359 $ 68,447 $ 77,070 $ — $ 77,070 $ 8,623 12.60 %
Expenses $ 23,122 $ 25,389 $ 57,665 $ 49,042 $ — $ 49,042 $ (8,623) (14.95) %
Veterans' Services Regional Funding $ 83,102 $ 95,635 $ 96,711 $ 100,374 $ — $ 100,374 $ 3,663 3.79 %
Personal Services $ 80,592 $ 91,627 $ 94,001 $ 95,257 $ — $ 95,257 $ 1,256 1.34 %
Expenses $ 2,510 $ 4,008 $ 2,710 $ 5,117 $ — $ 5,117 $ 2,407 88.82 %
Senior Services Revolving Fund
Expenses $ 56,182 $ 44,602 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ — $ 75,000 $ — — %
Transportation Services Grant Funding
Expenses $ 65,000 $ 67,162 $ 281,933 $ 174,801 $ — $ 174,801 $ (107,132) (38.00) %
Total 6000 - Non-General Fund $ 289,584 $ 318,146 $ 579,756 $ 476,287 $ — $ 476,287 $ (103,469) (17.85) %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary (All Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 825,253 $ 865,738 $ 913,064 $ 925,611 $ — $ 925,611 $ 12,547 1.37 %
Expenses $ 941,545 $ 991,598 $ 1,180,631 $ 1,254,273 $ — $ 1,254,273 $ 73,642 6.24 %
Total 6000 Human Services (All Funds)$ 1,766,798 $ 1,857,336 $ 2,093,695 $ 2,179,884 $ — $ 2,179,884 $ 86,189 4.12 %
6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-7
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6100-6200 Human Services Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-8
Mission: Under the direction of the Lexington Board of Health, the mission of the Lexington Health
Department is to prevent disease and promote wellness in order to protect and improve the health and
quality of life of its residents, visitors and workforce.
Budget Overview: Beginning in FY2024, the Public Health Office became a separate Public Health
Department to better reflect the vital importance of Local Public Health, and is no longer a division of
what is now called the Land Use, Housing and Development Department (LUHD) (Program 7000). The
Health Department manages disease prevention and surveillance programs designed to protect the
health of the community. Programs include but are not limited to public health education, infectious
disease surveillance and case investigation activities, oversight and enforcement of all state and local
community health and environmental health regulations, mosquito-borne disease prevention efforts,
public vaccination clinics, and public health emergency planning and response efforts. The Health
Department staff is comprised of the Health Director, an Assistant Health Director, a Health Agent, a
Public Health Nurse and an Office Manager.
Department Initiatives:
1.Strive to increase the visibility of the newly established Health Department by continuing to promote services and programs to residents, businesses and Town staff. Continue to work to establish the Health Department as a resource and trusted municipal partner. This will be accomplished through activities such as, participation in Town events, developing new programming and services, increased focus on Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and increasing department visibility on social platforms.
2.Regularly review all the Board of Health regulations, and update as necessary, to coincide with current State and Federal regulations, standards and best practices. Research and develop new regulations as necessary.
3.Work with other Town departments and community partners to address hoarding in the community through a multi-disciplined approach.
4.Implement new Town ordinance regarding the use, sale and distribution of single service plastic water bottles. Initiate a new inspection and tracking program to ensure compliance, and to track violations and any associated fines.
5.Continue involvement with the newly formed Central Middlesex Medical Reserve Corps. Offer preparedness trainings and classes for the community such as Narcan training, Stop the Bleed, CPR and Preparing for natural and weather related events (ie. heat, cold, hurricanes).
6.Continue to grow the Clinical Public Health programs including expanding the availability of adult and pediatric vaccines, and Senior Wellness Clinics, Work in collaboration with Human Services Health Outreach Clinician to expand services to Elders, and those in need in our community. Collaborate with clinical partners in the Lexington School community and surrounding medical community. Institute new, or expand existing, health and wellness programs to the community as a whole. Research grant opportunities to fund future programs and services.
7.Evaluate and expand the Environmental focus of the Health Department, with an emphasis on climate change and the effects on our community and the environment. Continue to offer or sponsor trainings, certifications or education, on such topics as food safety and ServSafe training for food establishments, septic/cesspool maintenance, well water testing, mosquito/tick safety, air quality, pest control, and hazardous/medical waste.
8.Research grants and other financial opportunities to enhance and expand functions of the
Health Department such as the FDA Voluntary Retail Food Grant, Public Health Excellence
Grants, NACCHO grants for the MRC, or other opportunities offered by the Office of Local and
Regional Health of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
6500 Health Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-9
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Public Health Director 1 1 1 1
Asst. Public Health Director 1 1 1 1
Public Health Agent 1 1 1 1
Public Health Nurse 1 1 1 1
Office Manager*—1 1 1
Total FTE 4.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Total FT/PT 4FT/0PT 5FT/0PT 5FT/0PT 5FT/0PT
*In FY2024 a Land Use Department Assistant was reclassified to Office Manager for the new Health Department.
6500 Health Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-10
Budget Recommendations:
The recommended FY2026 All Funds Health budget inclusive of the General Fund operating budget and
the Health Program Revolving Fund, which funds health clinics, is $751,024. The recommended
budget is a $15,876 or 2.16% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The FY2026 recommended Health General Fund operating budget is $561,024, which is a $15,876 or
2.91% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $473,524 and reflects a $15,426 or 3.37%
increase due to the cost of contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $87,500, a $450 or 0.52% increase from FY2025,
due to contractually obligated clothing allowances.
The FY2026 Health Programs Revolving Fund is recommended at $110,000, level-funded from the
FY2025 authorization. The FY2026 Lab Inspections Revolving Fund is recommended at $80,000 to
handle lab animal and RDNA inspections at commercial and industrial properties in town.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
6500 Health Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-11
Budget Summary - General Fund
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 298,849 $ 372,730 $ 505,148 $ 478,024 $ — $ 478,024 $ (27,124) (5.37) %
Directed Funding
Permits $ 105,830 $ 109,735 $ 40,000 $ 83,000 $ — $ 83,000 $ 43,000 107.50 %
Total 6500 Health $ 404,679 $ 482,465 $ 545,148 $ 561,024 $ — $ 561,024 $ 15,876 2.91 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 355,674 $ 435,477 $ 458,098 $ 473,524 $ — $ 473,524 $ 15,426 3.37 %
Expenses $ 49,004 $ 46,988 $ 87,050 $ 87,500 $ — $ 87,500 $ 450 0.52 %
Total 6500 Health $ 404,679 $ 482,465 $ 545,148 $ 561,024 $ — $ 561,024 $ 15,876 2.91 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 352,226 $ 435,266 $ 456,258 $ 471,684 $ — $ 471,684 $ 15,426 3.38 %
Overtime 3,448 211 $ 1,840 1,840 — $ 1,840 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 355,674 $ 435,477 $ 458,098 $ 473,524 $ — $ 473,524 $ 15,426 3.37 %
Contractual Services $ 43,608 $ 39,636 $ 75,250 $ 75,250 $ — $ 75,250 $ — — %
Utilities $ 1,867 $ 2,091 $ 2,800 $ 3,000 $ — $ 3,000 $ 200 7.14 %
Supplies $ 3,528 $ 5,260 $ 9,000 $ 9,250 $ — $ 9,250 $ 250 2.78 %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 49,004 $ 46,988 $ 87,050 $ 87,500 $ — $ 87,500 $ 450 0.52 %
Total 6500 Health $ 404,679 $ 482,465 $ 545,148 $ 561,024 $ — $ 561,024 $ 15,876 2.91 %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Health Programs Revolving Fund $ 63,998 $ 83,786 $ 110,000 $ 110,000 $ — $ 110,000 $ — — %
Lab Inspections Revolving Fund $ 40,750 $ 44,325 $ 80,000 $ 40,000 $ — $ 40,000 $ (40,000) (50.00) %
Total 6500 Health $ 104,748 $ 128,111 $ 190,000 $ 150,000 $ — $ 150,000 $ (40,000) (21.05) %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriation Summary (Revolving Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
6500 - Health Programs Revolving Fund
Expenses $ 50,690 $ 36,404 $ 110,000 $ 110,000 $ — $ 110,000 $ — — %
6500 - Lab Inspections Revolving Fund
Expenses $ 17,811 $ 29,825 $ 80,000 $ 80,000 $ — $ 80,000 $ — — %
Total 6500 Health $ 68,501 $ 66,229 $ 190,000 $ 190,000 $ — $ 190,000 $ — — %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary (All Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 355,674 $ 435,477 $ 458,098 $ 473,524 $ — $ 473,524 $ 15,426 3.37 %
Expenses $ 117,505 $ 113,217 $ 277,050 $ 277,500 $ — $ 277,500 $ 450 0.16 %
Total 6500 Health - All Funds $ 473,179 $ 548,694 $ 735,148 $ 751,024 $ — $ 751,024 $ 15,876 2.16 %
6500 Health Program: Human Services & Health
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
VIII-12
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Section IX: Program 7000: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for the
Land Use, Housing and Development Department. It includes:
•7100-7400 Summary IX-3
•7110 Building and Zoning IX-10
•7120 Administration IX-14
•7130 Conservation IX-17
•7200 Planning IX-21
•7300 Economic Development IX-25
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-1
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Mission: The Land Use, Health and Development department was created in 2015 to support the
Town Manager, under the direction of an Assistant Town Manager for Development, by providing
strategic leadership and accountability for a new Department comprising the Planning, Economic
Development, Building & Zoning, Conservation, and Public Health functions, and by managing land-
related negotiations, acquisitions, agreements, restrictions, leases. The Department included those
offices that manage and promote residential and commercial development in Lexington while
protecting the health and safety of residents through local bylaws and regulations, as well as state
statutes and regulations, in the areas of building code, zoning, wetland protection, planning, economic
development, housing and land-use. This structure enabled the Town to further streamline code
enforcement, program and policy development, and outreach and educational activities related to
commercial, residential and public development and local public health.
In recent years the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital importance of local public health, and in
2022 the Town Manager conducted an organization study of the Town's departmental structure. Based
on that evaluation, the Health Office became a stand-alone Town department in FY2024 and is now
separately reflected under Program 6500.
Further, Lexington's commitment to Affordable Housing goals has come to the forefront of the Town's
initiatives. Going forward 'Housing' will be reflected in the Department's new name: the Land Use,
Housing and Development Department.
Budget Overview: The Land Use, Housing and Development Department is comprised of: Building
and Zoning, Administration, Conservation, Planning, Housing and Economic Development.
•Building and Zoning is responsible for enforcing the State building, electrical, gas and plumbing
codes, the local zoning bylaw, and Architectural Access Board Regulations.
•Conservation is responsible for administering and enforcing the State and local wetland protection
codes and the State Stormwater Management Regulations, managing over 1,400 acres of Town-
owned conservation land, and providing outreach and education concerning natural and watershed
resources.
•Planning supports the Planning Board in the administration of the Subdivision Regulations, the
determination of adequacy of unaccepted streets, the granting of special permits for residential
development, site plan review and granting of special permits within the commercial manufacturing
district, and the review of Planned Development District proposals that go to Town Meeting. In
addition, the staff engages in short- and long-term planning in regard to growth and development
issues in Lexington, being active participants in various committees dealing with issues of
transportation, affordable housing and economic development, as well as participating in regional
and statewide initiatives.
•Affordable Housing has become an increasing priority in Lexington, and the Town has recently
established an Affordable Housing Trust to fund the preservation and creation of affordable housing
units in Lexington. While the FY2026 budget does not reflect dedicated staffing or expenses, the
Town's Affordable Housing initiatives are expected to expand in future years.
•Economic Development works to encourage new investment and support our local businesses. It
serves as a liaison for businesses and works to address business-related issues from Center parking
to expanding the life sciences sector to updating land use policy. The Office also works to retain
and expand local businesses by providing information, conducting research, supporting a visitor-
based economy, and leveraging State economic development tools and resources designed to
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-3
improve the business environment. The Economic Development Office manages the Visitors Center
and Tourism operations.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Implement the Select Board’s goals associated with the work of the Department.
2.Support the transition of the Public Health function into a new, separate Department, while
continuing to coordinate with the Health staff to facilitate Health-related permitting of Economic
Development and other development-related work.
3.Support affordable housing studies, plans, resources and initiatives, including the new
Affordable Housing Trust, MBTA Multi-family, and Special Residential Developments.
4.Implement high priority and near-term action steps and recommendations of LexingtonNext,
the Comprehensive Plan Update adopted September 2022.
5.Continue to support community input on the Bedford Street/Hartwell Avenue 25% design
development with the Engineering Division.
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-4
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-5
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Asst. Town Manager for Development 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Administration Dept Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Administration Dept Assistants*4 3 3 3
Economic Development Director 1 1 1 1
Senior Economic Dev. Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Visitor Center Manager 1 1 1 1
Visitor Center PT Assistant Manager 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56
Visitor Center Staff (6PT)4.75 4.75 4.75 4.75
Tour Service Coordinator**—1 1 1
Battle Green Guides Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Liberty Ride Guides Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Economic Development Intern Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Planning Director 1 1 1 1
Assistant Planning Director 1 1 1 1
Planner 1 1 1 1
Planning Dept. Assistant 1 1 1 1
Conservation Director 1 1 1 1
Conservation Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Land Use Ranger 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Conservation Regulatory Assistant***————
Land Management Interns Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Building Commissioner 1 1 1 1
Asst Building Commissioner 1 1 1 1
Zoning Enforcement Administrator 1 1 1 1
Building Inspector 1 1 1 1
Plumbing and Gas Inspector 1 1 1 1
Electric Inspector 1 1 1 1
Mechanical Inspector****——0.57 0.57
Part-time Building Inspector*****0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58
Part-time Plumbing Inspector*****0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14
Part-time Electric Inspector*****0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24
PT Sealer Weights/Measures******————
Total FTE 28.52 28.52 29.09 29.09
Total FT/PT 22FT/8PT + Seasonal 22FT/9PT + Seasonal 22FT/10PT + Seasonal 22FT/10PT + Seasonal
Note: In FY2024, the Public Health Office became a separate Town department.
*In FY2024 a Land Use Department Assistant was reclassified to Office Manager for the new Health Department.
**In FY2024 the Liberty Ride Coordinator transitioned from part-time to full-time via a program improvement. Title change to Tour Service Coordinator.
***In FY2025, a part-time seasonal non-benefited Conservation Regulatory Assistant position was created via a program improvement. This position will be funded by wetland protection fees passed through from the State.
****In FY2025, a part-time benefited Mechanical Inspector position was created via a program improvement.
*****The hours budgeted for part-time inspectors are filled by multiple individuals.
******This is a part-time position shared with the Town of Burlington paid for as a contract service that does not add to overall headcount.
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-6
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Land Use, Housing and Development Department budget,
inclusive of the General Fund operating budget, the Tourism, Residential Engineering Review, and
Wetland Protection Revolving Funds, is $3,104,317, which is a $70,068 or 2.31% increase from the
FY2025 budget.
The FY2026 All Funds budget includes fee revenue from Wetlands Protection Act Notice of Intent (NOI)
permitting process which is accounted for in a Revolving Fund. This Revolving Fund is authorized by
Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 131, Section 40, which does not require appropriation by
Town Meeting. The FY2026 budget includes a part-time seasonal position for the Conservation
department be funded by the wetland protection fees.
The FY2026 recommended Land Use, Housing and Development General Fund operating budget is
$2,465,236, which is a $22,630 or 0.93% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $2,034,845 and reflects a $(20,810) or
(1.01)% decrease, which funds step increases and cost of living adjustments, offset by staff turnover.
Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for contracts
expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the Salary
Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $430,391 and reflects an increase of $43,440 or
11.23%, primarily due to an increase in contract expenses for regional housing services.
The FY2026 recommended budget for the Tourism Revolving Funds is $561,191, an increase of
$47,438 or 9.23% in the Tourism budget. Tourism is expected to increase around the
Semiquincentennial celebration of the Battle of Lexington which will generate additional revenue and
related expenses.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)
Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Hydraulic Lift gate $ 5,940 $ — $ 5,940 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,940
Housing Contract Services $ 43,200 $ — $ 43,200 $ — $ — $ — $ 43,200
Planner $ 72,000 $ 21,277 $ 93,277 $ — $ — $ — $ 93,277
Full-time Assistant Visitors Center Manager $ 21,924 $ 20,551 $ 42,475 $ — $ — $ — $ 42,475
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-7
Budget Summary - General Fund
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ (3,521,687) $ (921,014) $ (618,594) $ (354,364) $ — $ (354,364) $ 264,230 (42.71) %
TDM Stabilization Fund $ 46,000 $ 46,000 $ 46,000 $ 46,000 $ — $ 46,000 $ — — %
Fees & Charges
Departmental Fees $ 51,956 $ 81,609 $ 79,200 $ 80,400 $ — $ 80,400 $ 1,200 1.52 %
Licenses & Permits $ 5,591,197 $ 2,977,006 $ 2,936,000 $ 2,693,200 $ — $ 2,693,200 $ (242,800) (8.27) %
Total 7100-7400 - General Fund $ 2,167,466 $ 2,183,601 $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ — $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.93 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 1,863,837 $ 1,872,366 $ 2,055,655 $ 2,034,845 $ — $ 2,034,845 $ (20,810) (1.01) %
Expenses $ 303,629 $ 311,235 $ 386,951 $ 430,391 $ — $ 430,391 $ 43,440 11.23 %
Total 7100-7400 - General Fund $ 2,167,466 $ 2,183,601 $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ — $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.93 %
Level-Service Requests (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 7110 Building & Zoning $ 620,472 $ 614,263 $ 707,682 $ 692,169 $ — $ 692,169 $ (15,513) (2.19) %
Total 7120 Administration $ 511,627 $ 462,893 $ 535,590 $ 555,676 $ — $ 555,676 $ 20,086 3.75 %
Total 7130 Conservation $ 230,141 $ 244,968 $ 272,289 $ 274,896 $ — $ 274,896 $ 2,607 0.96 %
Total 7200 Planning $ 429,159 $ 412,865 $ 458,966 $ 459,127 $ — $ 459,127 $ 161 0.04 %
Total 7300 Economic Development $ 376,067 $ 448,612 $ 468,079 $ 483,368 $ — $ 483,368 $ 15,289 3.27 %
Total 7100-7400 - General Fund $ 2,167,466 $ 2,183,601 $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ — $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.93 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 1,836,388 $ 1,856,941 $ 2,021,565 $ 2,000,755 $ — $ 2,000,755 $ (20,810) (1.03) %
Overtime $ 27,449 $ 15,425 $ 34,090 $ 34,090 $ — $ 34,090 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 1,863,837 $ 1,872,366 $ 2,055,655 $ 2,034,845 $ — $ 2,034,845 $ (20,810) (1.01) %
Contractual Services $ 239,970 $ 242,239 $ 328,640 $ 369,140 $ — $ 369,140 $ 40,500 12.32 %
Utilities $ 9,005 $ 8,090 $ 10,981 $ 10,181 $ — $ 10,181 $ (800) (7.29) %
Supplies $ 54,523 $ 60,315 $ 45,330 $ 49,070 $ — $ 49,070 $ 3,740 8.25 %
Small Capital $ — $ 582 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ — $ 2,000 $ — — %
Expenses $ 303,499 $ 311,227 $ 386,951 $ 430,391 $ — $ 430,391 $ 43,440 11.23 %
Total 7100-7400 - General Fund $ 2,167,336 $ 2,183,592 $ 2,442,606 $ 2,465,236 $ — $ 2,465,236 $ 22,630 0.93 %
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-8
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Residential Engineering Review Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — $ 57,600 $ — — %
Wetland Protection Fees $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
Liberty Ride Revolving Fund $ 113,736 $ 148,442 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Visitor Center Revolving Fund $ 275,990 $ 425,503 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Tourism Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ 513,753 $ 561,191 $ — $ 561,191 $ 47,438 9.23 %
Total 7100-7400 - Rev. Funds $ 389,726 $ 573,945 $ 571,353 $ 639,081 $ — $ 639,081 $ 67,728 11.85 %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4, with the exception of the Wetland Protection Revolving Fund which does not require appropriation.
Appropriation Summary (Revolving Funds)FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
7110 - Residential Engineering Review $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — $ 57,600 $ — — %
Expenses $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — $ 57,600 $ — — %
7130 - Wetland Protection $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
Compensation $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
7320 - Liberty Ride $ 99,230 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ 25,320 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 73,910 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Benefits $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
7340 - Visitor Center $ 162,962 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ 72,568 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 90,394 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Benefits $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
7350 - Tourism $ — $ 340,230 $ 513,753 $ 561,191 $ — $ 561,191 $ 47,438 9.23 %
Compensation $ — $ 146,907 $ 188,753 $ 220,439 $ — $ 220,439 $ 31,686 16.79 %
Expenses $ — $ 193,323 $ 325,000 $ 325,000 $ — $ 325,000 $ — — %
Benefits $ — $ — $ — $ 15,752 $ — $ 15,752 $ 15,752 — %
Total 7100-7400 - Rev. Funds $ 262,192 $ 340,230 $ 571,353 $ 618,791 $ — $ 639,081 $ 67,728 11.85 %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary (All Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 1,961,725 $ 1,872,366 $ 2,264,698 $ 2,275,574 $ — $ 2,275,574 $ 10,876 0.48 %
Expenses $ 467,933 $ 504,558 $ 769,551 $ 812,991 $ — $ 812,991 $ 43,440 5.64 %
Benefits $ — $ — $ — $ 15,752 $ — $ 15,752 $ 15,752 — %
Total 7100-7400 - All Funds $ 2,429,657 $ 2,376,924 $ 3,034,249 $ 3,104,317 $ — $ 3,104,317 $ 70,068 2.31 %
7100-7400 Program Summary
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-9
Mission: The Building and Zoning Division is a regulatory function with the goal of protecting the
health and safety of residents. This role is fulfilled through the enforcement of building, zoning and
land use regulations.
Budget Overview: The Building and Zoning Division enforces state building, electrical, plumbing, gas
and mechanical codes, Architectural Access Board Regulations and local zoning bylaws. Staff,
comprised of the Building Commissioner, Assistant Building Commissioner, Building Inspectors,
Electrical Inspector, Plumbing & Gas Inspector, Mechanical Inspector and Zoning Enforcement
Administrator, review construction drawings and specifications, issue permits, inspect new construction,
conduct periodic inspections of restaurants, day care centers, schools, religious institutions, museums,
places of public assembly and multi-family housing, and levy fines or prosecute when necessary to
maintain code compliance.
Division Initiatives:
1.Continue to improve and administer the online permitting system, assisting contractors and
residents to obtain their permits without delays. The ViewPoint Cloud permit system requires all
building, mechanical, sheet metal, zoning, electrical, plumbing and gas permits to be applied for
electronically. This permitting system allows applicants to do much of their work from their office
or home, thereby saving time and money from having to visit the Town offices.
2. With the ever changing energy codes and sophisticated mechanical systems , the town approved a
part time mechanical inspector position last year, with expertise in the mechanical codes,
equipment and installations. The Building Divisions goal in the upcoming year will be to improve
the plan review, permitting and inspection process for all sheet metal, mechanical and energy code
compliance.
3.Permit, inspect, monitor and ensure code compliance for the almost one thousand new residential
housing units currently in the permitting pipeline. These new new buildings and residential
developments will create an enormous workload on inspectors and will require an extraordinary
effort on all to insure success.
4.Prepare the staff, residents, contractors and designers of the most recent Fossil Fuel Free Bylaw,
adopted in the Spring of 2024 that further prohibits/limits the use of natural gas and propane in
new and existing homes and most commercial buildings.
5.Assist the Planning Staff and Select Board to continue with their efforts to implement a stormwater
permitting system for all new homes built, regardless of the lot size. In 2023 the Board added
smaller projects that trigger site plan review, and their next steps will be adding all the new home
lots so that stormwater will not adversely effect the neighbors and town roads
7110 Building & Zoning
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-10
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Building Commissioner 1 1 1 1
Asst. Bldg. Commissioner 1 1 1 1
Zoning Enforcement Administrator 1 1 1 1
Building Inspectors 1 1 1 1
Plumbing and Gas Inspector 1 1 1 1
Electric Inspector 1 1 1 1
Mechanical Inspector*——0.57 0.57
Part-time Building Inspector**0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58
Part-time Plumbing Inspector**0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14
Part-time Electric Inspector**0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24
Part-time Sealer of Weights and Measures***————
Total FTE 6.96 6.96 7.53 7.53
Total FT/PT 6FT/3PT 6FT/3PT 6FT/4PT 6FT/4PT
*In FY2025, a part-time benefited Mechanical Inspector position was created via a program improvement.
**The hours budgeted for part-time inspectors are filled by multiple individuals.
***This is a part-time position shared with the Town of Burlington paid for as a contract service that does not add to overall headcount.
7110 Building & Zoning
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-11
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Building and Zoning budget is $749,769, a $(15,513) or (2.03)%
decrease from the FY2025 budget.
The FY2026 recommended General Fund Building and Zoning budget is $692,169, a $(15,513) or
(2.19)% decrease from the FY2025 budget.
The recommended budget for Compensation is $649,329 and reflects a $(15,513) or (2.33)%
decrease, which is due to staff turnover. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective
cost of living increases for contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective
increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The recommended budget for Expenses is $42,840, level-funded from FY2025.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
7110 Building & Zoning
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-12
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ (4,872,210) $ (2,266,663) $ (2,200,818) $ (2,012,031) $ — $ (2,012,031) $ 188,787 (8.58) %
Directed Funding
Departmental Fees $ 7,315 $ 13,655 $ 12,500 $ 11,000 $ — $ 11,000 $ (1,500) (12.00) %
Licenses and Permits $ 5,485,367 $ 2,867,271 $ 2,896,000 $ 2,693,200 $ — $ 2,693,200 $ (202,800) (7.00) %
Total 7110 Building and Zoning $ 620,472 $ 614,263 $ 707,682 $ 692,169 $ — $ 692,169 $ (15,513) (2.19) %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 584,341 $ 577,562 $ 664,842 $ 649,329 $ — $ 649,329 $ (15,513) (2.33) %
Expenses $ 36,131 $ 36,702 $ 42,840 $ 42,840 $ — $ 42,840 $ — — %
Total 7110 Building and Zoning $ 620,472 $ 614,263 $ 707,682 $ 692,169 $ — $ 692,169 $ (15,513) (2.19) %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 575,550 $ 571,514 $ 658,252 $ 642,739 $ — $ 642,739 $ (15,513) (2.36) %
Overtime $ 8,791 $ 6,048 $ 6,590 $ 6,590 $ — $ 6,590 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 584,341 $ 577,562 $ 664,842 $ 649,329 $ — $ 649,329 $ (15,513) (2.33) %
Contractual Services $ 14,325 $ 24,968 $ 30,890 $ 31,690 $ — $ 31,690 $ 800 2.59 %
Utilities $ 6,102 $ 5,502 $ 6,800 $ 6,000 $ — $ 6,000 $ (800) (11.76) %
Supplies $ 15,704 $ 6,223 $ 5,150 $ 5,150 $ — $ 5,150 $ — — %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 36,131 $ 36,693 $ 42,840 $ 42,840 $ — $ 42,840 $ — — %
Total 7110 Building and Zoning $ 620,472 $ 614,255 $ 707,682 $ 692,169 $ — $ 692,169 $ (15,513) (2.19) %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Residential Engineering Review $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — — %
Total 7110 B&Z Rev. Funds $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — $ 57,600 $ — — %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriation Summary (Revolving Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
7110 - Residential Engineering Review Revolving Fund
Expenses $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — — %
Total 7110 B&Z Rev. Funds $ — $ — $ 57,600 $ 57,600 $ — $ 57,600 $ — — %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriation Summary (All Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 584,341 $ 577,562 $ 664,842 $ 649,329 $ — $ 649,329 $ (15,513) (2.33) %
Expenses $ 36,131 $ 36,702 $ 100,440 $ 100,440 $ — $ 100,440 $ — — %
Total 7110 B&Z - All Funds $ 620,472 $ 614,263 $ 765,282 $ 749,769 $ — $ 749,769 $ (15,513) (2.03) %
7110 Building & Zoning
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-13
Mission: To develop comprehensive regulatory and technical assistance services to town residents
and commercial entities transacting development business with the Town.
Budget Overview: Administration provides management oversight and administrative support to the
Building and Zoning, Conservation, Planning and Economic Development Offices and to the numerous
boards and commissions, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and Historic Districts Commission, and
coordinates their daily operations. The staff, comprised of an Assistant Town Manager, an Office
Manager, Administrative Assistant and three Department Assistants, schedules and coordinates
hearings, prepares legal notices, sets agendas, processes applications and permits, inputs data into
Access databases, maintains files, circulates petitions among Town boards and officials, prepares
meeting notices, agendas and minutes, determines and notifies abutters, communicates with the
public, attends meetings, performs payroll and accounts payable functions, makes daily deposits, and
files all final documentation. The Assistant Town Manager for Development position oversees all
operations of the five divisions within the Land Use, Housing and Development Department.
Division Initiatives:
1.Advance the Town's housing initiatives.
2.Direct the Department in supporting the Select Board's updated goals and the Planning Board's
work plan, including LexingtonNext and other adopted Town plans related to the Department's
work.
3.Hold the formal public hearing on the 25% design for the Bedford Hartwell Complete Streets
Reconstruction Project
4.Assist the Town Manager in planning and executing on operations and delegated strategic actions
in land use, housing, conservation, building, planning, preservation and economic development.
7120 Administration
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-14
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Asst. Town Manager for Development 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Department Assistants*4 3 3 3
Total FTE 7 6 6 6
Total FT/PT 7 FT 6 FT 6 FT 6 FT
*In FY2024 a Land Use Department Assistant was reclassified to Office Manager for the new Health Department.
7120 Administration
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-15
Budget Recommendations:
The recommended FY2026 General Fund budget for the Office of Administration is $555,676, a
increase of $20,086 or 3.75% from the FY2025 budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $493,776 and reflects a increase of $13,086 or
2.72% due to staff turnover, partly offset by contractually obligated step increases and cost of living
adjustments. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for
contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the
Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $61,900 and reflects a net increase of $7,000 or
12.75%, which is primarily due to increased costs for contract services and office supplies.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 503,527 $ 454,793 $ 521,890 $ 534,276 $ — $ 534,276 $ 12,386 2.37 %
Directed Funding
Departmental Fees $ 8,100 $ 8,100 $ 13,700 $ 21,400 $ — $ 21,400 $ 7,700 56.20 %
Total 7120 Administration $ 511,627 $ 462,893 $ 535,590 $ 555,676 $ — $ 555,676 $ 20,086 3.75 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 471,814 $ 438,686 $ 480,690 $ 493,776 $ — $ 493,776 $ 13,086 2.72 %
Expenses $ 39,813 $ 24,207 $ 54,900 $ 61,900 $ — $ 61,900 $ 7,000 12.75 %
Total 7120 Administration $ 511,627 $ 462,893 $ 535,590 $ 555,676 $ — $ 555,676 $ 20,086 3.75 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 462,340 $ 432,936 $ 467,529 $ 480,615 $ — $ 480,615 $ 13,086 2.80 %
Overtime $ 9,474 $ 5,750 $ 13,161 $ 13,161 $ — $ 13,161 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 471,814 $ 438,686 $ 480,690 $ 493,776 $ — $ 493,776 $ 13,086 2.72 %
Contractual Services $ 24,431 $ 13,773 $ 46,200 $ 49,200 $ — $ 49,200 $ 3,000 6.49 %
Utilities $ 595 $ 745 $ 700 $ 700 $ — $ 700 $ — — %
Supplies $ 14,787 $ 9,689 $ 8,000 $ 12,000 $ — $ 12,000 $ 4,000 50.00 %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 39,813 $ 24,207 $ 54,900 $ 61,900 $ — $ 61,900 $ 7,000 12.75 %
Total 7120 Administration $ 511,627 $ 462,893 $ 535,590 $ 555,676 $ — $ 555,676 $ 20,086 3.75 %
7120 Administration
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-16
Mission: To protect the health and safety of Town residents through education about and regulation
of and management of natural areas and wetlands.
Budget Overview: The Conservation Division provides administration, interpretation and
enforcement of all applicable State laws and Local codes; counsel, guidance and education to the public
on environmental issues; research and reports on relevant issues for the Conservation Commission
meetings to aid the Commission in key decision making; enforcement of permit conditions through
construction inspections; management of conservation areas and the Land and Watershed Stewardship
Program. The Conservation Director manages and supervises the Conservation staff and operations
and, along with the Conservation Stewardship Coordinator, performs administrative, supervisory,
professional and technical work in connection with managing and directing comprehensive
environmental programs.
Division Initiatives:
1.Conduct a comprehensive technical review of Wetland Protection Code C. 130 and associated
regulations and update for consistency with all recent State DEP regulation amendments and local
regulation amendments.
2.Enhance, with support of an intern, the local wetland layer in the Town's GIS via digitizing wetland
data from approved conservation permit plans for improved public outreach regarding resource
area jurisdiction.
3.Implement recommendations of the Seven Year Action Plan of the 2023 Open Space and
Recreation Plan in collaboration with Recreation and Community Programs and other applicable
staff, boards, and committees.
4.Implement the Conservation Improvements, comprised of 20 acres of meadow preservation, as
appropriated through the participatory budget process with ARPA funds.
5.Implement the approved Conservation Commission Concord Avenue Conservation Area Ecological
Management Plan recommendations.
6.Implement the numerous conservation land management and stewardship prioritized projects,
including Cotton Farm to Community Center connector Trail Planning, Design and Engineering
(subject to FY2026 CPA request) and the Rangeway and Simonds Brook Trail realignment Design,
Engineering, and Construction (subject to FY2026 CPA request) along with completing several
outstanding Capital projects
7.Plan for and acquire open space parcels as prioritized by the Conservation Commission.
7130 Conservation Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-17
Authorized/Appropriated StaffingAuthorized/Appropriated Staffing FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Conservation Director 1 1 1 1
Conservation Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Land Use Ranger 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26
Conservation Regulatory Assistant*————
Seasonal Land Management Interns Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Total FTE 2.26 2.26 2.26 2.26
Total FT/PT 2FT/1PT + Seasonals 2FT/1PT + Seasonals 2FT/1PT + Seasonals 2FT/1PT + Seasonals
*In FY2025, a part-time seasonal non-benefited Conservation Regulatory Assistant position was created via a program improvement. This position will be funded by wetland protection fees passed through from the State.
7130 Conservation Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-18
Budget Recommendations:
The recommended FY2026 All Funds Conservation budget is $295,186, an increase of $2,607 or 0.89%
from the FY2025 budget.
The recommended FY2026 General Fund Conservation budget is $274,896, an increase of $2,607 or
0.96% from the FY2025 budget.
This includes a $2,607 or 1.08% increase in Compensation to reflect contractually obligated step
increases and cost of living adjustments. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective
cost of living increases for contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective
increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The recommended budget for Expenses is $30,961, which is level-funded compared to FY2025.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Hydraulic Lift gate $ 5,940 $ — $ 5,940 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,940
7130 Conservation Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-19
Budget Summary:
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Estimate Projected Add/Del Projected Increase Increase
Tax Levy $ 219,931 $ 238,418 $ 269,289 $ 266,896 $ — $ 266,896 $ (2,393) (0.89) %
Directed Funding
Departmental Fees $ 10,210 $ 6,550 $ 3,000 $ 8,000 $ — $ 8,000 $ 5,000 166.67 %
Total 7130 Conservation $ 230,141 $ 244,968 $ 272,289 $ 274,896 $ — $ 274,896 $ 2,607 0.96 %
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 216,451 $ 221,392 $ 241,328 $ 243,935 $ 243,935 $ 2,607 1.08 %
Expenses $ 13,690 $ 23,576 $ 30,961 $ 30,961 $ — $ 30,961 $ — — %
Total 7130 Conservation $ 230,141 $ 244,968 $ 272,289 $ 274,896 $ — $ 274,896 $ 2,607 0.96 %
Object Code Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Salaries & Wages $ 213,565 $ 221,157 $ 238,128 $ 240,735 $ 240,735 $ 2,607 1.09 %
Overtime $ 2,885 $ 235 $ 3,200 $ 3,200 $ — $ 3,200 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 216,451 $ 221,392 $ 241,328 $ 243,935 $ — $ 243,935 $ 2,607 1.08 %
Contractual Services $ 8,893 $ 16,163 $ 22,100 $ 22,100 $ — $ 22,100 $ — — %
Utilities $ 1,889 $ 1,423 $ 3,061 $ 3,061 $ — $ 3,061 $ — — %
Supplies $ 2,788 $ 5,989 $ 5,800 $ 5,800 $ — $ 5,800 $ — — %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 13,570 $ 23,576 $ 30,961 $ 30,961 $ — $ 30,961 $ — — %
Total 7130 Conservation $ 230,021 $ 244,968 $ 272,289 $ 274,896 $ — $ 274,896 $ 2,607 0.96 %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Wetland Protection Fees $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
Total 7130 Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
*This Revolving Fund is authorized by Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 131, Section 40 and does not require appropriation.
Appropriations Summary (Non-General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Wetland Protection $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
Personal Services $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — — %
Total 7130 - Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ 20,290 $ 20,290 $ — $ 20,290 $ — — %
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriations Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Percent
Actual Actual Appropriation Request Add/Del Recommended Increase Increase
Compensation $ 216,451 $ 221,392 $ 261,618 $ 264,225 $ — $ 264,225 $ 2,607 1.00 %
Expenses $ 13,690 $ 23,576 $ 30,961 $ 30,961 $ — $ 30,961 $ — — %
Total 7300 - All Funds $ 230,141 $ 244,968 $ 292,579 $ 295,186 $ — $ 295,186 $ 2,607 0.89 %
7130 Conservation Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-20
Mission: The Planning Office helps residents envision and work toward a community that serves the
needs of all its citizens and to manage growth and change. The Planning Office provides staff
assistance to the Planning Board, helps to administer the Zoning Bylaw, and reviews development
permit applications for residential, industrial, and commercial projects.
Budget Overview: The Planning Office supports the Planning Board in the administration of the
subdivision regulations, the adequacy determinations of unaccepted streets, the granting of certain
special permits for development, site plan review applications, as well as proposing and making
recommendations on all zoning amendments and planned development district proposals that go to
Town Meeting. In addition, the staff engages in short- and long-term planning regarding growth and
development issues in Lexington, actively participants in various committees dealing with
transportation, affordable housing, economic development, as well as regional and statewide initiatives.
The planning staff participates on the Development Review Team, Transportation Safety Group, and
provides assistance to the Housing Partnership Board, Parking Management Group, Transportation
Forum, the HOME Consortium, and the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
Division Initiatives:
1.Implement various recommendations in LexingtonNext, the Town's updated Comprehensive
Plan, which will guide future land development and preservation activities over the next 5,
10-15 years, and beyond.
2.Evaluate Planning Board's Zoning Regulations to improve the site plan review application
process.
3.Propose and adopt zoning amendments outlined in Lexington NEXT to promote various
economic development and land use goals such as more affordable housing and maximizing
commercial development.
4.Collaborate with members of the Land Use, Housing, and Development (LUHD) Department and
other staff members to plan and execute short- and long-term planning initiatives.
7200 Planning Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-21
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Planning Director 1 1 1 1
Assistant Planning Director 1 1 1 1
Planner 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Total FTE 4 4 4 4
Total FT/PT 4 FT 4 FT 4 FT 4 FT
7200 Planning Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-22
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended General Fund Planning Office budget is $459,127, which is an increase of
$161 or 0.04% from the FY2025 budget.
The General Fund operating budget for Compensation is $359,787 and reflects a $(22,229) or (5.82)%
decrease from the FY2025 budget, due to contractually obligated step increases, offset by staff
turnover. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for
contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the
Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The recommended budget for Expenses is $99,340 which reflects a 29.10% increase from FY2025. The
increase is in the Contract Services and Professional Service expenses to engage professional
assistance from outside consultants for housing developments. The new housing developments have
placed a greater demand on the Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO) for creating more affordable
housing and assistance with the Planning Board application process for new housing and mixed-use
development applications. The RHSO reviews the proposed locations of any affordable units within a
development, reviews the regulatory agreements and fair housing marketing plan, serves as the
monitoring agent for affordable units, and submits units to the town's subsidized housing inventory
(SHI).
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Planner $ 72,000 $ 21,277 $ 93,277 $ — $ — $ — $ 93,277
7200 Planning Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-23
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 402,829 $ 359,561 $ 408,966 $ 419,127 $ — $ 419,127 $ 10,161 2.48 %
Directed Funding
Fees $ 26,331 $ 53,303 $ 50,000 $ 40,000 $ — $ 40,000 $ (10,000) (20.00) %
Total 7200 Planning $ 429,159 $ 412,865 $ 458,966 $ 459,127 $ — $ 459,127 $ 161 0.04 %
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 363,863 $ 362,787 $ 382,016 $ 359,787 $ — $ 359,787 $ (22,229) (5.82) %
Expenses $ 65,296 $ 50,078 $ 76,950 $ 99,340 $ — $ 99,340 $ 22,390 29.10 %
Total 7200 Planning $ 429,159 $ 412,865 $ 458,966 $ 459,127 $ — $ 459,127 $ 161 0.04 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 358,094 $ 359,396 $ 373,914 $ 351,685 $ — $ 351,685 $ (22,229) (5.94) %
Overtime $ 5,770 $ 3,392 $ 8,102 $ 8,102 $ — $ 8,102 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 363,863 $ 362,787 $ 382,016 $ 359,787 $ — $ 359,787 $ (22,229) (5.82) %
Contractual Services $ 62,648 $ 48,632 $ 73,650 $ 96,350 $ — $ 96,350 $ 22,700 30.82 %
Utilities $ 420 $ 420 $ 420 $ 420 $ — $ 420 $ — — %
Supplies $ 2,218 $ 1,026 $ 2,880 $ 2,570 $ — $ 2,570 $ (310) (10.76) %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 65,286 $ 50,078 $ 76,950 $ 99,340 $ — $ 99,340 $ 22,390 29.10 %
Total 7200 Planning $ 429,149 $ 412,865 $ 458,966 $ 459,127 $ — $ 459,127 $ 161 0.04 %
7200 Planning Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-24
Mission: The Economic Development Office works to encourage new investment and support for our
local businesses - big and small. A strong local business environment is a critical component of a
healthy and sustainable community, creating places to eat and shop, as well as opportunities for
employment and added revenue to support local services. To that end, the Economic Development
Office serves as a liaison for businesses and works to address business-related issues from parking to
updating land use policy. The Office also works to retain and expand local businesses by providing
information, conducting research, and leveraging State economic development resources. The
Economic Development Office also cultivates and maintains relationships with State-level partners for
business development, tourism, and infrastructure investment opportunities. The Economic
Development Office works to leverage economic opportunities from tourism through the operations of
the Visitors Center, the Liberty Ride Trolley Tour, and the Battle Green Guides program. Sharing our
role in American history attracts many thousands of visitors to Lexington each year. These visitors help
to support our local businesses which contributes to our community's overall economic sustainability.
Budget Overview: The Economic Development Office is tasked with strengthening the commercial
tax base, providing services to existing and prospective businesses, and overseeing tourism functions
and staff. The Economic Development Office works on initiatives with input from the Economic
Development Advisory Committee, the Lexington Center Committee, and the Tourism Committee.
In prior years, the Economic Development budget was divided into three elements: the Economic
Development Office, the Liberty Ride Trolley Tour Program, and the Visitors Center Operations. Starting
in FY2024, the recommended budget combined the Liberty Ride Revolving Fund and the Visitor Center
Revolving Fund into one Tourism Revolving Fund.
The Liberty Ride is a trolley tour of Lexington and Concord which also serves as the only transportation
link to the area’s historic sites. The Visitors Center, located next to the Lexington Battle Green serves
as gateway for over 120,000 people who come to visit Lexington every year and generates revenue
from gift shop retail sales to offset operating costs. The Town recently completed construction of a
new Visitors Center which opened to the public in spring 2020.
Division Initiatives:
1.Seek partnerships with Boston hotels and Educational Institutes to attract more visitors to come to
Lexington through charter buses
2.Continue to implement findings of the East Lexington Rapid Recovery Report, Center Charette, and
Lexington Next.
3.Work on filling prominent vacancies in Lexington Center, Hartwell Ave, and East Lexington
4.Seek and utilize grant funding to support town-wide efforts
7300 Economic Development
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-25
Tourism/Visitor Activities
1.Expand programs & retail operations in the Visitors Center.
2.Develop additional materials for non-English speaking visitors and implement the Freedoms Way
Grant.
3.Identify other funding opportunities to augment revenue for the tourism revolving funds.
4.Increase the use of social media and target online advertising to increase visits to Lexington.
7300 Economic Development
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-26
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Element: 7310 Econ. Dev. Office Budget Budget Budget Request
Economic Development Director 1 1 1 1
Senior Economic Development Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Economic Development Intern Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Subtotal FTE 2 2 2 2
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Element: 7330 Tourism Revolving Fund Budget Budget Budget Request
Visitor Center Manager 1 1 1 1
Visitor Center Assistant Manager 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56
Visitor Center Staff 4.75 4.75 4.75 4.75
Tour Service Coordinator*—1 1 1
Battle Green Guides Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Liberty Ride Guides Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal
Subtotal FTE 6.31 7.31 7.31 7.31
Total FTE 8.31 9.31 9.31 9.31
Total FT/PT 3FT/7PT + Seasonal 4FT/7PT + Seasonal 4FT/7PT + Seasonal 4FT/7PT + Seasonal
Note: Visitor Center staffing is included above as this function was transferred from Chamber of Commerce in FY2015. There are 7 Visitor Center staff (1 works full-time and 6 work part-time) and 30 seasonal workers from April to October.
*In FY2024, the part-time Tour Service Coordinator was upgraded to a full-time position within the Tourism Revolving Fund via a program improvement.
7300 Economic Development
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-27
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended All Funds Economic Development budget, inclusive of the General Fund
operating budget and the Tourism Revolving Fund, is $1,044,559, which is a $62,727 or 6.39%
increase from the FY2025 budget.
The FY2026 recommended General Fund Economic Development operating budget is $483,368, which
is a $15,289 or 3.27% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget. The recommended General
Fund operating budget for Compensation is $288,018, and reflects a $1,239 or 0.43% increase, which
captures contractually obligated step increases. Compensation does not include any estimate of
prospective cost of living increases. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the Salary
Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s budget.
The recommended General Fund operating budget for Expenses is $195,350, an increase of $14,050 or
7.75%, primarily due to increases in professional services expenses to assess how the Town of
Lexington's tourism operations can operate most efficiently. Contractual costs include expenses
associated with the REV Shuttle, a business-serving shuttle that runs between the Hartwell Avenue
corridor and the Alewife Red Line Station, funded via a transfer from the Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) Stabilization Fund.
The Tourism Revolving Fund combines the operations of Lexington Visitors Center and the Liberty Ride
trolley service, both of which previously operated as independent Revolving Funds. The Tourism
Revolving Fund will generate revenue from the sale of gift shop merchandise, the sale of ticketed
walking tours on the Lexington Battle Green, and the sale of tickets and charters for the Liberty Ride
trolley tour.
The Revolving Fund budget is $561,191, an increase of $47,438 or 9.23% compared to the FY2025
budget, which includes both the Liberty Ride and Visitor Center operations. This increase is reflective
of a return to full operations post-pandemic, as well as seasonal staffing to support an expected
increase in tourism due to the Semiquincentennial celebration of the Battle of Lexington in 2025 and
the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Program Improvement Requests:
Tourism Revolving Fund
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Full-time Assistant Visitors Center Manager $ 21,924 $ 20,551 $ 42,475 $ — $ — $ — $ 42,475
7300 Economic Development
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-28
Budget Summary - General Fund
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 330,067 $ 402,612 $ 422,079 $ 437,368 $ — $ 437,368 $ 15,289 3.62 %
TDM Stabilization Fund $ 46,000 $ 46,000 $ 46,000 $ 46,000 $ — $ 46,000 $ — — %
Total 7300 - General Fund $ 376,067 $ 448,612 $ 468,079 $ 483,368 $ — $ 483,368 $ 15,289 3.27 %
Appropriation Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 227,368 $ 271,938 $ 286,779 $ 288,018 $ — $ 288,018 $ 1,239 0.43 %
Expenses $ 148,699 $ 176,674 $ 181,300 $ 195,350 $ — $ 195,350 $ 14,050 7.75 %
Total 7300 - General Fund $ 376,067 $ 448,612 $ 468,079 $ 483,368 $ — $ 483,368 $ 15,289 3.27 %
Program Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
7310 Economic Development Office $ 376,067 $ 448,612 $ 468,079 $ 483,368 $ — $ 483,368 $ 15,289 3.27 %
Total 7300 - General Fund $ 376,067 $ 448,612 $ 468,079 $ 483,368 $ — $ 483,368 $ 15,289 3.27 %
Object Code Summary (General Fund)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 226,838 $ 271,938 $ 283,742 $ 284,981 $ — $ 284,981 $ 1,239 0.44 %
Overtime $ 529 $ — $ 3,037 $ 3,037 $ — $ 3,037 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 227,368 $ 271,938 $ 286,779 $ 288,018 $ — $ 288,018 $ 1,239 0.43 %
Contractual Services $ 129,672 $ 138,702 $ 155,800 $ 169,800 $ — $ 169,800 $ 14,000 8.99 %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Supplies $ 19,027 $ 37,389 $ 23,500 $ 23,550 $ — $ 23,550 $ 50 0.21 %
Small Capital $ — $ 582 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ — $ 2,000 $ — — %
Expenses $ 148,699 $ 176,674 $ 181,300 $ 195,350 $ — $ 195,350 $ 14,050 7.75 %
Total 7300 - General Fund $ 376,067 $ 448,612 $ 468,079 $ 483,368 $ — $ 483,368 $ 15,289 3.27 %
Budget Summary - Revolving Funds*
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Liberty Ride Rev. Fund $ 113,736 $ 148,442 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Visitors Center Rev. Fund $ 275,990 $ 425,503 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Tourism Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ 513,753 $ 561,191 $ — $ 561,191 $ 47,438 9.23 %
Total 7300 - Revolving Funds $ 389,726 $ 573,945 $ 513,753 $ 561,191 $ — $ 561,191 $ 47,438 9.23 %
*Revolving Funds are authorized by Town Meeting via Article 9, and are not appropriated under Article 4.
Appropriation Summary (Revolving Funds)
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
7320 Liberty Ride Rev. Fund $ 99,230 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ 25,320 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 73,910 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
7340 Visitors Center Rev. Fund $ 162,962 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ 72,568 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 90,394 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
7350 Tourism Rev. Fund*$ — $ 340,230 $ 513,753 $ 561,191 $ — $ 561,191 $ 47,438 9.23 %
Compensation $ — $ 146,907 $ 188,753 $ 220,439 $ — $ 220,439 $ 31,686 16.79 %
Expenses $ — $ 193,323 $ 325,000 $ 325,000 $ — $ 325,000 $ — — %
Benefits $ — $ — $ — $ 15,752 $ — $ 15,752 $ 15,752 — %
Total 7300 - Revolving Funds $ 262,192 $ 340,230 $ 513,753 $ 561,191 $ — $ 561,191 $ 47,438 9.23 %
7300 Economic Development
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-29
Budget Summary - All Funds
Appropriations Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 325,255 $ 418,845 $ 475,532 $ 508,457 $ — $ 508,457 $ 32,925 6.92 %
Expenses $ 313,003 $ 369,997 $ 506,300 $ 520,350 $ — $ 520,350 $ 14,050 2.78 %
Total 7300 - All Funds $ 638,259 $ 788,842 $ 981,832 $ 1,044,559 $ — $ 1,044,559 $ 62,727 6.39 %
7300 Economic Development
Program: Land Use, Housing and Development Department
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
IX-30
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Section X: Program 8000: General Government
This section includes detailed information about the FY2026 Operating Budget & Financing Plan for
General Government. It includes:
•8100 Select Board X-1
•8200 Town Manager X-6
•8300 Town Committees X-11
•8400 Finance X-13
•8500 Town Clerk X-18
•8600 Innovation & Technology X-22
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-1
Mission: The Select Board, together with the Town Manager, represents the executive branch of the
Town government. The Board consists of five members, elected for three-year terms. Select Board
members serve without compensation. The Board acts as the Town’s primary policy-making body for a
wide variety of issues affecting service delivery, finance and Town infrastructure. They provide
oversight in matters of litigation, act as the licensing authority, enact rules and regulations regarding
traffic control and are responsible for calling Town Meetings and approving the Town Meeting Warrant.
Budget Overview: This budget includes funding for the Select Board’s Office, Town Counsel, the
Annual Town Report, and the Public, Education, Governmental (PEG) programming budget.
Day-to-day operation of the Select Board’s Office is under the direction of the Office Manager/Executive
Clerk and the Department Assistant who assist the Select Board members and coordinate activities with
the Town Manager’s Office. The staff prepare the Annual and Special Town Meeting Warrants and
assist the Select Board members in responding to questions and inquiries from the public. They also
receive all contributions to Select Board gift accounts, the Fund for Lexington, the PTA Council
Scholarship, the Lexington Education Fund and all other Trustees of Public Trusts funds.
Staff manage the licensing and permitting process for the Board (the licensing authority). These
licenses include alcoholic beverage, auctioneer, cable television, common victualler, entertainment,
flammable storage, innkeeper, lodging house, theater, Class I, II and III for the sale of used cars,
vehicles for hire such as common carrier, limousine and taxi cab and automatic amusement machines.
Staff maintain approximately 320 Select Board appointments to more than 50 committees. In addition,
the Select Board's Office notifies Lexington residents of all national, state and local elections.
Town Counsel represents the Town, through the Select Board and Town Manager, on all legal matters
including litigation, contracts, drafting of Town bylaws and enforcement of bylaws through the Court
system.
The Town Report is the official proceeding and activities of Town Government. It is required to be
prepared annually under State law.
The PEG budget funds activities related to the Town’s cable television programming. Under
Massachusetts law, municipalities may receive up to 5% of the basic cable bill for PEG programming
activities. These funds are largely used, under the guidance of the Communications Advisory
Committee, to fund the LexMedia contract.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Enhance resident engagement with committees and improve communication effectiveness.
2.Continue to improve methods of communication between the Select Board and residents.
3.Transition public meeting agenda management to a new platform with the upcoming
obsolescence of NovusAGENDA.
8100 Select Board Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-2
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Office Manager/Executive Clerk 1 1 1 1
Department Assistant 1 1 1 1
Recording Secretary 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Total FTE 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25
Total FT/PT 2 FT/1 PT 2 FT/1 PT 2 FT/1 PT 2 FT/1 PT
8100 Select Board Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-3
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended General Fund operating budget for the Select Board is $1,439,529, which is
a $50,895 or 3.67% increase from the FY2025 General Fund budget.
The Compensation budget is $155,071, an decrease of $(1,638) or (1.05)%, which reflects
contractually obligated step increases. Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost
of living increases. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account
within the Town Manager’s budget.
The overall Select Board Expense budget is $1,284,458, an increase of $52,533 or 4.26%. The increase
is primarily due to expenses for LexMedia, the Town's public access television provider. Expenses also
reflect an increase of $3,000 in the contracted expense for the Town's annual financial audit.
The recommended FY2026 budget for legal expenses is unchanged from FY2025 at $375,000. The
recommended FY2026 budget for the annual Town Report is unchanged from FY2025 at $13,688.
The FY2026 recommended budget for the Town’s annual contract with LexMedia for broadcasting
public meetings and events is $764,757, which is a $49,533 or 6.93% increase from FY2025. This
reflects contractual commitments to LexMedia, and an increase in the Town's lease agreement for Kline
Hall, the location from which LexMedia operates. This lease agreement escalates annually with the
Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Beginning in FY2024, the Town is funding LexMedia partly from the tax levy in addition to the PEG
Access Special Revenue Fund. PEG Access revenues are primarily from cable fees which have been on
the decline as consumers discontinue cable subscriptions in favor of streaming platforms. Cable fees
will not fully cover expenses needed to support local access cable TV going forward, and the amount of
General Fund support is expected to increase in the coming years. This does not add expense to the
Town's overall budget; instead the revenue contribution from the PEG Access Special Revenue fund is
$200,000 less than the PEG Access expense budget.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
8100 Select Board Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-4
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 537,084 $ 702,284 $ 689,018 $ 796,518 $ — $ 796,518 $ 107,500 15.60 %
Transfers from Enterprise Funds to General Fund (Indirects)$ 664 $ 1,171 $ 1,218 $ 1,254 $ — $ 1,254 $ 36 2.96 %
PEG Access Special Revenue Fund $ 610,789 $ 559,370 $ 617,898 $ 564,757 $ — $ 564,757 $ (53,141) (8.60) %
Fees
Licenses & Permits $ 78,690 $ 78,385 $ 80,500 $ 77,000 $ 77,000 $ (3,500) (4.35) %
Total 8100 (General Fund)$ 1,227,227 $ 1,341,210 $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ — $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.67 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 144,276 $ 150,237 $ 156,709 $ 155,071 $ — $ 155,071 $ (1,638) (1.05) %
Expenses $ 1,082,951 $ 1,190,973 $ 1,231,925 $ 1,284,458 $ — $ 1,284,458 $ 52,533 4.26 %
Total 8100 (General Fund)$ 1,227,227 $ 1,341,210 $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ — $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.67 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 8110 Select Board's Office $ 226,952 $ 228,687 $ 284,722 $ 286,084 $ — $ 286,084 $ 1,362 0.48 %
Total 8120 Legal $ 331,829 $ 473,669 $ 375,000 $ 375,000 $ — $ 375,000 $ — — %
Total 8130 Town Report $ 12,766 $ 12,562 $ 13,688 $ 13,688 $ — $ 13,688 $ — — %
Total 8140 PEG Access $ 655,680 $ 626,292 $ 715,224 $ 764,757 $ — $ 764,757 $ 49,533 6.93 %
Total 8100 (General Fund)$ 1,227,227 $ 1,341,210 $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ — $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.67 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 144,276 $ 150,237 $ 156,709 $ 155,071 $ — $ 155,071 $ (1,638) (1.05) %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Personal Services $ 144,276 $ 150,237 $ 156,709 $ 155,071 $ — $ 155,071 $ (1,638) (1.05) %
Contractual Services $ 1,065,074 $ 1,173,912 $ 1,211,412 $ 1,264,195 $ — $ 1,264,195 $ 52,783 4.36 %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Supplies $ 17,877 $ 17,061 $ 20,513 $ 20,263 $ — $ 20,263 $ (250) (1.22) %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 1,082,951 $ 1,190,973 $ 1,231,925 $ 1,284,458 $ — $ 1,284,458 $ 52,533 4.26 %
Total 8100 (General Fund)$ 1,227,227 $ 1,341,210 $ 1,388,634 $ 1,439,529 $ — $ 1,439,529 $ 50,895 3.67 %
8100 Select Board Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-5
Mission: The Select Board appoints the Town Manager who oversees the daily operations of all
general government departments, implements the policies of the Select Board, proposes an annual
operating and capital budget, and enforces Town bylaws and regulations. The Town Manager's
authority and responsibilities are established in the Select Board-Town Manager Act of 1968. The
Town Manager's Office is also responsible for Human Resources and benefit administration, as well as
risk management.
Budget Overview: The Town Manager’s Office budget is comprised of the following elements:
Organizational Direction and Administration, Human Resources, Sustainability, Public Outreach and
Communication, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Organizational Direction and Administration
includes day-to-day oversight for all Town departments, townwide staff training and professional
development, and special projects. This function also implements all decisions of the Select Board and
provides staff support to various Town committees. The Sustainability and Resilience Officer, Director
of Communications, and Chief Equity Officer positions are in the Town Manager's Office to support and
further the goals and priorities of the Town. In addition, the Town Manager's Office, through the
Human Resources function, is responsible for personnel administration, benefits administration,
collective bargaining negotiations, workers compensation and unemployment benefits.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Continue to support the Racial Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Transformation plan and other social
equity initiatives in coordination with the Select Board.
2.Work to support the organization's high-performance culture by providing directed team building to
the Middle and Senior Management Team.
3.Develop new revenue sources to support the budget, particularly the capital budget, by developing
long-term debt management strategies to mitigate the impact of large project debt service.
4.Continue the initiative to develop organizational sustainability by passing on institutional knowledge,
engaging mid-level managers in organization decision-making and selecting and training qualified
individuals.
8200 Town Manager Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-6
8200 Town Manager Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-7
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Town Manager 1 1 1 1
Deputy Town Manager 1 1 1 1
Director of Communications*1 1 1 1
Sustainability and Resilience Officer 1 1 1 1
Chief Equity Officer 1 1 1 1
Office Manager/Special Events Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Management Fellow/Analyst I 1 1 1 1
Management Analyst II**1 1 1 1
Web & Digital Engagement Specialist***—1 1 1
Hearing Officers****0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12
Human Resources Director 1 1 1 1
Human Resources Associate 1 1 1 1
Benefits Coordinator 1 1 1 1
Benefits Assistant*****—1 1 1
Administrative Assistant******0.54 1 1 1
Total FTE 11.66 14.12 14.12 14.12
Total FT/PT 11FT / 3PT 14FT / 2PT 14FT / 2PT 14FT / 2PT
* In FY2024, title change from Director of Communications/Special Projects Coordinator to Director of Communications.
** A second Management Analyst role was added via 2021 Fall STM, in part to help manage the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) projects. A portion of that salary was funded from ARPA. In FY2026, this position is vacant and will not be funded to allow for funding more critical or mandated changes. Funding for this position may resume in FY2027 if funding is available.
***A Webmaster was reassigned from IT to the Town Manager's Office via a Budget Adjustment at 2022 Fall STM. In FY2024, title change to Web & Digital Engagement Specialist.
****Two hearing officers hear appeals for parking fines; one municipal hearing officer hears appeals for fines issued by the Fire Department (regional position, shared with Winchester and Woburn).
*****In FY2024, the Benefits Assistant position was created via a program improvement.
******In FY2024, the part-time Administrative Assistant position permanently transitioned to a full-time position supported by the General Fund via a program improvement. In FY2023, the position was supported as full-time through ARPA funding.
8200 Town Manager Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-8
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended budget inclusive of the Town Manager’s Office and Human Resources is
$1,609,722, which is a $(55,118) decrease from the revised FY2025 budget.
The recommended FY2026 budget for Compensation is $1,214,912, and reflects a $85,034 or 7.53%
increase compared to FY2025. The increase in compensation is due to annual step increases, the new
town manager contract, and the inclusion of the unfilled Management Analyst position back into the
budget. The Management Analyst position is currently vacant and management intends to leave this
position open in FY2026 to allow for funding other critical or mandated changes in the municipal
budget. Filling the Management Analyst position may resume in FY2027 if funding is available.
Compensation does not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases. Funds for
prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s
budget.
The recommended FY2026 budget for Expenses is $394,810, which reflects a decrease of $(140,152)
or (26.20)% from FY2025, primarily due to a one-time PIR in FY2025 to conduct an assessment of
General Liability Insurance and funding approved at Special Town Meeting in FY2025 for a police and
fire staffing study.
The department's budget includes a Salary Adjustment Account, which reflects anticipated FY2026
collective bargaining settlements, other wage increases, and compensated leave payments due certain
employees at retirement. Once contractual settlements are reached, funds are transferred from this
account to the appropriate departmental budget upon a vote of the Select Board.
Beginning in FY2025 the Town Manager's Salary Reserve Account has set-aside funding to cover a new
Town Policy for Paid Parental Leave that went into effect as of July 1, 2024. This policy was
implemented through contract negotiations and was therefore included in the initial budget request by
the Town Manager.
Professional Services will continue to fund HR consultations, investigations, and assessment centers for
the Police and Fire Departments, as well the cost of scanning and converting paper files into the Tyler
Content Manager module.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Solar Assessment*$ 24,000 $ — $ 24,000 $ 24,000 $ — $ 24,000 $ —
Sustainability Coordinator $ 70,000 $ 21,248 $ 91,248 $ — $ — $ — $ 91,248
*Recommended to be funded as a one-time expense by Free Cash.
8200 Town Manager Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-9
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 782,094 $ 771,570 $ 1,274,844 $ 1,251,370 $ (47,613) $ 1,203,757 $ (71,087) (5.58) %
Enterprise Funds (Indirect)$ 36,728 $ 52,816 $ 51,813 $ 53,341 $ — $ 53,341 $ 1,528 2.95 %
Available Funds
Rentals*$ 319,837 $ 479,390 $ 338,184 $ 352,623 $ — $ 352,623 $ 14,439 4.27 %
Total 8200 Town Manager $ 1,138,659 $ 1,303,776 $ 1,664,840 $ 1,657,335 $ (47,613) $ 1,609,722 $ (55,118) (3.31) %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 968,492 $ 1,038,807 $ 1,129,878 $ 1,262,525 $ (47,613) $ 1,214,912 $ 85,034 7.53 %
Expenses $ 170,167 $ 264,969 $ 534,962 $ 394,810 $ — $ 394,810 $ (140,152) (26.20) %
Total 8200 Town Manager $ 1,138,659 $ 1,303,776 $ 1,664,840 $ 1,657,335 $ (47,613) $ 1,609,722 $ (55,118) (3.31) %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 8210 Organizational Dir. & Admin.$ 908,113 $ 926,208 $ 1,274,726 $ 1,267,457 $ (47,613) $ 1,219,844 $ (54,882) (4.31) %
Total 8220 Human Resources $ 230,546 $ 377,568 $ 390,114 $ 389,878 $ — $ 389,878 $ (236) (0.06) %
Total 8200 Town Manager $ 1,138,659 $ 1,303,776 $ 1,664,840 $ 1,657,335 $ (47,613) $ 1,609,722 $ (55,118) (3.31) %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 968,492 $ 1,038,807 $ 1,129,878 $ 1,262,525 $ (47,613) $ 1,214,912 $ 85,034 7.53 %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Personal Services $ 968,492 $ 1,038,807 $ 1,129,878 $ 1,262,525 $ (47,613) $ 1,214,912 $ 85,034 7.53 %
Contractual Services $ 134,083 $ 231,826 $ 493,878 $ 351,725 $ — $ 351,725 $ (142,153) (28.78) %
Utilities $ 2,195 $ 1,308 $ 2,195 $ 3,100 $ — $ 3,100 $ 905 41.23 %
Supplies $ 31,540 $ 28,967 $ 34,889 $ 35,485 $ — $ 35,485 $ 596 1.71 %
Small Capital $ 2,349 $ 2,868 $ 4,000 $ 4,500 $ — $ 4,500 $ 500 12.50 %
Expenses $ 170,167 $ 264,969 $ 534,962 $ 394,810 $ — $ 394,810 $ (140,152) (26.20) %
Total 8200 Town Manager $ 1,138,659 $ 1,303,776 $ 1,664,840 $ 1,657,335 $ (47,613) $ 1,609,722 $ (55,118) (3.31) %
*Rentals are comprised of rental receipts from the Waldorf School, LexFarm, outdoor seating sidewalk rentals, cell tower lease revenue and the sublease of Kline Hall to LexMedia.
Budget Summary - Salary Adjustment (8230)
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 826,422 $ 725,300 $ 294,179 $ — $ — $ — $ (294,179) (100.00) %
Total 8230 Salary Adjustment $ 826,422 $ 725,300 $ 294,179 $ — $ — $ — $ (294,179) (100.00) %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualRevisedRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 8230 Salary Adjustment $ 826,422 $ 725,300 $ 294,179 $ — $ — $ — $ (294,179) (100.00) %
Total 8230 Salary Adjustment $ 826,422 $ 725,300 $ 294,179 $ — $ — $ — $ (294,179) (100.00) %
8200 Town Manager Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-10
Mission: Town Committees includes the Appropriation Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee,
Public Celebrations Committee and various boards and committees appointed by the Select Board,
Moderator and the Town Manager.
Budget Overview: The Town Committees budget provides funding for a variety of statutory and
advisory committees that are an integral part of the operation of local government in Lexington. The
financial committees - the Appropriation Committee and the Capital Expenditures Committee - provide
detailed financial review and analysis to Town Meeting. The Town Celebrations Committee, appointed
by the Select Board, plans the Town's annual celebrations, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Day
celebration, and parades on Veterans Day, Patriots Day, and Memorial Day.
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
Limited staff support is provided through the Town Manager’s Office and Finance Department, and a
part-time Recording Secretary takes meeting minutes.
8300 Town Committees Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-11
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Town Committees budget is $73,120, which is an increase of $210 or
0.29% from FY2025.
Compensation will increase by $144 or 2.01%, which reflects a cost of living adjustment. Expenses are
funded at $65,800, which is an increase of $66 or 0.10%.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 57,446 $ 51,785 $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ — $ 73,120 $ 210 0.29 %
Total 8300 Town Committees $ 57,446 $ 51,785 $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ — $ 73,120 $ 210 0.29 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 99 $ — $ 7,176 $ 7,320 $ — $ 7,320 $ 144 2.01 %
Expenses $ 57,346 $ 51,785 $ 65,734 $ 65,800 $ — $ 65,800 $ 66 0.10 %
Total 8300 Town Committees $ 57,446 $ 51,785 $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ — $ 73,120 $ 210 0.29 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 8310 Financial Committees $ 451 $ 363 $ 8,676 $ 8,820 $ — $ 8,820 144 1.66 %
Total 8320 Misc. Boards & Committees $ 5,996 $ 5,999 $ 10,500 $ 10,500 $ — $ 10,500 $ — — %
Total 8330 Town Celebrations $ 50,998 $ 45,423 $ 53,734 $ 53,800 $ — $ 53,800 $ 66 0.12 %
Total 8300 Town Committees $ 57,446 $ 51,785 $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ — $ 73,120 $ 210 0.29 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 99 $ — $ 7,176 $ 7,320 $ — $ 7,320 $ 144 2.01 %
Overtime $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Compensation $ 99 $ — $ 7,176 $ 7,320 $ — $ 7,320 $ 144 2.01 %
Contractual Services $ 5,996 $ 5,999 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ — $ 10,000 $ — — %
Utilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Supplies $ 51,350 $ 45,786 $ 55,734 $ 55,800 $ — $ 55,800 $ 66 0.12 %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 57,346 $ 51,785 $ 65,734 $ 65,800 $ — $ 65,800 $ 66 0.10 %
Total 8300 Town Committees $ 57,446 $ 51,785 $ 72,910 $ 73,120 $ — $ 73,120 $ 210 0.29 %
8300 Town Committees Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-12
Mission: The Finance Department is responsible for: (1) maintaining timely and accurate records on
all financial activities of the Town; (2) administering internal financial controls; (3) facilitating the
evaluation of the Town’s financial condition; (4) ensuring that the delivery of Town services is done in
compliance with Massachusetts General Laws that govern municipal finance; (5) providing timely and
accurate financial information to managers of Town services to facilitate the evaluation of the cost
effectiveness and efficiency of Town programs; (6) providing timely and accurate financial information
to Town boards and committees to facilitate policy deliberation and formulation; and (7) safeguarding
the financial assets of the Town.
Budget Overview: The Finance Department is comprised of the following divisions: the Comptroller's
Office, the Treasurer/Collector’s Office and the Assessing Office.
•The Comptroller's Office is responsible for maintaining the Town's general ledger (accounting),
accounts payable, payroll and centralized purchasing. The Comptroller's budget is also inclusive
of funding for the Assistant Town Manager for Finance, who oversees all financial operations of
the Town, and the Budget Officer who, in concert with the Assistant Town Manager for Finance
and the Town Manager, develops and monitors the annual capital and operating budgets.
•The Treasurer/Collector's Office has three primary responsibilities: the collection and deposit of
all Town taxes, fees and charges including property taxes, motor vehicle excise, utility billing
and other local receipts (permit and license fees, fines, etc.); the management and investment
of all revenues collected; and the issuance and servicing of debt.
•The Assessor's Office's primary function is the development of assessed values of real and
personal property.
Staff also support various boards and committees including the Appropriation Committee, Capital
Expenditures Committee, Retirement Board, Water and Sewer Abatement Board and other ad-hoc
committees as assigned.
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Finance is recommending implementing a new Tyler Cashiering module for online payments and
electronic cashiering. This initiative will improve the online payment experience and self-service
options for residents and will allow for electronic payments at the Treasurer's counter. Funding
for this initiative is requested as a program improvement in FY2026.
2.Finance is recommending a Water and Sewer rate study during FY2026 to establish a new utility
rate structure that will allow for a migration to quarterly utility billing (current billing is semi-
annual). Funding for this initiative is requested as a program improvement in FY2026.
3.The department continues to explore additional functionality in Munis ERP including Employee
Self Service (ESS), automated benefits enrollment and Employee Action Forms that will help
move the department closer to paperless processing.
4.Continue reviewing new fiscal policies, specifically updating strategies for funding the Town's
Pension and OPEB Liabilities.
8400 Finance Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-13
8400 Finance Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-14
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Element 8410: Comptroller Budget Budget Budget Request
Asst. Town Manager for Finance/Comptroller 1 1 1 1
Town Accountant 1 1 1 1
Staff Accountant 1 1 1 1
Procurement Officer*0.91 0.91 0.91 1
Financial Clerk 1 1 1 1
Payroll Manager 1 1 1 1
Budget Officer 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
Subtotal FTE 7.31 7.31 7.31 7.40
Subtotal FT/PT 6FT/2PT 6FT/2PT 6FT/2PT 7FT/1PT
Element 8420: Treasurer/Collector
Treasurer/Collector 1 1 1 1
Assistant Tax Collector 1 1 1 1
Treasury Assistant 1 1 1 1
Departmental Assistant**1 1 1 1
Municipal Clerk 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46
Subtotal FTE 4.46 4.46 4.46 4.46
Subtotal FT/PT 4FT/1PT 4FT/1PT 4FT/1PT 4FT/1PT
Element 8430: Assessor
Director of Assessing 1 1 1 1
Assistant Director of Assessing 1 1 1 1
Residential Analyst/Inspector 2 2 2 2
Office Manager 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Subtotal FTE 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
Subtotal FT/PT 6FT/0PT 6FT/0PT 6FT/0PT 6FT/0PT
Total FTE 17.77 17.77 17.77 17.86
Total FT/PT 16FT/3 PT 16FT/3 PT 16FT/3 PT 17FT/2 PT
*In FY2026, Procurement Officer hours return to full time.
**In FY2024, title change from Departmental Accounting Clerk to Departmental Assistant.
8400 Finance Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-15
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Finance Department budget is $2.21 million, which represents a $34,040, or
1.57% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The operating budget for Compensation is $1,685,728, and reflects an increase of $48,810 or 2.98%,
which captures contractually obligated step increases. Compensation does not include any estimate of
prospective cost of living increases for contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for
prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s
budget.
The recommended budget for Expenses is $520,490, and reflects an decrease of $(14,770) or (2.76)%.
Program Improvement Request:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Water and Sewer Rate Study $ 50,000 $ — $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ — $ 50,000 $ —
Tyler ERP/Cashiering Module $ 145,000 $ — $ 145,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 145,000
The Water and Sewer Rate Study is recommended to be funded equally by the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds.
8400 Finance Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-16
Budget Summary
Funding Sources FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 1,765,571 $ 1,753,984 $ 1,955,957 $ 1,994,651 $ — $ 1,994,651 $ 38,694 1.98 %
Enterprise Funds (Indirects)$ 149,914 $ 178,426 $ 181,221 $ 186,567 $ — $ 186,567 $ 5,346 2.95 %
Fees & Charges
Charges for Services $ 20,366 $ 19,225 $ 35,000 $ 25,000 $ — $ 25,000 $ (10,000) (28.57) %
Total 8400 Finance $ 1,935,851 $ 1,951,635 $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ — $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.57 %
Appropriation Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 1,486,805 $ 1,585,167 $ 1,636,918 $ 1,685,728 $ — $ 1,685,728 $ 48,810 2.98 %
Expenses $ 449,047 $ 366,468 $ 535,260 $ 520,490 $ — $ 520,490 $ (14,770) (2.76) %
Total 8400 Finance $ 1,935,851 $ 1,951,635 $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ — $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.57 %
Program Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 8410 Comptroller $ 726,270 $ 761,262 $ 852,520 $ 881,157 $ — $ 881,157 $ 28,637 3.36 %
Total 8420 Treasurer/Collector $ 461,097 $ 447,129 $ 494,657 $ 498,676 $ — $ 498,676 $ 4,019 0.81 %
Total 8430 Assessing $ 748,485 $ 743,245 $ 825,001 $ 826,385 $ — $ 826,385 $ 1,384 0.17 %
Total 8400 Finance $ 1,935,851 $ 1,951,635 $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ — $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.57 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 1,486,805 $ 1,583,974 $ 1,636,918 $ 1,685,728 $ — $ 1,685,728 $ 48,810 2.98 %
Overtime $ — $ 1,194 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Personal Services $ 1,486,805 $ 1,585,167 $ 1,636,918 $ 1,685,728 $ — $ 1,685,728 $ 48,810 2.98 %
Contractual Services $ 415,232 $ 332,710 $ 492,365 $ 484,965 $ — $ 484,965 $ (7,400) (1.50) %
Utilities $ 5,329 $ 4,426 $ 2,910 $ 2,910 $ — $ 2,910 $ — — %
Supplies $ 28,486 $ 29,332 $ 39,985 $ 32,615 $ — $ 32,615 $ (7,370) (18.43) %
Small Capital $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — %
Expenses $ 449,047 $ 366,468 $ 535,260 $ 520,490 $ — $ 520,490 $ (14,770) (2.76) %
Total 8400 Finance $ 1,935,851 $ 1,951,635 $ 2,172,178 $ 2,206,218 $ — $ 2,206,218 $ 34,040 1.57 %
8400 Finance Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-17
Mission: The Office of the Town Clerk acts as the primary repository of official documents for the
Town, and the custodian of and recording office for official Town and vital records. Responsibilities
include issuing marriage licenses, recording vital statistics, issuing dog licenses, registering businesses,
fulfilling public records requests, receipt and recording of Planning/Zoning filings, and conducting the
annual Town Census. The Town Clerk's Office conducts elections in conformance with State and local
laws, and with the Board of Registrars, processes voter registrations and certifications. The Town Clerk
reports to the Deputy Town Manager.
Budget Overview: The four elements comprising the Office of the Town Clerk include Town Clerk
Administration, Registration, Elections, and Archives & Records Management.
Town Clerk Administration: The Town Clerk acts as the Town's recording officer, Registrar of Vital
Statistics, and Chief Election Official. The Town Clerk is the official record-keeper of Town Meeting,
certifies bylaws, Town Meeting appropriations, filings with the Department of Revenue, signs notes for
borrowing, and certifies official documents. The Town Clerk also registers all vital events within
Lexington, recording births, marriages and deaths in accordance with State law. The Town Clerk is
keeper of the seal, administers the oath of office to elected and appointed members of boards and
committees, maintains records of adopted municipal codes, regulations, bylaws, oaths of office,
resignations, appointments, and submits general bylaws and zoning bylaws to the Attorney General for
approval. The Town Clerk’s Office issues licenses and permits and serves as a central information point
for residents.
Board of Registrars: Registrars, appointed by the Select Board, are responsible for promoting voter
registration, overseeing voter records and ruling on voter eligibility. Stipends for the Board of
Registrars remain level-funded. Annual voter confirmations are conducted in accordance with State
statute. The Annual Town Census and the publishing of the List of Residents is funded in this element.
Election Management: The Town Clerk serves as the Chief Election Official and oversees
administration and oversight of local, state and federal elections in accordance with election laws, most
recently including the Early Voting Act, which mandates allowable vote-by-mail for all local, State and
Federal elections, pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds, and automatic voter registration. Staff
provide information for candidate certifications, referenda, initiative petitions, campaign finance laws,
election procedures, ballot initiatives and voter information. Over 110 Election Workers staff
Lexington's polling locations, and site preparations are coordinated with Public Works, Public Facilities,
Police and the Lexington Public Schools.
Records Management: This element addresses inventory and retention of historic and current
records and documents, including proper maintenance and storage, preservation, management of
electronic documents, and public access to public records and information. A part-time Archivist/
Records Manager is responsible for this work and oversees the conservation and preservation of
Lexington's historic documents.
8500 Town Clerk Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-18
Departmental Initiatives:
1.Ongoing administration of town/state/federal elections in conformance with statutory requirements to provide legal and accessible elections to Lexington voters. Emphasis on management of the new vote-by-mail State election procedural changes.
2.Further development of Archives & Records Management Program, including the management
of the Town's electronic documents and historical data, especially with regards to public records requests.
3.Expanded use of Laserfiche Document Imaging System for records retention, electronic access,
and archives/records portal.
4.Continuing collaboration with the Select Board Office to utilize the new Board/Committee database.
5.Act as the liaison to the State Ethics Commission to learn and implement the new online learning management system (LMS) across the Town.
6.Development of internal training programs in partnership with the Information Technology
Department.
8500 Town Clerk Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-19
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Town Clerk 1 1 1 1
Assistant Town Clerk 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 1 1 1 1
Municipal Assistants*1.23 1.23 0.52 0.52
Election Administrator*——0.71 0.71
Archivist/Records Manager 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46
Total FTE 4.69 4.69 4.69 4.69
Total FT/PT 3 FT/ 3 PT 3 FT/ 3 PT 3 FT/ 3 PT 3FT/ 3 PT
*In FY2025, one Municipal Assistant was converted to Elections Administrator.
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Town Clerk budget is $692,479 which is a $11,660 or 1.71% increase from
the FY2025 budget.
The budget for Compensation is $562,029 and reflects a $7,259 or 1.31% increase in FY2026. The
increase in FY2026 compensation is due to contractually obligated step increases. Compensation does
not include any estimate of prospective cost of living increases for contracts expiring on or before June
30, 2025. Funds for prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the
Town Manager’s budget.
The budget for Expenses is $130,450, which is an increase of $4,401 or 3.49%, and reflects anticipated
expenses for FY2026.
Program Improvement Requests:
None requested.
8500 Town Clerk Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-20
Budget Summary
Funding Sources
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 486,193 $ 459,293 $ 599,919 $ 609,479 $ — $ 609,479 $ 9,560 1.59 %
Directed Funding
Departmental Fees $ 34,278 $ 36,055 $ 35,900 $ 34,000 $ — $ 34,000 $ (1,900) (5.29) %
Licenses and Permits $ 51,110 $ 51,110 $ 45,000 $ 49,000 $ — $ 49,000 $ 4,000 8.89 %
Total 8500 Town Clerk $ 571,581 $ 546,457 $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ — $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.71 %
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 433,848 $ 427,108 $ 554,770 $ 562,029 $ — $ 562,029 $ 7,259 1.31 %
Expenses $ 137,732 $ 119,349 $ 126,049 $ 130,450 $ — $ 130,450 $ 4,401 3.49 %
Total 8500 Town Clerk $ 571,581 $ 546,457 $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ — $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.71 %
Program Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Total 8510 Town Clerk Admin.$ 358,297 $ 364,227 $ 375,761 $ 381,914 $ — $ 381,914 $ 6,153 1.64 %
Total 8520 Board of Registrars $ 18,075 $ 21,236 $ 19,925 $ 19,925 $ — $ 19,925 $ — — %
Total 8530 Elections $ 148,841 $ 114,956 $ 226,538 $ 230,914 $ — $ 230,914 $ 4,376 1.93 %
Total 8540 Records Management $ 46,367 $ 46,039 $ 58,595 $ 59,726 $ — $ 59,726 $ 1,131 1.93 %
Total 8500 Town Clerk $ 571,581 $ 546,457 $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ — $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.71 %
Object Code Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 422,289 $ 415,565 $ 493,179 $ 500,438 $ — $ 500,438 $ 7,259 1.47 %
Overtime $ 11,559 $ 11,544 $ 61,591 $ 61,591 $ — $ 61,591 $ — — %
Personal Services $ 433,848 $ 427,108 $ 554,770 $ 562,029 $ — $ 562,029 $ 7,259 1.31 %
Contractual Services $ 96,291 $ 110,756 $ 111,399 $ 115,875 $ — $ 115,875 $ 4,476 4.02 %
Utilities $ 624 $ 2,243 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ — $ 2,000 $ — — %
Supplies $ 10,318 $ 6,351 $ 12,550 $ 12,575 $ — $ 12,575 $ 25 0.20 %
Small Capital $ 30,500 $ — $ 100 $ — $ — $ — $ (100) (100) %
Expenses $ 137,732 $ 119,349 $ 126,049 $ 130,450 $ — $ 130,450 $ 4,401 3.49 %
Total 8500 Town Clerk $ 571,581 $ 546,457 $ 680,819 $ 692,479 $ — $ 692,479 $ 11,660 1.71 %
8500 Town Clerk Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-21
Mission: The Department of Innovation and Technology (IT) provides a customer-centric approach to
the delivery of innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the Town Departments and to
strengthen the services provided to our residents while ensuring the highest level of security to the
Town Network.
Budget Overview: The Department of Innovation and Technology supports, maintains and manages
townwide business-related technology. The department supports townwide core services including the
financial system (Enterprise ERP), time keeping, document management (Laserfiche), facilities
maintenance and management technology, domain management, emergency management web sites
and services, and VoIP telephone systems. IT maintains the infrastructure and security of the network
core and co-manages the townwide area network for Municipal and School departments. The
Department manages all Municipal technology purchases and performs the installations and
maintenance of Municipal IT equipment and services. IT collaborates with Town departments to select,
design and implement technologies. Some Municipal systems supported by the Department include the
public safety system (ProPhoenix), Assessors database (VISION), Town permitting and inspections
system (Citizen Services), GIS systems (ESRI), work and asset management systems (PeopleGIS,
SchoolDude, Freshservice), Town website and social communication systems, Municipal Systems and
Infrastructure (VMWare, Microsoft applications, antivirus/cybersecurity software, archiving applications,
backup systems, IT management systems, cloud storage), and many other applications. IT staff also
provide support and training for end-users.
Departmental Initiatives:
1. Continue to invest in the Town's IT infrastructure and security posture
a.Implement recommendations from network assessments
b.Implement recommendations from cybersecurity assessments
c.Investigate additional cybersecurity measures and services
d.Provide cybersecurity training to all staff
2. Maximize the value of current systems
a.Laserfiche
b.OpenGov
c.Enterprise ERP
d.Vision
e.BlueBeam
f.ProPhoenix
3. Increase Customer Service Quality and Responsivenessa. Emphasis on a customer-centric approach to working with the departments and staff
4. Focus on future visioning for IT
a.Mobile work initiatives
b.Electronic Workflows
c.Enhanced Communications
d.Hybrid work/meeting spaces
a.Disaster Recovery (DR) planning and expansion of capabilities
b.Network redundancy planning and implementation
8600 Innovation & Technology Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-22
Authorized/Appropriated Staffing
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
Budget Budget Budget Request
Innovation & Technology Director 1 1 1 1
Information Technology Director 1 1 1 1
Administrative Assistant 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54
Business Analyst/Project Manager 2 2 2 2
Network Administrator 1 1 1 1
GIS/Database Administrator 1 1 1 1
Support Technician*1 1 ——
Applications & Systems Administrators*1 1 2 2
Webmaster**1 ———
Part-time Intern 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Total FTE 9.79 8.79 8.79 8.79
Total FT/PT 9 FT/2 PT 8 FT/2 PT 8 FT/2 PT 8 FT/2 PT
*In FY2025, the Support Technician position was upgraded to a second Applications & Systems Administrator position via a program improvement.
**In FY2023, a webmaster was reassigned to the Town Manager's Office.
8600 Innovation & Technology Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-23
Budget Recommendations:
The FY2026 recommended Innovation & Technology budget is $3,376,124, which is a $251,949 or
8.06% increase from the FY2025 budget.
The recommended budget for Compensation is $867,726, and reflects a $16,135 or 1.89% increase,
due to contractually obligated step increases. Compensation does not include any estimate of
prospective cost of living increases for contracts expiring on or before June 30, 2025. Funds for
prospective increases are captured in the Salary Adjustment account within the Town Manager’s
budget.
The recommended budget for Expenses is $2,508,398 and reflects a $235,814 or 10.38% increase,
which incorporates the following adjustments:
•Increase in Contracted Services ($10,674) for planned contracted work during FY2026;
•Increase in Communications and Network Support ($77,000) for contracts associated with a
third firewall added for the Police Department to meet CJIS needs.
•Increase in Hardware Support (21,100) for replicated environments for Disaster Recovery and
Police Department UPS system maintenance;
•Increase in Mobile Devices ($4,000) due to adding 20 Outdoor WiFi units which require a
monthly paid cellular connection;
•Decrease in LAN Peripherals ($45,000) due to Capital Program created in FY25;
•Decrease in LAN Hardware ($6,000) due to only one server being replaced;
•Decrease in PC Hardware ($15,000) due to longer computer lifespans and fewer PC
replacements in FY2026.
•Decrease in Utilities ($18,800) due to Police moving out of back to original location
•Decrease in PC Peripherals ($5,600) due to less equipment being purchased after the pandemic.
Program Improvement Requests:
Request Recommended
Description
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)
Total Requested
Salaries and Expenses
Benefits (reflected in Shared Expenses)Total Not Recommended
Senior Network Administrator (Reclass Current Position)$ 5,198 $ 75 $ 5,273 $ — $ 5,273
Director - Personal Town-Issued Vehicle $ 65,000 $ — $ 65,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 65,000
Senior Applications and Systems Administrator (Reclass Current Position)$ 7,226 $ 105 $ 7,331 $ — $ — $ — $ 7,331
8600 Innovation & Technology Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
X-24
Budget Summary
Funding Sources
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualEstimateProjectedAdd/Del Projected
Tax Levy $ 2,400,544 $ 2,293,788 $ 2,991,478 $ 3,239,513 $ — $ 3,239,513 $ 248,035 8.29 %
Enterprise Funds (Indirects)$ 89,039 $ 123,455 $ 132,697 $ 136,612 $ — $ 136,612 $ 3,915 2.95 %
Total 8600 Innovation & Tech.$ 2,489,583 $ 2,417,243 $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ — $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.06 %
Appropriation Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Compensation $ 849,519 $ 814,311 $ 851,591 $ 867,726 $ — $ 867,726 $ 16,135 1.89 %
Expenses $ 1,640,064 $ 1,602,931 $ 2,272,584 $ 2,508,398 $ — $ 2,508,398 $ 235,814 10.38 %
Total 8600 Innovation & Tech.$ 2,489,583 $ 2,417,243 $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ — $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.06 %
Program Summary
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
8610 IT Administration $ 2,489,583 $ 2,417,243 $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ — $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.06 %
Total 8600 Innovation & Tech.$ 2,489,583 $ 2,417,243 $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ — $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.06 %
Object Code Summary FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Manager's FY2026 Dollar Increase Percent IncreaseActualActualAppropriationRequestAdd/Del Recommended
Salaries & Wages $ 840,503 $ 802,997 $ 846,998 $ 857,226 $ — $ 857,226 $ 10,228 1.21 %
Overtime $ 9,015 $ 11,314 $ 4,593 $ 10,500 $ — $ 10,500 $ 5,907 128.61 %
Personal Services $ 849,519 $ 814,311 $ 851,591 $ 867,726 $ — $ 867,726 $ 16,135 1.89 %
Contractual Services $ 1,310,851 $ 1,358,519 $ 1,900,764 $ 2,226,578 $ — $ 2,226,578 $ 325,814 17.14 %
Utilities $ 97,611 $ 92,183 $ 161,400 $ 146,600 $ — $ 146,600 $ (14,800) (9.17) %
Supplies $ 13,106 $ 8,098 $ 12,820 $ 10,720 $ — $ 10,720 $ (2,100) (16.38) %
Small Capital $ 218,497 $ 144,131 $ 197,600 $ 124,500 $ — $ 124,500 $ (73,100) (36.99) %
Expenses $ 1,640,064 $ 1,602,931 $ 2,272,584 $ 2,508,398 $ — $ 2,508,398 $ 235,814 10.38 %
Total 8600 Innovation & Tech.$ 2,489,583 $ 2,417,243 $ 3,124,175 $ 3,376,124 $ — $ 3,376,124 $ 251,949 8.06 %
8600 Innovation & Technology Program: General Government
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
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This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
Section XI: Capital Investment
FY2026 Capital Improvement Budget & Financing Plan
INTRODUCTION
A crucial aspect of the Town’s operations, from providing services to its residents and businesses to
equipping employees to effectively perform their jobs, requires the existence of certain basic physical
assets. These assets include streets, water mains, parks, buildings, large equipment and technology.
They must be purchased, maintained and replaced on a timely basis or their usefulness in providing
public services will diminish. The Town’s five-year Capital Improvements Program and annual Capital
Budget are developed to ensure adequate capital investment in the Town’s assets.
Definition of Capital Projects
A capital project is defined as a major, non-recurring expenditure that generally meets the following
criteria:
•Massachusetts General Law permits the Town to issue bonds to finance the expenditure;
•The expenditure is $25,000 or more;
•The expenditure will have a useful life of 10 years or more for buildings or building components
and 5 years for vehicles and equipment; and
•Planning, engineering, or design services may be considered capital when such services are
integral to a construction, renewal or replacement project that meets the criteria for a capital
expenditure.
CAPITAL POLICY FRAMEWORK
The FY2026 Capital Budget was developed within the capital policy framework initially adopted by the
Select Board in 1991, and subsequently amended in 2006 and 2009 to ensure adequate planning and
funding for capital investment, particularly cash capital projects within the General Fund. This capital
investment strategy includes the following major elements:
•Multi-year planning for capital investment;
•Debt exclusions for major capital projects; and
•Ensuring sufficient operating budget resources for maintaining capital assets.
FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM
Five-year capital improvement planning has been part of Lexington’s budget development process for
many years. Multi-year planning allows proper staging and sequencing of capital projects to smooth
financing plans and to make funding needs more predictable. Capital investment requirements can
vary, involving unique large projects such as a fire vehicle or a school building. Other capital
investment needs are recurring such as the annual program to resurface roadways.
The five-year Capital Improvement Program includes all anticipated capital projects identified by school
and municipal departments over the next five years, and 5-year spending projections for all of the
Town's ongoing capital investment programs.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-1
Recent Developments in the Capital Improvement Budget
Over the last decade the Town has funded three separate capital programs related to Stormwater
management, flood mitigation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE), nutrient removal
and overall improvement in water quality that is regulated by the federal Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA):
•Culvert Replacement;
•Storm Drainage Improvements and National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System
(NPDES) Compliance; and
•Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management
These three programs have historically been funded with General Fund revenue sources, but required
work has expanded and costs have continued to increase steadily in recent years. From FY2019-2024
Town management and the Department of Public Works explored creating a Stormwater Enterprise
Fund that would assess a stormwater fee to every parcel of real property in Lexington. This new fee
revenue would fund the three capital programs noted above, and related Stormwater operating
expenses.
The establishment of this new Enterprise fund has been put on hold as the EPA's regulations evolve
and until the agency issues the town a new Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit,
which is expected this year. Once issued Town staff will assess requirements of the permit and whether
or not Stormwater capital requirements can be managed within the existing budget. If the new permit
requirements result in an expansion of the Town's Stormwater management program, costs may
increase rapidly, and the Town may reconsider the proposal for a Stormwater Enterprise Fund.
In FY2025, the three existing capital programs related to Stormwater were combined into one request for a Stormwater Management Program. One combined program allows the department more flexibility in planning and remove complexity from bidding and managing projects that have many
overlapping components, but separate funding authorizations. The work proposed and total amounts requested in this one program are aligned with the historic programs and funding requests. Additional information can be found under Table VIII: Cash Capital.
In FY2025, a new program was created for Sustainable Capital Initiatives including electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and infrastructure. In the future this program may also include the study,
design and construction of rooftop solar or solar canopies, including battery storage; and other projects identified by the Sustainability and Resilience Officer to move the Town towards achieving its sustainability goals.
Ongoing Capital Programs
In 2021, the Department of Public Facilities completed a full review of the Town's buildings and
systems and developed a 20-year plan for replacing and maintaining building assets. The existing
conditions of Town and School buildings were presented at joint Summit meetings in the spring of
2022. In addition to full building construction or renovation, in FY2024 some of the Department's
ongoing capital programs were re-aligned to allow the Facilities Department to better manage and
prioritize capital needs as they arise. The following continuing programs are included in the FY2026
budget and current 5-year capital plan:
•Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing has been combined into one capital program, and this
appropriation will cover school and/or municipal buildings as needed based on priorities
identified in the plan.
•Public Facilities Interior Finishes includes mill work, ceiling work, tile work, countertop
replacement and bathroom finish renovations will be utilized for school and/or municipal
buildings as needed based on the priority of the plan.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-2
•School Parking Lot Paving and Sidewalks will continue to be managed by Public Facilities.
Paving and Sidewalks for other municipal buildings fall under Public Works.
•Separate programs remain for School Building Envelope and Municipal Building
Envelope. The building envelope programs include extraordinary repairs and modifications to
buildings and systems such as siding, caulking, masonry, weather proofing materials, windows,
doors, roofs and painting of wood exteriors.
Funding the Town's Capital Improvement Budget
The following are potential funding sources for financing the Town’s capital investments. Over the last
5 years management has shifted the majority of the Town's ongoing capital programs to be funded
with cash sources as opposed to debt financing. The use of debt is primarily for large one-time capital
projects. Capital projects and programs may be funded from one source, or by a combination of the
following sources.
•Cash Financing - The Town regularly appropriates available funds (i.e., cash financing) from the
general and enterprise funds to finance certain capital investment projects. Examples of available
funds are unreserved fund balance (Free Cash), tax levy, enterprise fund retained earnings,
specialized stabilization funds, premiums received when issuing bond anticipation notes, and,
when available, unexpended balances of prior years’ capital articles.
•Debt - The Town has traditionally financed large dollar value capital projects with debt.
Depending upon the project, the debt service resulting from debt-funded capital projects can be
financed from a variety of sources including the General Fund (either within the Levy Limit or
from a voter approved Proposition 2½ debt exclusion), Enterprise and Revolving Funds or the
Community Preservation Fund (see discussion of the CPA below).
In 2019, the Town's management, Select Board and finance committees reviewed the Town's finance policies and have since implemented new strategies for funding the Town's capital plan.
This includes increasing cash financing of projects, particularly the items that are part of a continuing capital program, and reducing the Town's overall reliance on debt financing. These efforts have greatly reduced interest costs and the amount of within-levy debt service.
•Other Sources - The Town uses dedicated state aid, grant or gift funds to finance capital
investment when these funds are available.
•Community Preservation Act (CPA) Funds - Beginning in FY2007, following voter approval,
the Town began to assess a Community Preservation Surcharge of 3% of the property tax levied
against all taxable real property. For owners of residential property, the assessed value used to
calculate the surcharge is net of a $100,000 residential exemption. Community Preservation
funds can be used for those purposes defined by the Community Preservation Act, MGL Ch. 44B.
Such purposes include the acquisition and preservation of open space, the creation and support
of community (affordable) housing, the acquisition and preservation of historic resources, and the
creation and support of recreational facilities.
Beginning in FY2008, the Town began to receive State matching funds to supplement the local
surcharge. Over time, the annual percentage of State matching funds has fluctuated due to
changes in State legislation and varying levels of funding available at the State level. The Town's
local match is further impacted as additional communities in the Commonwealth adopt the CPA
surcharge resulting in available funds being spread across more communities. The following table
presents the history of Lexington's State matching funds.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-3
FISCAL YEAR PERCENTAGE AMOUNT
2015 32.6 %$1,230,116
2016 30.7 %$1,229,774
2017 21.3 %$897,243
2018 17.8 %$789,905
2019 19.8 %$922,256
2020 24.8 %$1,219,950
2021 29.7 %$1,549,955
2022 45.5 %$2,500,261
2023 40.0 %$2,323,956
2024 21.8 %$1,354,935
2025 18.7 %$1,234,313
2026 (estimated) 15.0 %$1,030,000
Receipts for FY2026 from the surcharge and state matching funds are preliminarily estimated at
$8.29 million, reflecting an estimated match of $1,030,000, or 15% which reflects a continuation
of lower State matches in recent history due to a decline in available revenues in the CPA Trust
Fund and the State budget.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-4
FY2026 CAPITAL FINANCING STRATEGY
The proposed financing plan for the recommended FY2026 capital budget is shown in the table below.
Capital Requests Summary
Free Cash/ Tax Levy
Other Funding Sources Debt Total Other**
General Fund $ 21,506,173 $ — $ — $ 21,506,173 $ —
Excluded Debt Projects***$ — $ — $ 654,000,000 $ 654,000,000 $ —
Other Funding & Chapter 90 $ — $ 18,043 $ — $ 18,043 $ 964,592
Water Enterprise $ — $ 2,634,440 $ — $ 2,634,440 $ —
Sewer Enterprise $ — $ 1,409,931 $ — $ 1,409,931 $ —
Recreation Enterprise $ — $ 70,000 $ — $ 70,000 $ —
Compost Revolving Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Community Preservation Act*$ — $ 7,495,844 $ — $ 7,495,844 $ —
Total (all Funds)$ 21,506,173 $ 11,628,258 $ 654,000,000 $ 687,134,431 $ 964,592
*Includes both Town and non-Town CPA funded projects.
**Other represents Chapter 90 Aid for street improvements. This item does not require a Town Meeting appropriation.
PLANNING A NEW LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
The Town continues to plan for a large-scale reconstruction or renovation of Lexington High School.
Special Town Meeting 2022-2 appropriated $1,825,000 for a Feasibility Phase of this project. The
FY2025 request included a second-phase request for $10,000,000 in design funds to advance the
project through the Schematic Design Phase and determine construction cost estimates for a
construction appropriation in FY2026. The FY2025 budget also allocated funding to begin a multi-
phased reorganization of Town assets including:
•A $4.2 million renovation of the swing space building at 173 Bedford Street in FY2025 to allow
the Superintendent of Schools and School Administration to occupy the building in the coming
years as LHS is under construction.
•The FY2026 capital plan includes funding to demolish the existing School Administration
Building at 146 Maple Street and additional funding for site work and installation of recreation
fields at that site. These fields will help address field loss at the LHS site as that project is under
construction.
•The FY2026 capital plan includes construction funding for LHS. Office space for the School
Administration is planned to be included in the new LHS building.
•In a future fiscal year the 173 Bedford Street building may be used as swing space for the Cary
Memorial Library and/or the Town Office Building as additional capital improvements are
implemented in those buildings.
The following table, FY2026 Recommended Capital Budget, lists all FY2026 projects recommended by
the Town Manager for consideration and their estimated costs by program area and funding source.
The Capital Expenditures Committee and Appropriation Committee have also been evaluating these
requests and will issue reports and recommendations to Town Meeting.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-5
FY2026 Recommended Capital Budget
Department Project Description Recommendation Requested Funding Source(s)ATM Article
Conservation Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector $ 300,000 CPA 10
Conservation Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail Design & Engineering $ 75,000 CPA 10
Planning/Engineering Transportation Mitigation $ 80,000 TNC Funds /Free Cash 12
Total Land Use, Housing and Development $ 455,000
Fire Replacement Pumper Truck $ 1,100,000 Free Cash 12
Total Public Safety $ 1,100,000
Recreation & Comm. Pgms.Pine Meadows Equipment $ 70,000 Recreation RE 11
Recreation & Comm. Pgms.Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design $ 375,000 Free Cash 12
Recreation & Comm. Pgms.Park and Playground Improvements $ 1,490,000 CPA 10
Recreation & Comm. Pgms.Park Improvements - Athletic Fields $ 3,197,904 CPA/Free Cash 10
Recreation & Comm. Pgms.Lincoln Park Field Improvements $ 1,950,000 CPA/ Free Cash 10
Total Culture and Recreation $ 7,082,904
Public Facilities Public Facilities Bid Documents $ 125,000 Free Cash 16
Public Facilities Public Facilities Interior Finishes $ 468,000 Free Cash 16
Public Facilities School Paving and Sidewalks $ 200,000 Free Cash 16
Public Facilities Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated Systems $ 1,100,000 Free Cash 16
Public Facilities Lexington High School Construction Project - Design Funding $ 654,000,000 Exempt Debt TBD
Public Facilities Central Administration Building Demolition $ 3,550,000 Free Cash 16
Public Facilities Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom Renovation $ 300,000 Free Cash 16
Total Public Facilities Department $ 659,743,000
Public Works Equipment Replacement $ 2,168,000 Free Cash/ Water & Sewer RE 12
Public Works Sidewalk Improvements $ 870,000 Free Cash 12
Public Works Street Improvements $ 2,726,806 Tax Levy 12
Public Works Hydrant Replacement Program $ 150,000 Free Cash/ Water RE 12
Public Works Stormwater Management Program $ 2,642,500 Free Cash 12
Public Works Sanitary Sewer System Investigation and Improvements $ 1,082,431 Sewer User Fees/ Sewer RE 14
Public Works Water Distribution System Improvements $ 2,334,940 Water User Fees/ Water RE 13
Public Works Pump Station Building Improvements $ 200,000 Sewer RE 14
Public Works New Sidewalk Installations $ 150,000 Free Cash 12
Public Works Adams Street Intersections Improvements (@East; @Hancock)$ 325,000 Free Cash 12
Public Works DPW Building Improvements $ 120,000 Free Cash 12
Total Public Works Department $ 12,769,677
Lexington Public Schools LPS Technology Program $ 1,500,910 Free Cash 15
Total Lexington Public Schools $ 1,500,910
Innovation & Technology Municipal Technology Improvement Program $ 150,000 Free Cash 12
Innovation & Technology Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan $ 760,000 Free Cash 12
Town Clerk Document Conservation $ 21,000 CPA 10
Total General Government $ 931,000
Affordable Housing Trust Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) Funding $ 3,000,000 CPA 10
Lexington Historical Society Hancock-Clarke House Roof Replacement $ 57,800 CPA 10
LexHAB LexHAB Support - Restoration, Preservation, Decarbonization $ 494,140 CPA 10
Total Non-Governmental Projects $ 3,551,940
Total FY2026 Recommendations - All Funds $ 687,134,431
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-6
CAPITAL PLAN BY FINANCING SOURCE
The following pages include tables that show the recommended FY2026 capital projects by
financing source: General Fund debt; Water Fund debt; Wastewater Fund debt; Recreation and
Community Programs Fund debt; Proposition 2½ excluded debt; Community Preservation Fund
debt; Compost Revolving Fund debt; and cash capital (i.e., current revenue).
Each debt-related table includes the projected debt service impact of recommended projects, actual
debt service on debt authorized and issued, and projected debt service on debt authorized and
unissued. Finally, each table is accompanied by a written description of each recommended
project.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-7
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - GENERAL FUND DEBT (Table I)
TABLE I: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - GENERAL FUND DEBT
Amount Financed Interest Rate
PROJECTED DEBT SERVICE
Term FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
FACILITIES PROJECTS
Within-Levy Projects
None Proposed $ — ---—%$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $—$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AUTHORIZED LEVY SUPPORTED DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
A Approved and Issued $ 4,282,682 $ 3,697,662 $ 3,323,830 $ 3,040,230 2,759,660
B Projected Approved and Unissued $ 1,700,386 $ 4,136,486 $ 4,002,410 $ 3,460,001 $ 3,154,300
C Total Debt Service on Authorized Debt $ 5,983,068 $ 7,834,148 $ 7,326,240 $ 6,500,231 $ 5,913,960
D Projected New Levy Supported Debt Service (above)$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
E TOTAL - PROJECTED LEVY SUPPORTED DEBT SERVICE $ 5,507,637 $ 5,983,068 $ 7,834,148 $ 7,326,240 $ 6,500,231 $ 5,913,960
F Plus: Projected Debt Service on Future Capital Projects $ — $ — $ 113,661 $ 1,085,466 $ 2,073,894 $ 3,079,776
G Less: Debt Service Funded from Special Revenue Accounts $ (174,000) $ (201,875) $ (197,000) $ (192,125) $ (137,250) $ (132,375)
H Less: Proposed Use of Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ (346,000) $ (438,000) $ (668,000) $ (440,000)
I Total Offsets to Projected Levy Supported Debt Service (G+H)$ (174,000) $ (201,875) $ (543,000) $ (630,125) $ (805,250) $ (572,375)
J PROJECTED NET LEVY SUPPORTED DEBT SERVICE (E+F+I)$ 5,333,637 $ 5,781,193 $ 7,404,809 $ 7,781,581 $ 7,768,875 $ 8,421,361
Projected Approved and Unissued projected debt services on line B currently includes the feasibility and design funds for Lexington High School which have not yet been approved as excluded debt. If the Lexington High School Construction appropriation is approved by Town Meeting and the townwide debt exclusion referendum in the Fall of 2025, the cost of feasibility and design may be reclassified as excluded debt in future budget years.
No recommendations for debt financing.
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - WATER FUND DEBT (Table II)
TABLE II: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - WATER DEBT
Project Amount Financed Term Interest Rate FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
1 None Proposed $ — ---—%$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AUTHORIZED WATER DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
A Subtotal: Authorized and Issued $ 1,335,456 $ 1,301,015 $ 1,147,339 $ 929,500 $ 916,500
B Subtotal: Approved and Unissued (short and long-term) $ 102,550 $ 227,414 $ 220,328 $ 213,243 $ 206,157
C Total: Debt Service on Authorized Debt $ 1,438,006 $ 1,528,429 $ 1,367,667 $ 1,142,743 $ 1,122,657
D Subtotal: Projected Debt Service on Proposed Capital Projects $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
E TOTAL PROJECTED WATER DEBT SERVICE $ 1,368,116 $ 1,438,006 $ 1,528,429 $ 1,367,667 $ 1,142,743 $ 1,122,657
No recommendations for debt financing.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-8
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - WASTEWATER FUND DEBT (Table III)
TABLE III: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - WASTEWATER DEBT
Project Amount Financed Term Interest Rate FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
1 None Proposed $—---—%$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $—$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AUTHORIZED SEWER DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
A Subtotal: Authorized and Issued Debt $ 1,463,137 $ 1,369,485 $ 1,192,069 $ 1,019,150 $ 822,950
B Subtotal: Approved and Unissued Debt (short and long-term) $ 208,949 $ 344,114 $ 333,309 $ 322,503 $ 311,698
C Total: Debt Service on Authorized Debt $ 1,672,086 $ 1,713,599 $ 1,525,378 $ 1,341,653 $ 1,134,648
D Subtotal: Projected Debt Service on Proposed Capital Projects $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
E TOTAL PROJECTED SEWER DEBT SERVICE $ 1,569,746 $ 1,672,086 $ 1,713,599 $ 1,525,378 $ 1,341,653 $ 1,134,648
No recommendations for debt financing.
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - RECREATION FUND DEBT (Table IV)
TABLE IV: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - RECREATION and COMMUNITY PROGRAMS DEBT
Project Amount Financed Term Interest Rate FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
1 None Proposed $ — ---—%$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AUTHORIZED RECREATION REVENUE DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
A Subtotal:Approved and Issued Debt Service $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
B Subtotal:Approved and Unissued Debt Service $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
C Total:Approved Debt Service $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
D Subtotal:Projected Debt Service on Proposed Capital Projects $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
E TOTAL PROJECTED DEBT SERVICE $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
No recommendations for debt financing.
For FY2026 there are no new requests for debt financing, and no existing debt service obligated to the
Recreation Enterprise Fund, however this budget does include a contribution of $100,000 from the
Recreation Enterprise Fund to offset General Fund debt service for the Pine Meadows Clubhouse which was
approved at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-9
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - FUNDING THROUGH PROPOSITION 2½ DEBT EXCLUSION
(Table V)
TABLE V: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - FUNDING THROUGH PROPOSITION 2½ DEBT EXCLUSION
Project Amount Financed Term Interest Rate FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
Project that is a potential candidate for debt exclusion
Lexington High School Construction - ($654,000,000)$ 554,000,000 ——%$ — $ 268,624 $ 11,807,078 $ 24,609,646 $ 33,830,160
Subtotal $ 554,000,000 $ — $ 268,624 $ 11,807,078 $ 24,609,646 $ 33,830,160
APPROVED AND PROPOSED EXCLUDED DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
Subtotal:Approved and Issued Debt $ 16,100,441 $ 15,462,795 $ 14,701,017 $ 12,014,897 $ 10,350,771
Subtotal:Approved and Unissued Debt $ 190,000 $ 401,390 $ 388,880 $ 376,370 $ 363,860
Total: Approved Excluded Debt Service $ 16,290,441 $ 15,864,185 $ 15,089,897 $ 12,391,267 $ 10,714,631
Proposed Exempt Debt Service (above)$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Total Approved and Proposed Excluded Debt Service $ 16,591,920 $ 16,290,441 $ 15,864,185 $ 15,089,897 $ 12,391,267 $ 10,714,631
Projected Future Debt Service - LHS Construction Funding $ — $ 268,624 $ 11,807,078 $ 24,609,646 $ 33,830,160
Total Projected Debt Service $ 16,591,920 $ 16,290,441 $ 16,132,809 $ 26,896,975 $ 37,000,913 $ 44,544,791
Less: Portion of Debt Service Paid Within-Levy Per Per CSF Policy $ — $ — $ (6,563,050) $ (6,563,050) $ (6,563,050)
Less: Use of Capital Stabilization Fund to Mitigate Debt Service Impacts on Property Tax Bills $ — $ — $ — $ (2,000,000) $ (9,700,000) $ (14,800,000)
Net Excluded Debt Service $ 16,591,920 $ 16,290,441 $ 16,132,809 $ 18,333,925 $ 20,737,863 $ 23,181,741
1.Lexington High School Construction Project - Construction ($654,000,000) - Lexington High
School was invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority School Building (MSBA) Grant Program
in June 2022, and since that time has been moving through the modules of the MSBA's prescribed process.
A School Building Committee (SBC) was formed to oversee the project and the Town selected Dore and
Whittier as the Owners Project Manager (OPM), and Symmes Maini and McKee Associates (SMMA) as the
Designer. These representatives are the project team for the duration of the LHS project.
The project is currently in Phase 3 - Feasibility Study of the MSBA process, and in November 2024 the SBC
voted to select the "Bloom" massing study as the preferred conceptual design. The Bloom design is all
new construction to be located on the fields next to the existing Lexington High School. This preferred
design has been submitted to the MSBA, and if approved will move into Phase 4 - Schematic Design.
Special Town Meeting 2022-2 appropriated $1,825,000 for the Feasibility Study, and in FY2025 Town
Meeting appropriated $10,000,000 is to advance the project through the Schematic Design Phase.
Current estimates approximate the construction will cost $654,000,000, which is requested in the FY2026
budget. To move forward this project will require a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion vote in addition to Town
Meeting approval, both expected to occur in Fall 2025. If successful, debt service related to this project will
be excluded from the limits of Proposition 2½, and principal and interest on long- and short-term debt will
be funded outside the levy limit. The Town expects that the MSBA will contribute approximately
$100,000,000 to the project which will reduce the amount the Town must borrow. Debt service will begin
to be recognized in FY2027 and will increase in the following years, likely peaking in FY2030-2032. As
outlined in the policy section of this document the Town's fiscal guideline to set-aside tax levy from new
development is expected to partly offset Exempt Debt Service beginning in FY2028.
Detailed information about the Lexington High School construction timing, location, design, cost estimates,
public engagement, committee meetings and frequently asked questions are all available on the School
Building Project website at: www.lhsproject.lexingtonma.org.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-10
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - Community Preservation Act Debt (Table VI)
TABLE VI: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT DEBT
Project Amount Financed Term Interest Rate FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
1 None Proposed $ — ——%$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AUTHORIZED CPA REVENUE DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
A Subtotal:Approved and Issued Debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
B Subtotal:Approved and Unissued Debt $ — $ 590,000 $ 567,500 $ 545,000 $ 522,500
C Total:Approved Debt Service $ — $ 590,000 $ 567,500 $ 545,000 $ 522,500
D Subtotal:Projected Debt Service on Proposed Capital Projects $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
E TOTAL PROJECTED DEBT SERVICE $ 681,200 $ — $ 590,000 $ 567,500 $ 545,000 $ 1,045,000
No recommendations for debt financing.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-11
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - Compost Revolving Fund (Table VII)
TABLE VII: FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - Compost Revolving Fund
Project Amount Financed Term Interest Rate FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
1 None Proposed $ — ——%$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AUTHORIZED REVENUE SUPPORTED DEBT SERVICE FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030
A Subtotal:Approved and Issued Debt $ 174,496 $ 111,226 $ 14,338 $ 13,838 $ 13,438
B Subtotal:Approved and Unissued Debt $ 73,255 $ 70,564 $ 67,873 $ 65,182 $ 62,491
C Total:Approved Revenue Supported Debt Service $ 247,751 $ 181,790 $ 82,211 $ 79,020 $ 75,929
D Subtotal:Projected Debt Service on Proposed Capital Projects $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
E TOTAL PROJECTED DEBT SERVICE $ 181,966 $ 247,751 $ 181,790 $ 82,211 $ 79,020 $ 75,929
No recommendations for debt financing.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-12
FY2026 RECOMMENDED PROJECTS - CASH CAPITAL (Table VIII)
TABLE VIII: FY2026 RECOMMENDED FUNDING FROM REVENUES (Cash by Source)
Project Free Cash Tax Levy
Water/Sewer Retained Earnings
Recr. Retained Earnings
Enterprise Operating Funds CPA*Other Funds**Total Cost Other ***
SCHOOL PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
1 LPS Technology Program $ 1,500,910 $ 1,500,910
SUBTOTAL $ 1,500,910 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,500,910 $ —
FACILITIES
2 Public Facilities Bid Documents $ 125,000 $ 125,000
3 Public Facilities Interior Finishes $ 468,000 $ 468,000
4 School Paving and Sidewalks $ 200,000 $ 200,000
5 Central Administration Building Demolition $ 3,550,000 $ 3,550,000
6 Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated
Systems $ 863,579 $ 236,421 $ 1,100,000
7 Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom
Renovation $ 300,000 $ 300,000
SUBTOTAL $ 5,506,579 $ 236,421 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 5,743,000 $ —
MUNICIPAL PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
8 Transportation Mitigation $ 61,957 $ 18,043 $ 80,000
9 Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector $ 300,000 $ 300,000
10 Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail Design &
Engineering $ 75,000 $ 75,000
11 Replacement Pumper Truck $ 1,100,000 $ 1,100,000
12 Pine Meadows Equipment $ 70,000 $ 70,000
13 Park Improvements - Athletic Fields $ 2,000,000 $ 1,197,904 $ 3,197,904
14 Lincoln Park Field Improvements $ 340,000 $ 750,000 $ 860,000 $ 1,950,000
15 Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design $ 375,000 $ 375,000
16 Park and Playground Improvements $ 1,490,000 $ 1,490,000
17 Equipment Replacement $ 1,816,000 $ 352,000 $ 2,168,000
18 Sidewalk Improvements $ 870,000 $ 870,000
19 Street Improvements $ 2,726,806 $ 2,726,806
20 Hydrant Replacement Program $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 150,000
21 Stormwater Management Program $ 2,642,500 $ 2,642,500
22 Sanitary Sewer System Investigation and
Improvements $ 482,431 $ 600,000 $ 1,082,431
23 Water Distribution System Improvements $ 1,134,940 $ 1,200,000 $ 2,334,940
24 Pump Station Building Improvements $ 200,000 $ 200,000
25 New Sidewalk Installations $ 150,000 $ 150,000
26 Adams Street Intersections Improvements
(@East; @Hancock)$ 325,000 $ 325,000
27 DPW Building Improvements $ 120,000 $ 120,000
28 Municipal Technology Improvement Program $ 150,000 $ 150,000
29 Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan $ 760,000 $ 760,000
30 Document Conservation $ 21,000 $ 21,000
SUBTOTAL $ 10,785,457 $ 4,226,806 $ 2,244,371 $ 70,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 3,943,904 $ 18,043 $ 23,088,581 $ —
OTHER CPA FUNDED PROJECTS
31 LexHAB Affordable Housing Support,
Restoration, Preservation & Decarbonization $ 494,140 $ 494,140
32 Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) Funding $ 3,000,000 $ 3,000,000
33 Lexington Historical Society $ 57,800 $ 57,800
SUBTOTAL $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 3,551,940 $ — $ 3,551,940 $ —
TOTAL $ 17,792,946 $ 4,463,227 $ 2,244,371 $ 70,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 7,495,844 $ 18,043 $ 33,884,431 $ —
* CPA totals do not include proposed FY2026 administrative budget of $150,000.
**Other Funds include the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Special Revenue Fund, Ambulance Stabilization Fund and BAN Premiums received from prior issuances.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-13
School Department Projects
1.LPS Technology Program - $1,500,910 (Free Cash): This request addresses the
District’s strategic goal for enhancing the capacity to utilize technology as an instructional and
administrative tool. The request will continue to support student access to devices to allow for
innovative learning methods that integrate supportive technologies, problem-based approaches
and higher order thinking skills. It also maintains and improves, when needed, current
infrastructure such as networks, access points and servers. The capital improvement request
for FY2026 would provide funding for the following:
Tech Workstations - $213,150 is requested for this category of the capital project. Replace
Unit A (all classroom teachers, counselors, librarians and staff working under the teacher
contract; Unit A) workstations and peripheral devices (laptops, desktops, printers and
monitors). Prices have remained relatively stable for all devices in this category (170 laptops
@$1,125 each, 10 printers @ $300 each, 15 monitors @$260 each, 15 workstations at $1,000
each).
PreK-5 Mobile Devices - $299,000 is requested to replace end-of-life iPads across all district
Kindergarten classes (260 iPads @ $400 each) and to install Classroom Frequency Modulated
Systems for students with diminished hearing and neurodiverse students (3 schools @
$65,000).
1:1 Middle School Program - $209,000 is requested to fund 500 Chromebooks for 6th graders
entering Diamond and Clark Middle Schools. All middle school students have 1:1 devices and
the devices follow them through middle school (three year life span). Generally, by the end of
middle school, many devices have reached their end of life due to use. These Chromebooks
are more expensive than the high school devices due to their having dual cameras and touch
screens. (500 Chromebooks @ $418 each). The previous model has been discontinued, and
the newer model is more expensive.
1:1 at Lexington High School - $211,250 is requested to purchase 620 Chromebooks for 9th
graders. All high school students, once provided a device in 9th grade or upon entering the
high school, have the device through their senior year (four-year life span), (625 Chromebooks
@ $338 each).
Science/Technology/Engineering/(Art)/Math (STEM/STEAM)/Computer Science - $51,000 is
requested to update computer labs at the High School level and purchase STEM/STEAM based
curricular materials. The high school world language lab will be updated next year ($45,000 for
one lab, $6,000 for STEM/STEAM Materials). Digital Learning Coaches (DLCs) work with all
department heads that are holding curriculum reviews. The small amount of money allocated
for STEM/STEAM may result in equipment being piloted or may also replace some equipment
currently being used (elementary small robots for coding, etc.).
Interactive Projectors/Whiteboard Units and Document Cameras - $228,910 is requested for
this category of the capital project.
•Replace 48 interactive projectors districtwide. This equips buildings with a touch-activated,
interactive system and soundbar. The replacements will begin with the oldest model per
school until all systems are within a 7 year window with all of the same functionality (48
projectors @ $4,700 each).
•The request will also replace 5 document cameras at Lexington Middle and High School. All
elementary schools have had document cameras replaced, and upgrades have been made
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-14
in many middle school classrooms as well. A small number of replacement devices are
needed for FY2025 (5 document cameras @ $662 each).
District and Building Network Infrastructure - $268,600 is requested to replace end of life
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) at both middle schools and switches across all elementary
schools. This is a phased project and WAPs will be replaced in all elementary schools in
subsequent years. Due to the impending high school building project and a final determination
for the current Central Office, WAPs and cabling for those sites have been deferred. The
current five year capital submission also includes anticipated costs for future replacement of
the district’s core and firewalls with the building of a new high school and possible relocation
of Central Office.
Server/Storage Infrastructure - $20,000 is requested to maintain and upgrade any server
related hardware.
Department of Public Facilities Projects
2.Public Facilities Bid Documents - $125,000 (Free Cash): This is an annual request for
funding professional services to produce design development, construction documents and/or
bid administration services for smaller projects in anticipation of requests for construction
funding at town meeting that have a high probability of approval. This will ensure that both
municipal and school projects can be completed in the then-current construction season, which
is particularly important for the timely completion of school building projects given the short
window between the end of school in June and the end of summer. There has been a steady
uptick in the number of projects requiring these services in recent years.
3.Public Facilities Interior Finishes - $468,000 (Free Cash): Initiated in FY2011, this is an
annual request for funds to be used for the replacement of flooring systems in municipal and
school buildings and interior finishes including mill work, ceiling work, tile work, countertop
replacement and bathroom finish renovations. The goal of this annual program is to ensure
failing systems are replaced and are safe for all users. The FY2026 request will allow the
Department of Public Facilities to complete approximately four classroom flooring systems in
six buildings and prioritize other floors requiring attention. This request also covers other
building finishes, based on priority.
Projects recently completed include replacement of flooring in 30 classrooms at Harrington
Elementary, 8 bathroom renovations at Diamond Middle school, and the renovation of two
single-stall bathrooms in the Town Office Building. Future improvements are expected to
include classroom flooring at Clarke, Diamond, Bowman, Bridge, Harrington and Fiske schools.
4.School Paving and Sidewalks - $200,000 (Free Cash): This capital request provides ‘as
needed’ replacement of sidewalks, hardscape for playgrounds, bus loops, and parking areas on
school grounds. Extraordinary repairs for school paving areas are necessary to maintain
parking and pedestrian surfaces in a condition suitable for public safety and highlights the Safe
Routes to School.
Projects recently completed include the full driveway and sidewalk replacement at Diamond
middle school. The FY2026 request will fund repairs at the Bowman School rear play area,
parking lot, and access road.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-15
5.Central Administration Building Demolition - $3,550,000 (Free Cash): This project will
demolish the old Harrington School, which has been repurposed as Central Administration
Offices for the school department. School offices are planned to move into the renovated 173
Bedford Street. As the high school construction project will create a shortage of playing fields,
the Recreation Department would construct up to three fields which would help significantly
during the LHS construction period once the building is demolished.
6.Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated Systems - $1,100,000 ($863,579 Free
Cash, $236,421 Tax Levy): This request is for continued funding of Municipal Building
Envelopes and Systems projects as approved in a 2006 operating override in the amount of
$150,000, annually increased by 2.5%. The FY26 request is to begin the exterior envelope
maintenance including windows, caulking, masonry sealing, paint, etc. The request in FY26
and 28 are in excess of the typical 2.5%, a decision was made to request for the entire project
instead of waiting a few years until the budget accumulated the required amount.
7.Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom Renovation - $300,000 Free Cash:
This project is to renovate the Estabrook nurses bathroom to provide proper facilities to
service students with significant special physical needs. This requires an expansion of the
footprint to the bathroom into the nurses suite and installation of a Hoyer lift. Wall
construction, structural, finishes, electrical, plumbing will all need to take place in the nurses
suite.
Municipal Projects
8.Transportation Mitigation - $80,000 ($61,957 Free Cash, $18,043 Transportation Network Company (TNC) Special Revenue Fund): This annual capital request is to support
the ongoing work of the Transportation Safety Group (TSG). The TSG is staffed by the Planning, Engineering, School and Police Departments. Between FY2008 and FY2011, Town Meeting appropriated funds to collect data, perform analysis, review citizen requests and recommendations
for various Townwide transportation improvements in support of the Traffic Mitigation Group (dissolved in 2012 and later reconstituted as the TSG).
9.Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector - $300,000 (CPA): This request is for the surveying, engineering and design plans for a trail connection (Universally Accessible (UA) if feasible) between Cotton Farm and the Lexington Community Center. This trail addition would add approximately 0.4 miles to the existing trail system within Lexington.
10.Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail Design & Engineering - $75,000 (CPA): This
request is for the surveying, engineering and design plans for a new trail connection (and
closure of the existing wet trail connection) in Simond's Brook Conservation Area between the
end of Rangeway Street and the existing trail entering from Grove Street in order to close and
restore an existing section of environmentally sensitive wetlands trail that is in very poor
condition, and in turn will accommodate a new ACROSS Lexington Route in the northwestern
section of Lexington.
11.Replacement Pumper Truck - $1,100,000 (Free Cash): This request is to replace the
department's 2004 reserve pumper truck. The useful life of a pumper truck is approximately 20
years, 10 years as a frontline vehicle, and another 10 as a reserve. This pumper was slated to
be replaced in FY2023 but the purchase had to be deferred as the 2007 pumper was a priority
replacement due to significant deterioration.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-16
12.Pine Meadows Equipment - $70,000 (Recreation Retained Earnings): This request is
to purchase a new Toro Triplex greens mower replacing the 2009 Jacobsen mower and a Toro
Workman utility vehicle replacing the 2006 Toro Workman utility vehicle. The life expectancy
of a greens mower is ten to thirteen years for a utility vehicle.
13.Park Improvements - Athletic Fields - Harrington $3,197,904 ($2,000,000 Free
Cash, $1,197,904 CPA): This request is to construct new athletic fields at 146 Maple Street,
the current location of the LPS Central Office Building. This project is contingent upon the
Lexington Public Schools administrative offices being relocated (see Municipal Project #5). This
project calls for the installation of two full-size multi-purpose fields (330' x 195'). These fields
would be lighted and other amenities would include expanding the parking area outside of
school traffic lanes and constructing ADA accessible pathways that connect the parking areas
to the different fields throughout the site.
14.Lincoln Park Field Improvements - $1,950,000 ($340,000 Free Cash, $860,000 CPA,
$750,000 Tax Levy): This project will conduct an end-of-life synthetic turf replacement and
reconstruction of athletic Field #3 at Lincoln Park. The project includes removal of the existing
surface and installation of new turf. Work may also include walkways, seating, storage,
improved lighting, player benches, scorers table, netting, scoreboard, and landscaping.
15.Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design - $375,000 (Free Cash): This request is for design
and engineering services to replace and reconfigure the Lincoln Park parking lot. The current
parking lot and traffic flow has been problematic for many years due to the size of the spaces
and the entry/exit points. The Transportation Safety Group has assessed the parking lot and
agrees that improvements are needed to improve the flow and minimize the safety concerns.
16.Park and Playground Improvements - Center Playground $1,490,000 (CPA) - This
project is to update and replace the playground equipment and install safety surfacing at the
Center Playground at the Center Recreation Complex. The new playground will feature poured-
in-place safety surfacing (as compared to the engineered wood fiber that is there currently)
and will provide universal access to the play components and elements to ensure the
playground is welcoming and accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. The playground
equipment at the Center Playground was last replaced in 2006. Play structures typically have a
life cycle of 15-20 years based on use.
17.Equipment Replacement - $2,168,000 ($1,816,000 Free Cash; $224,500 Water
Retained Earnings; $127,500 Wastewater Retained Earnings): This is an annual
request to replace equipment that is beyond its useful life and whose mechanical condition no
longer meets the requirements of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW has an
inventory of 146 pieces of equipment including sedans, hybrid SUVs, construction vehicles and
specialized equipment used to mow parks, plow snow, repair streets and complete a variety of
other projects. Without regular equipment replacement, the efficiency and cost effectiveness
of the DPW’s operations would be handicapped due to equipment down time and excessive
repair costs.
Each piece of equipment is inventoried with original and current replacement cost, state of
condition and replacement time interval. Replacement intervals vary from 5 to 20 years and
are based on manufacturer recommendations and use (type and duration).
The selection of vehicles to be replaced begins with the proposed replacement date. Then
each vehicle is assessed as to its mechanical condition and work requirements. The systematic
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-17
replacement program defines what equipment is expected to need replacement during the
next five years with the intent of preventing any unexpected emergency purchases. Annual
updates are conducted by the Equipment Maintenance Division, Division Superintendents and
reviewed by the Manager of Operations and Director of Public Works.
The FY2026 request, by funding source, is shown in the table below.
Equipment Free Cash Sewer RE Water RE Total
Valve Turner Equipment $ 97,000 $ 97,000
Rubber Tired Excavator $ 127,500 $ 127,500 $ 255,000
Vehicle Lifts Equipment Bays $ 300,000 $ 300,000
Dump Truck with Plow $ 315,000 $ 315,000
Dump Truck with Plow $ 315,000 $ 315,000
Propane Conversion for Gasoline Motors $ 41,000 $ 41,000
Compact Loader $ 135,000 $ 135,000
Heavy Duty Chipper Truck $ 295,000 $ 295,000
Buffalo Air Blower $ 40,000 $ 40,000
Vacuum Street Sweeper $ 375,000 $ 375,000
$ 1,816,000 $ 127,500 $ 224,500 $ 2,168,000
18.Sidewalk Improvements - $870,000 (Free Cash): This request is to rebuild and/or repair
existing sidewalks that are in poor condition. DPW, in conjunction with various committees and
other town departments, will generate a list each year of the sidewalks most in need of repair/
replacement based on four determining factors:
i.Is the sidewalk unsafe for travel due to trip hazards, defects, etc.
ii.Is the sidewalk within the Safe Routes to School Program
iii.Is the volume of pedestrian traffic heavy, light or average
iv.Is the general condition of the sidewalk poor, fair or good which dictates treatments
such as full reconstruction, overlay or patching
DPW currently reviews 30% of sidewalks annually to identify the work to be done. Sidewalks
considered for FY2026 funding include:
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-18
Fessenden Way 1000 LF Asphalt
Marshall Rd. (Fessenden to Woburn)375 LF Asphalt
Rolfe Rd.700 LF Asphalt
Rogers Rd.300 LF Asphalt
Lowell St. (North to Burlington Line)2000 LF Asphalt
Burroughs Rd.2200 LF Asphalt
Holmes Rd.1500 LF Asphalt
Thoreau Rd. (Holmes to Emerson)500 LF Asphalt
Alcott Rd.700 LF Asphalt
Suzanne Rd. (Brent to #11)1300 LF Asphalt
Brent Rd.2300 LF Asphalt
Hathaway Rd. (Sedge to Dead End)1500 LF Asphalt
Elena Rd. 700 LF Asphalt
Birch Hill Lane 900 LF Asphalt
Phesant Lane 1000 LF Asphalt
Phinney Rd.1400 LF Asphalt
Tufts Rd. (Phinny to Marrett)550 LF Asphalt
Spring St. (Rt. 2 Bridge to #164)600 LF Asphalt
Hampton Rd.450 LF Asphalt
Piper Rd. (Waltham to #7)600 LF Asphalt
Kitson Park Dr.600 LF Asphalt
The following table presents the recent history of Sidewalk appropriations:
FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025
$ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000
19.Street Improvements - $2,726,806 (Tax Levy): This is an annual request for the street
resurfacing and maintenance program. In addition to the $2,726,806 appropriated from the
tax levy, $964,592 of Chapter 90 funds will be utilized. (Chapter 90 funding is based on
Lexington’s most recent allocation and on the current state allocation of $200 million
statewide.) Funds will be used for design, inspections, planning, repair, patching, crack
sealing and construction of roadways and roadway related infrastructure including repair and
installation of sidewalks. A pavement management system is utilized to assist in analyzing the
road network and selecting roadways for repairs. This funding will allow for the proper
improvements and repair of Lexington’s streets and sidewalks, increasing their quality and
safety. A preliminary list of the streets to be repaired under this article is currently being
developed. Streets anticipated for completion include Hartwell Place, Hartwell Ave from the
Bridge to Wood Street, Bartlett Ave, Pearl St, Arcola St, Constitution Road neighborhood,
Currier Court, Howard Munroe Place, Simonds Road, Mass Ave from Woburn Street to Tower
Road and Ingleside neighborhood.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-19
Street Improvements - Financing Components
FY26
2001 Override Increased by 2.5% per year $ 798,851
Maintenance of unallocated revenue from FY2012 Revenue Allocation Model $ 281,234
Maintenance of unallocated revenue from FY2013 Revenue Allocation Model $ 164,850
FY2014 Health Insurance Savings $ 1,100,000
Additional Tax Levy Funding $ 381,871
Estimated Chapter 90 Aid $ 964,592
Total $ 3,691,398
Without Chapter 90 $ 2,707,321
20.Hydrant Replacement Program - $150,000 ($75,000 Free Cash, $75,000 Water
Retained Earnings): This is an ongoing replacement program designed to maintain the
integrity of the fire protection system throughout town. Faulty hydrants need to be replaced
to meet safety requirements. A list of hydrants needing replacement is generated each year
during the annual inspection and flushing of hydrants by the Water and Fire Departments.
The Town of Lexington has 1,747 fire hydrants in its fire protection system and the goal is to
replace approximately 45 hydrants per year at a cost of $3,500 per hydrant, with labor
covered by the operating budget. The expected life of a hydrant is 50 years.
21.Stormwater Management Program - $2,642,500 (Free Cash): This program was
created in FY2025 to combine three former programs related to stormwater management into
one annual request: Townwide Culvert Replacement, Storm Drain Improvements and NPDES
Compliance, and Comprehensive Stormwater Management. Many of the challenges and
solutions are multi-pronged and cross over between the three programs, which creates
complications in the selection and awarding of projects. By combining these projects, it creates
more flexibility and agility for the Department for the improvements of stormwater throughout
Lexington. The aggregated funding will be utilized for supporting the National Pollutant
Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) program with an emphasis on Illicit Discharge
Detection and Elimination (IDDE) and nutrient removal which are both required by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4)
permit. These regulations are focused around improving water quality. Additionally, this
request will support the stream management plan, culvert replacement and rehabilitation
program, and storm drain improvements to mitigate flooding.
22.Sanitary Sewer System Investigation and Improvements - $1,082,431 ($600,000
Wastewater User Charges, $482,431 Sewer Retained Earnings): This annual program
provides for rehabilitation of sanitary sewer infrastructure. The Town's sanitary sewer
infrastructure is made up of approximately 176 miles of main line, 8.5 miles of force main and
5,280 manholes. Work will include replacement or repair of deteriorated sewers, force mains
and manholes in order to improve flow and reduce inflow and infiltration into the system.
Engineering investigation and evaluation will continue on sewers throughout town, including
those in remote, hard to access areas. These capital investments improve the operation of the
sewer system, reduce backups and potential overflows, prevent system malfunctions and
reduce the measured flows through the MWRA meter.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-20
Beginning in FY2021, the funding source for this ongoing capital replacement program has
been gradually shifting to Wastewater user charges, with the ultimate goal of transitioning the
entire program to cash funding over 10 years. This is the sixth year of transition and $600,000
is being requested from user fees.
23.Water Distribution System Improvements - $2,334,940 ($1,200,000 Water User
Charges; $1,134,940 Water Retained Earnings): This is an annual program that
replaces unlined, inadequate, aged and vulnerable water mains, deteriorated service
connections and eliminates dead ends in the water mains. The Town completed a hydraulic
model for the entire distribution network and an asset management plan for replacing the
Town's aging water infrastructure that will ensure a proactive approach for keeping Lexington’s
water both safe and reliable. The model identifies areas of vulnerability, water main aging, and
those areas with low volumes and pressures. The asset management plan recommends the
replacing 1% of our water mains on an annual basis.
Beginning in FY2021, the funding source for this ongoing capital replacement program has
been gradually shifting to Water user charges, with the ultimate goal of transitioning the entire
program to cash funding over 11 years. While rate payers may pay slightly higher water rates
in the short-term, significant debt service savings will be realized, resulting in lower overall
costs in the long-term. This is the sixth year of transition and $1,200,000 is being requested
from water user fees.
Water mains were recently replaced on Eldred Street and Lowell Street. Several water mains
were replaced as part of a joint effort with the Town of Burlington and the Massachusetts
Water Resource Authority, including a high priority replacement along Lowell Street and North
Street.
24.Pump Station Building Improvements - $200,000 (Sewer Retained Earnings): This
project will provide building, safety, and equipment improvements at the Town's ten pump
stations. In FY2026 windows and doors will be replaced at the main station.
25.New Sidewalk Installations - $150,000 (Free Cash): This project is for survey work for
future installation of sidewalks along Burlington Street and North Street, following the
Transportation Safety Group's bicycle and pedestrian priority plan. Requests for funding of
design and construction work is expected in future years.
26.Adams Street Intersections Improvements (@East; @Hancock) - $325,000 (Free
Cash): This request is for funding complete design for improvements of two intersections -
Adams Street @ Hancock Street and Adams Street @ East Street. Previously, concepts of each
intersection have been created by the Town's engineering consultant and funding is in place to
bring a chosen concept up to 25% design. This request is to complete the design of the
intersections and create bid documents for construction.
27.DPW Building Improvements - $120,000 (Free Cash): This project will address DPW
building improvements that are not covered by the Public Facilities Department. The buildings
under this program are the Public Services Building, the Cemetery Admin/Maintenance
Building, the Compost Site Office Building and the storage buildings at Munroe Cemetery. The
FY2026 request is to replace all of the exterior doors at the Public Services Building.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-21
28.Municipal Technology Improvement Program - $150,000 (Free Cash): This capital
program funds major municipal technology improvements including servers, Storage Area
Network (SAN)/data arrays and other critical Town hardware and components. New
infrastructure is obtained with a focus to achieve technical consolidation, energy savings,
reduction in financial burdens and reduction in staff maintenance time while increasing
management efficiencies, increasing reliability and introducing new capabilities.
The request for FY2026 will fund the purchase and installation of additional storage. This
storage will be used to expand existing storage space and/or backup storage.
29.Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan - $760,000 (Free Cash): This is a multi-phase
request to build a standalone fiber network for town computing and communications in an effort
to achieve redundancy and vendor-independent capability. The purpose of this program is to both
improve the resiliency of the Townwide fiber network and to provide better networked services.
This includes enhancement of communications within municipal buildings through the installation
of wireless access to our wide area and local area networks. This will protect communication
(both data and voice) between sites that are assessed as critical to the daily function and safety of
the Town. The first phase of this project in FY2023 was $945,000 to construct multi-loop core
infrastructure to top-tier critical buildings. The second-phase request of $988,094 in FY2024 was
to complete phase I, and additionally fund fiber connections to tier 2 and tier 3 sites. The third
phase request in FY2025 was $998,500 included the purchase and installation of the equipment to
connect the tier 2 and tier 3 sites to the new FMAN and vendor services for network programming
assistance. The fourth phase request in FY2026 is to connect another FMAN site and purchase a
fiber monitoring and testing appliance.
30.Document Conservation - $21,000 (CPA): This is an ongoing request to fund the
conservation and preservation of historic municipal documents and records and to make them
available on the Town's digital archives. This request will fund conservation and preservation
of Marriage Intention Ledger, 1909-1913; Marriage Intention Ledger, 1913-1918; Accounting
Journal, Cash Book 1895-1896; Sanborn maps of Lexington, 1935; Cash Book, 1882-1887;
Accounting Ledger, Town Treasurer, 1880-1889; and Accounting Journal, Expenses,
1885-1892.
Other CPA Funded Projects
31.LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration, Preservation & Decarbonization - $494,140 (CPA): This FY2026 request seeks funding for the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of over 50 Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) affordable housing units. The scope of the work at these units varies by property. There will be preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration projects at one unit which was acquired with CPA funds, and includes a roof replacement. This funding request will also cover preservation projects at 52 LexHAB-operated units not acquired with CPA funds. These include exterior preservation, roof replacement, door replacement, and the installation of gutter guards. All improvements are intended to ensure the continued safety and functionality of the units. The request also includes the replacement and conversion of the HVAC system at four units as part of LexHAB’s decarbonization efforts and also seeks funding support to subsidize the rents of LexHAB's lowest income tenants.
32.Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) Funding - $3,000,000 (CPA): This request is to fund
the Lexington AHT by providing CPA seed money for affordable housing, and to allow the AHT
greater flexibility in purchasing property and competing with for-profit developers in the real
estate market. See Appendix C for more detail.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-22
33.Lexington Historical Society - $57,800 (CPA): This request is to replace the deteriorating roof of the Hancock-Clarke House. Work will include removal of the existing roof material and installation of new roofing, ice and water shields, and fabrication of new valleys.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-23
Ongoing Capital Programs - General Fund
Dept.Project Name
Deferred
FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Total
Public Facilities
Public Facilities Bid Documents $ — $ 125,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 575,000
Public Facilities Interior Finishes $ — $ 486,720 $ 506,189 $ 526,437 $ 547,494 $ 2,066,840
School Paving and Sidewalks $ — $ 225,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ — $ 725,000
Public Facilities Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing
Replacements $ — $ 4,565,000 $ — $ 3,000,000 $ — $ 7,565,000
Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated Systems $ — $ — $ 2,670,000 $ — $ 3,300,000 $ 5,970,000
School Building Envelopes and Associated Systems $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 3,000,000 $ 3,000,000
$ — $ 5,401,720 $ 3,576,189 $ 3,926,437 $ 6,997,494 $ 19,901,840
Public Works
Equipment Replacement $ — $ 1,835,000 $ 1,355,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 1,750,000 $ 6,940,000
Sidewalk Improvements $ — $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 800,000 $ 3,200,000
Townwide Signalization Improvements $ — $ 55,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 55,000
Street Improvements $ — $ 2,746,777 $ 2,767,247 $ 2,788,230 $ 2,809,737 $ 11,111,991
Stormwater Management Program $ — $ 2,655,000 $ 2,332,500 $ 2,292,500 $ 2,292,500 $ 9,572,500
Hydrant Replacement Program (1)$ — $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 300,000
$ — $ 8,166,777 $ 7,329,747 $ 7,955,730 $ 7,727,237 $ 31,179,491
Land Use, Housing and Development
Transportation Mitigation $ — $ 80,000 $ 80,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 360,000
$ — $ 80,000 $ 80,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 360,000
Innovation & Technology
Application Implementation $ — TBD TBD TBD TBD $ —
Network Core Equipment Replacement $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 700,000 $ 700,000 $ 1,700,000
Municipal Technology Improvement Program $ — $ 145,000 $ 100,000 $ 365,000 $ 100,000 $ 710,000
Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan $ — $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 800,000
Phone Systems & Unified Communications $ — $ 80,000 $ 80,000 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 $ 280,000
Network Technology Improvements $ — $ 161,000 $ 86,000 $ 86,000 $ 86,000 $ 419,000
$ 100,000 $ 736,000 $ 616,000 $ 1,361,000 $ 1,096,000 $ 3,909,000
Schools
LPS Technology Program $ — $ 1,650,334 $ 1,630,125 $ 1,533,875 $ 1,544,005 $ 6,358,339
$ — $ 1,650,334 $ 1,630,125 $ 1,533,875 $ 1,544,005 $ 6,358,339
Town Manager
Sustainable Capital Initiatives $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Total Capital Programs - General Fund $ 100,000 $ 16,034,831 $ 13,232,061 $ 14,877,042 $ 17,464,736 $ 61,708,670
Ongoing Capital Programs - Enterprise Funds
Dept.Project Name Deferred FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Total
Public Works
Hydrant Replacement Program (1)$ — $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 300,000
Pump Station Upgrades $ — $ 100,000 $ 520,000 TBD TBD $ 620,000
Sanitary Sewer System Investigation and Improvements $ — $ 1,104,080 $ 1,126,161 $ 1,148,684 $ 1,171,658 $ 4,550,583
Water Distribution System Improvements $ — $ 2,381,639 $ 2,429,271 $ 2,477,857 $ 2,527,414 $ 9,816,181
$ — $ 3,660,719 $ 4,150,432 $ 3,701,541 $ 3,774,072 $ 15,286,764
Recreation & Community Programs
Pine Meadows Improvements $ — $ 130,000 $ 89,000 $ 105,000 $ — $ 324,000
Pine Meadows Equipment $ — $ 30,000 $ — $ 80,000 $ — $ 110,000
$ — $ 160,000 $ 89,000 $ 185,000 $ — $ 434,000
Total Capital Programs - Enterprise Funds $ — $ 3,820,719 $ 4,239,432 $ 3,886,541 $ 3,774,072 $ 15,720,764
Table IX: Deferred FY2026 and Proposed FY2027-FY2030 Capital Requests
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-24
Table IX: Deferred FY2026 and Proposed FY2027-FY2030 Capital Requests
Ongoing and One-time Capital Projects - CPA Fund
Dept.Project Name
Deferred
FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Total
Land Use, Housing and
Development
Wright Farm Barn Preservation and
Rehabilitation (Step 3)$ — TBD $ — TBD $ — $ —
Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector $ — $ — TBD $ — $ — $ —
Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail
Design & Engineering $ — $ 172,500 $ — $ — $ — $ 172,500
Recreation & Community Programs
Park and Playground Improvements $ — $ 1,465,000 $ — $ — $ 350,000 $ 1,815,000
Park Improvements - Athletic Fields (2)$ 2,982,096 $ 350,000 $ 250,000 $ 350,000 $ 350,000 $ 4,282,096
Park Improvements - Site Amenities $ — $ — $ 50,000 $ — $ 50,000 $ 100,000
Outdoor Pickleball Courts Construction $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,025,000 $ 2,025,000
Center Recreation Complex - Athletic Field Resurfacing $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 365,000 $ 365,000
Park Improvements - Hard Court Surfaces $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 390,000 $ 390,000
Lincoln Park - Boardwalks $ 830,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 830,000
Aquatics Improvements $ — $ — $ 125,000 $ 30,000 $ 50,000 $ 205,000
Town Clerk Document Conservation $ — $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 80,000
Total Capital Projects - CPA Funds $ 2,982,096 $ 2,837,500 $ 445,000 $ 400,000 $ 3,600,000 $ 10,264,596
One-Time Capital Projects - General Fund
Dept.Project Name Deferred FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Total
Fire
Replacement Pumper Truck $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Off Road Fire Engine $ — $ — $ — $ 460,000 $ — $ 460,000
Ambulance Replacement $ — $ — $ 600,000 $ — $ — $ 600,000
Ladder Truck $ — $ 2,500,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,500,000
Recreation & Community Programs
Park Improvements - Athletic Fields (2)$ — $ 350,000 $ 250,000 $ 350,000 $ 350,000 $ 1,300,000
Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design $ — $ — $ 4,056,360 $ — $ — $ 4,056,360
Land Use, Housing and Development Town-wide Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan Implementation $ 180,000 $ 330,000 $ 1,040,000 $ — $ 1,550,000
Public Facilities
East Lexington Fire Station $ — $ 1,000,000 $ 14,000,000 $ — $ — $ 15,000,000
Existing Field House 5-10 Year Band Aid Plan $ — $ — $ — $ 900,000 $ 8,350,000 $ 9,250,000
Clarke HVAC Replacement and Electrification, Roof, Windows, Flooring, Security $ — $ — $ 1,500,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 35,000,000 $ 38,500,000
Cary Memorial Library Upper Floors HVAC Renovation $ — $ 200,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 21,000,000 $ — $ 23,000,000
Public Works
Hartwell Ave. Compost Site Improvements $ — $ 220,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 220,000
Cemetery Columbarium Construction $ 450,000 $ 450,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 900,000
Public Parking Lot Improvement Design $ 528,000 $ 528,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,056,000
New Sidewalk Installations $ 250,000 $ 450,000 $ 5,200,000 $ — $ — $ 5,900,000
Bedford St. and Hartwell Ave. Long-Range Transportation Improvements $ — $ 1,950,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,950,000
Adams Street Intersections Improvements (@East; @Hancock)$ — $ 100,000 $ — $ 5,500,000 $ — $ 5,600,000
DPW Building Improvements $ — $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 800,000
$ 1,228,000 $ 8,128,000 $ 27,936,360 $ 31,450,000 $ 43,900,000 $ 112,642,360
One-Time Capital Projects - Enterprise Funds
Dept.Project Name
Deferred
FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Total
Public Works Pump Station Building Improvements $ — $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ — $ — $ 300,000
Public Works Water Tank Rehabilitation $ — $ 2,600,000 $ — $ 1,300,000 $ — $ 3,900,000
Total Capital Projects - Enterprise Funds $ — $ 2,750,000 $ 150,000 $ 1,300,000 $ — $ 4,200,000
(1) Hydrant replacement Program is split funded between the General Fund and Water Enterprise Fund.(2) Park Improvements- Athletic Fields is split funded between the General Fund and CPA Fund.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-25
This Page Intentionally Left Blank.
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
XI-26
Appendix A:
Program Improvement
Request Summary
Appendix A: Program Improvement Requests
Shared and Municipal Programs 2000 - 8000
FY2026 Recommended Budget: Program Improvements
Program Improvement Request Summary
Program Department Requests Recommended Not Recommended
General Fund
Public Facilities $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ —
Public Works $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ —
Police $ 506,912 $ — $ 506,912
Fire $ 696,529 $ — $ 696,529
Library $ 101,432 $ — $ 101,432
Recreation - Non-Enterprise $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000
Human Services $ 32,696 $ — $ 32,696
Health $ — $ — $ —
Land Use, Housing and Development $ 142,417 $ — $ 142,417
Select Board $ — $ — $ —
Town Manager's Office $ 115,248 $ 24,000 $ 91,248
Misc. Boards and Committees $ — $ — $ —
Finance $ 145,000 $ — $ 145,000
Town Clerk $ — $ — $ —
Innovation & Technology $ 77,604 $ — $ 77,604
Total General Fund Requests $ 2,057,838 $ 244,000 $ 1,813,838
Non-General Fund
Water/Sewer Enterprise $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ —
Recreation Enterprise $ 180,000 $ 80,000 $ 100,000
Tourism Revolving Fund $ 42,475 $ — $ 42,475
Total Non-General Fund $ 272,475 $ 130,000 $ 142,475
Combined Requests Total $ 2,330,313 $ 374,000 $ 1,956,313
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
A-1
GENERAL FUND Departmental Request Recommendation
Program Description
Public Facilities Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
2600 - Facilities Solar Canopy and Rooftop System Maintenance $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ —
Total Public Facilities $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ —
Public Works Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
3320 - Forestry Additional Removal & Pruning from Tree Inventory $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ —
Total Public Works $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ —
Police Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
4110 - Police Administration Deputy Chief Position $ 195,000 $ — $ 23,061 $ 218,061 $ — $ 218,061
4140 - Investigations and Prevention Fraud Investigator $ 111,809 $ — $ 21,854 $ 133,663 $ — $ 133,663
4110 - Police Administration Professional Standards Lieutenant $ 133,026 $ — $ 22,162 $ 155,188 $ — $ 155,188
Total Police $ 439,835 $ — $ 67,077 $ 506,912 $ — $ 506,912
Fire Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
4230 - Fire Suppression
Rank Reclassification Captain Shift Commander to Deputy Chief (4 positions) and (4 positions) Lieutenant to Captain Non-Shift Commander
$ 148,718 $ — $ 2,156 $ 150,874 $ — $ 150,874
4230 - Fire Suppression Rank Reclassification 4 Lieutenants to Captain (non- shift commander)$ 68,621 $ — $ 995 $ 69,616 $ — $ 69,616
4230 - Fire Suppression Shift Commander's Aide/ Tactical Technician (4 positions)$ 389,459 $ — $ 86,580 $ 476,039 $ — $ 476,039
Total Fire $ 606,798 $ — $ 89,731 $ 696,529 $ — $ 696,529
Library Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
5130 - Youth Services Full Time Teen Services Librarian $ 80,038 $ — $ 21,394 $ 101,432 $ — $ 101,432
Total Library $ 80,038 $ — $ 21,394 $ 101,432 $ — $ 101,432
Recreation - General Fund Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
Community Center Increase to DPF line item for Community Center Expenses $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000
Total Recreation - General Fund $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000 $ — $ 20,000
Human Services Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
6110 - Administration Community Center Coordinator $ 32,229 $ — $ 467 $ 32,696 $ — $ 32,696
Total Human Services $ 32,229 $ — $ 467 $ 32,696 $ — $ 32,696
Health Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
Total Health $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Land Use, Housing & Development Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
7130 - Conservation Hydraulic Lift gate $ — $ 5,940 $ — $ 5,940 $ — $ 5,940
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
A-2
7120-Admin Housing Contract Services $ — $ 43,200 $ — $ 43,200 $ — $ —
7200 - Planning Planner $ 72,000 $ — $ 21,277 $ 93,277 $ — $ 93,277
Total Land Use, Housing & Development $ 72,000 $ 5,000 $ 21,277 $ 142,417 $ — $ 142,417
Select Board Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
Total Select Board $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Town Manager Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
8210 - Org. Dir. & Admin.Sustainability Coordinator $ 70,000 $ — $ 21,248 $ 91,248 $ — $ 91,248
8210 - Organizational Direction and Administration
Solar Assessment*
$ — $ 24,000 $ —
$ 24,000 $ 24,000 $ —
Total Town Manager $ 70,000 $ 24,000 $ 21,248 $ 115,248 $ 24,000 $ 91,248
Town Committees Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
Total Town Committees $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Finance Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
8420 - Treasurer/Collector
Tyler ERP/Cashiering Module
$ — $ 145,000 $ — $ 145,000 $ — $ 145,000
Total Finance $ — $ 145,000 $ — $ 145,000 $ — $ 145,000
Town Clerk Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
Total Town Clerk $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Innovation & Technology Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
8600 - IT Senior Network Administrator (Reclass Current Position)$ 5,198 $ — $ 75 $ 5,273 $ — $ 5,273
8600 - IT Director - Personal Town-Issued Vehicle $ — $ — $ — $ 65,000 $ — $ 65,000
8600 - IT Senior Applications and Systems Administrator (Reclass Current Position)$ 7,226 $ — $ 105 $ 7,331 $ — $ 7,331
Total Innovation & Technology $ 12,424 $ 65,000 $ 180 $ 77,604 $ — $ 77,604
Total General Fund $ 1,313,324 $ 523,140 $ 221,374 $ 2,057,838 $ 244,000 $ 1,813,838
NON-GENERAL FUND
Water/Sewer Enterprise Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
8410 - Comptroller Water and Sewer Rate Study $ — $ 50,000 $ — $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ —
Total Water/Sewer Enterprise $ — $ 50,000 $ — $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ —
Recreation Enterprise Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
Administration Strategic Plan $ — $ 100,000 $ — $ 100,000 $ — $ 100,000
Pine Meadows Golf Course
Drainage Improvements for 1st & 2nd Fairways*$ — $ 80,000 $ — $ 80,000 $ 80,000 $ —
Total Recreation Enterprise $ — $ 180,000 $ — $ 180,000 $ 80,000 $ 100,000
Tourism Revolving Fund Compensation Expenses Benefits Total Recommended Not Recommended
7350 - Tourism Revolving Fund Full-time Assistant Visitors Center Manager $ 21,924 $ — $ 20,551 $ 42,475 $ — $ 42,475
Total Revolving Fund $ 21,924 $ — $ 20,551 $ 42,475 $ — $ 42,475
Total Non-General Fund $ 21,924 $ 230,000 $ 20,551 $ 272,475 $ 130,000 $ 100,000
FY2026 Preliminary Recommended Budget & Financing Plan January 24, 2025
A-3
Appendix C: Financial Information
Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The Lexington Affordable Housing Trust was created by a vote of Fall 2022 Special Town Meeting. The
charge of the trust is to leverage funds for the preservation and creation of affordable housing in the Town
for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households and for the funding of community housing. The
Trust is overseen by a five member Board of Trustees and accounting operations are provided by the
Town's Finance Department.
Since its inception in April 2023, the Affordable Housing Trust has obtained a $10,000 grant from the Commonwealth's One Stop program to undertake a housing needs assessment; granted $550,000 in
December 2023 to LexHAB for the purchase of a two family property with a restriction in perpetuity for rental to low and moderate income households; and granted $600,000 in May 2024 to LexHAB towards the purchase of a four bedroom single family restriction in perpetuity for rental to low and moderate income
households.
Town Meeting appropriations into the Trust, other income, approved expenses of the Affordable Housing
Trust Board of Trustees, and annual fund balances are shown in the table below.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund - Revenues, Expenses & Fund Balance
FY2024 Actual FY2025 Estimated*FY2026 Budgeted
Beginning Fund Balance $ — $ 952,900 $ 5,237,363
Income:
T.M. Appropriations from CPA $ 1,500,000 $ 3,200,000 $ 3,000,000
Transfers from Available Funds $ 565,371 $ 129,749 $ 133,641
Interest Earned $ 57,461 $ 21,814 $ 5,000
Fee Revenue & Other Income $ — $ — $ —
Total Income $ 2,122,833 $ 4,304,463 $ 3,138,641
Expenses:
Grants to LexHAB $ 1,150,000 TBD TBD
Grants to Lexington Housing Authority $ — TBD TBD
MBTA/SRD Buy-down $ — TBD TBD
Resident Support $ — TBD TBD
Affordable Housing Creation/Acquisition $ — TBD TBD
Administrative Expenses1 $ 19,933 $ 20,000 $ 20,000
Total Expenses $ 1,169,933 $ 20,000 $ 20,000
Ending Fund Balance2 $ 952,900 $ 5,237,363 $ 8,356,004
*FY2025 Estimates are as of 12/31/2024
The Trust anticipates future funding requests to including the acquisition of land or housing, investment in
the development of new housing, buy-down of market rate housing units to affordable rent levels, rent
assistance to Lexington residents, and other legal or administrative expenses related to these activities.
1 Includes studies, project expenses, clerical supplies, etc.2 The AHT strives to maintain an annual balance of approximately $1,000,000
While future funding requests from the Trust are not currently known, the following table presents a five
year capital plan of potential projects and funding needs as identified by the Affordable Housing Board of
Trustees.
Project Name
FY2026
Projection
FY2027
Projection
FY2028
Projection
FY2029
Projection
FY2030
Projection Total
LexHAB Purchase & Development (Vine St)3 $ 3,000,000 $ 3,000,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,000,000
LexHAB Acquisition $ 800,000 $ 840,000 $ 882,000 $ 926,100 $ 972,405 $ 4,420,505
LexHAB Rehab/Restoration/Preservation $ — $ 183,750 $ 192,938 $ 202,584 $ 212,714 $ 791,986
LexHAB Rental Assistance $ — $ 115,500 $ 121,275 $ 127,339 $ 133,706 $ 497,820
Total LexHAB Requests $ 3,800,000 $ 4,139,250 $ 1,196,213 $ 1,256,023 $ 1,318,825 $ 11,710,311
Lexington Housing Authority $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 500,000 $ 1,300,000 $ 1,300,000 $ 3,200,000
MBTA/SRD Buy-down $ 700,000 $ 700,000 $ 750,000 $ 800,000 $ 850,000 $ 3,800,000
Resident Support $ 100,000 $ 110,000 $ 115,000 $ 120,000 $ 125,000 $ 570,000
Affordable Housing Creation/Acquisition $ 500,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 1,000,000 TBD TBD $ 3,500,000
Administrative Expenses $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 100,000
$ 5,170,000 $ 7,019,250 $ 3,581,213 $ 3,496,023 $ 3,613,825 $ 22,880,311
3 LexHAB's Vine St projected total is $6,000,000. More information to come.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
FY2026 Fee Schedule for Recreation & Community Programs
PRESENTER:
Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation
& Community Programs
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.4
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
This is an annual request that comes before the Select Board
to review and approve fees set for programs and services managed and operated by the Recreation and
Community Programs Department.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve/disapprove the FY26 Recreation and Community Program fee schedule as presented.
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 7:45pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Recreaton Annual Fee Schedule Request Backup Material
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Update on Bedford/Hartwell 25% Design
PRESENTER:
Meghan McNamara & Ross Morrow,
with Trish Domigan & Laura Castelli
(VHB)
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.5
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing / Decision-Making
P resentation to Board regarding Bedford Street and Hartwell Ave reconstruction design project. Also the
preferred alternative for each road, the funding sources and implementation schedules will be presented.
The Board will be asked if they have any questions on the recommendations and if they Board may be ready to
approve a concept design to advance to the 25% level.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 7:55pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Bedford-Hartwell 25% Memo Cover Memo
Bedford-Hartwell Complete Streets_Presentation Backup Material
Town of Lexington
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
John R. Livsey, P.E., Town Engineer Tel: (781) 274-8305
Ross Morrow, P.E., Assistant Town Engineer Fax: (781) 274-8323
201 BEDFORD STREET • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
MEMORANDUM
TO: Select Board Office
FROM: Ross Morrow, P.E., Assistant Town Engineer
DATE: January 27, 2025
RE: Bedford/Hartwell Complete Streets Reconstruction Project 25% Design
o Agenda Item/Title
Bedford Street and Hartwell Ave Complete Streets Reconstruction Project
o Whether a Vote of the Select Board is being requested, whether this is an update on a
previous item or if it is for informational purposes only and what you need from the
Select Board (directional guidance, approval, etc.).
Vote requested to approve the selected concept design to advance to 25% level:
• Bedford Street from Eldred Street to the Bedford Town Line
• Hartwell Avenue from Bedford Street to the Hanscom Airforce Base gates
o A summary explanation of what is being presented including costs and funding
source, plan for public outreach, impact on department work/goals and any alignment
with the Select Board goals.
A summary explanation of what is being presented
The presentation includes the process that Town Staff and their consultant completed to
reach a preferred alternative for both roadways. The preferred alternative, funding sources
and schedules will also be presented.
Pros/Cons:
Bedford Street: Reconstruct Bedford Street with two lanes in each direction, a separated
sidepath, sidewalk, upgraded drainage system, and a median from Eldred Street to Hartwell
Ave.
Pros:
• Meets project goal to improve mobility and accessibility for pedestrians and
bicyclists, and improve transit and motor vehicle accommodations
• Improves safety by installing median in the center of Bedford Street to
eliminate left turns into developments.
• Creates a Complete Street
• Updates street trees and grass strips
• Upgrades intersection of Bedford Street at Hartwell Ave
• Roadway improvements support the zoning bylaw within the Hartwell Ave
Innovation District
• Upgrades bus stops
• Upgrades cross walks, traffic signals, sidewalks
• Installs new sidepath
• Turn lane at Winter Street will be maintained.
• Pedestrian accessible routes will be designed for Bedford Street and
Hartwell Ave approaches to the intersection.
Cons:
• Impacts to wetlands. Impacts will be minimized using a boardwalk to span over
resource areas.
• Sidepath will end at town line.
• Some existing street trees may need to be removed.
• Some of the existing space between the roadway and sidewalk may need to be
removed.
• Interchange improvements will be a separate project with a concurrent schedule
• The construction of the Eldred Street intersection with Bedford Street may be
mitigation for the development expansion at 410 Bedford Street. If
improvements are not warranted as development mitigation, the intersection will
be part of this project
Hartwell Ave: Reconstruct Hartwell Ave with two lanes in each direction, two- separated
sidepaths, upgraded drainage system, and a median from the Hanscom Air Force Base Gate
to Bedford St, as allowed by side streets and driveways.
Pros:
• Meets project goal to improve mobility and accessibility for pedestrians and
bicyclists, and improve transit and motor vehicle accommodations
• Improves safety by installing a median in the center of Hartwell Ave, where
possible, and left turn lanes at major driveways to eliminate left turns in
through travel lanes.
• Creates a Complete Street
• Updates street trees and grass strips
• Sidepaths on both sides of Hartwell Ave
• Two lanes of traffic on Hartwell Ave.
• Roadway improvements support the zoning bylaw within the Hartwell Ave
Innovation District
• Upgrades bus stops
• Installs protected cross walks on Hartwell Ave at key locations
• Flexible design could allow for bus lanes or parking if warranted in future.
Cons:
• Impacts to wetlands. Impacts will be minimized with retaining walls
adjacent to the sidepath.
• Number of access points (driveways and side streets) along Hartwell Ave
make a continuous raised median challenging.
• Some existing trees may need to be removed.
• Maguire Road and Minuteman Bikeway at Hartwell Ave is a separate
project that will require coordination with this one.
Costs and funding source
Design funding for improvements was included in warrant article 12.d. adopted during the
2023 Annual Town Meeting.
Hartwell Ave and Bedford Street were approved by MassDOT for Federal Aid highway
funding in August 2024.
Construction costs for both roadways has been estimated at $50m. Town staff has worked
with the Boston MPO to place the project on the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
and is working with the Boston MPO on getting the construction funding in the 2030
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
Plan for public outreach
There have been several public meetings for this project. The design alternatives were
discussed during three public meetings, and also most recently at an open house on
November 19, 2024.
The project has also been presented to working groups and stakeholders.
The meetings are listed below:
Virtual Public Meeting 1 – 10/19/2021
Virtual Public Meeting 2 – 11/16/23
Virtual Public Meeting 3 – 10/24/24
Open House – 11/19/24
Conservation Commission Meeting – 12/02/24
Virtual Meeting Room - October 2021 to present
On-line survey from October 2021 to January 2022
Working Group Meetings – November 12, 2020, May 17, 2021, October 5, 2021,
November 9, 2023, and September 12, 2024
Stake Holder meeting – September 23, 2021
MassDOT/ MPO meetings December 2023 - October 2024 (6 meetings)
Town of Bedford meeting – December 9, 2024
Impact on department work/goals and any alignment with the Select Board goals.
• Improve mobility and accessibility for all users of the circulation and transportation
systems, including public transit, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles
• Make Bedford Street and Hartwell Ave more walkable and bikeable
• Improve safety for all users
• Improve the look and feel of the corridor
• Minimize impacts on residential streets
• Use a clear, inclusive, and transparent design process
o Timeline summary
The improvements are at a conceptual level. After the vote to advance the project, the
project design will be coordinated with MassDOT Highway Division. A pre-25% design
plan based on the current conceptual level design will be submitted to MassDOT, and then
with MassDOT approval, advanced to 25% design stage. The project is projected for
advertisement in 2030, as part of the Boston MPO Transportation Improvement Program,
and will be constructed by MassDOT.
o For items where action of the Board is being requested, a statement of the implications
of taking the action vs. not taking the action.
Approval of design allows the project to move forward. It is critical to advance the project
design to meet the 2030 advertisement date.
If no action is taken, the project design will be revised, and the project will need to go back
to MassDOT for federal funding approval. Funding on the 2030 TIP will be jeopardized.
Thank you
Bedford/Hartwell
Complete Street Project
Select Board Meeting
January 27, 2025
Prepared by: Lexington Engineering Division,
Planning Office
January 2025
Agenda
•Purpose of Meeting
•Project Goals
•Project Study Area
•Development of Preferred
Alternatives
•Project Progress and Funding
•Next Steps
Purpose of Meeting
Endorse the Advancement of
Concept Design to Preliminary
Design
Project Goals
•Improve mobility and accessibility for all
users of the circulation and
transportation systems, including public
transit, pedestrians, bicyclists and motor
vehicles
•Make Bedford Street and Hartwell Ave
more walkable and bikeable
•Improve safety for all users
•Improve the look and feel of the corridor
•Minimize impacts on residential streets
•Use a clear, inclusive, and transparent
design process
Project Study Area
Project Study Area
Project Study Area
Development of Preferred Alternatives
•Public Engagement
•Traffic Analyses
•Build–out Analysis
•Federal Highway standards
•MassDOT standards
•Right-of Way Constraints
•Safety
•Environmental Constraints
•Complete Streets Concept
Contributing Factors Public Engagement
•October 19, 2021 Virtual public meeting 1 with 93 participants
•November 16, 2023 Virtual public meeting 2 with 51 participants
•October 24, 2024 Virtual public meeting 3 with 78 participants
•November 19, 2024 In Person Open House with 39 participants
•Virtual public meeting room, October 2021 to present
•Online survey with 346 responses – available
October 18, 2021, to January 4, 2022
•Working Group meetings
November 12, 2020
May 17, 2021
October 5, 2021
November 9, 2023
September 12, 2024
•Commercial Property Owner meeting
September 23, 2021
•MassDOT/MPO meetings, December 2023 to October 2024 (6 meetings)
•Conservation Commission meeting, December 2, 2024
Bedford Street - West of Hartwell Avenue
Ornate Rock Wall On
Private Residence
Existing Rock Wall On
Private Residences
Single Row Of Pines & Fencing At Cemetery
Upgraded Sidewalks
Sidepath
Winter Street Left Turn Lane
Bedford Street - East of Hartwell Avenue
Boardwalks
Mature Trees
Along Ex. Sidewalk
Bioswales Or Lawn
Strip In Buffer
Sidepath
Upgraded Sidewalk
Existing Crossing
Bedford Street at Hartwell Avenue
New Plantings
Improved Crossings
2 Thru Lanes To Hartwell Ave.
1 southbound Left Turn
Lane To Bedford St.
eastbound
1 Left Turn Lane
northbound To Bedford
St. westbound
Traffic Signal Controlled Turn
Preserve Existing
Vegetation
2 Right Turn Lanes northbound To
Bedford St. eastbound
(Traffic Signal Controlled)
Median
Proposed
Sidewalk
Remove Existing
Crosswalk
Upgrades To Ex.
Sidewalks
Raised Median With
Street Trees
Proposed Sidepath
Upgrades To Ex.
Sidewalk
Hartwell Avenue - North of Maguire Road
PAVEMENT FEATURE STRIPS
IN PAVING W/ LIGHT POLES
VEGETATED BERM
POTENTIAL WAYFINDING / INFO CENTER
VARIED PAVING AT
PEDESTRIAN/BIKE MIXING ZONES
POLLINATOR MEDIANS / STORM-
WATER COLLECTION OR LAWN
ALLEE OF STREET TREES
POTENTIAL BIO-SWALES ALONG ROADWAY
OR TRADITIONAL LANDSCAPING
IMPROVED CROSSINGS
EXISTING FRONTAGE VEGETATION
BEYOND RIGHT-OF-WAY
NEW MEDIAN PLANTINGS
SIDEPATH
SIDEPATH
Hartwell Avenue - South of Maguire Road
Pollinator Medians /
Storm-water Collection Or Lawn
Guardrail
Potential Bio-swales Along Roadway Or Traditional
Landscaping
Improved Crossings
New Median Plantings
Street
Trees
Improved
Crossings
Sidepath
Sidepath
Sidewalks
Next Steps•Select Board votes their endorsement of plan
•MassDOT Pre-25% Design
-Submit Intersection Control Evaluation-OTS meeting to discuss project goals •MassDOT 25% submittal
- Submittal meeting with DOT
•MassDOT 25% Design hearing
•Continue MPO advocacy and TIP coordination
to secure construction funding
Thank you!
Project Website: LexingtonMA.gov/BedfordHartwell
Virtual Meeting Room: https://bit.ly/lex-hartwell-vmr
(note: all lowercase if typing)
Meghan McNamara: mmcnamara@lexingtonma.gov
Ross Morrow: rmorrow@lexingtonma.gov
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve and Sign 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
PRESENTER:
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.6
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Kelly Axtell will present the Annual Town Meeting warrant for the Board's review and signature.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant as presented and authorize staff to make non-
substantive edits as needed.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 8:15pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
2025 Final warrant. 1.27.25 445pm Backup Material
Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
Select Board
DOUGLAS M. LUCENTE, CHAIR
SUZANNE E. BARRY
JOSEPH N. PATO TEL: (781) 698-4580
JILL I. HAI
MARK D. SANDEEN FAX: (781) 863-9468
January 27, 2025
To the Residents of Lexington:
This warrant document provides notification of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and advises residents of the various
issues being considered at the meetings. Only Articles listed in this warrant may be discussed. The purpose of the
Warrant is to inform citizens of the issues to be discussed and does not provide for detailed information about the
Articles.
Articles for the Annual Town Meeting are grouped in three categories: Financial, General and Zoning. Descriptions
are provided in an attempt to make the Warrant useful and understandable.
The most important votes that take place at the Annual Town Meeting are related to the budget. We urge citizens to
read the budget, understand it, and help us find a way to foster excellence within the community. The Town
website, http://www.lexingtonma.gov/town-meeting, includes the most recent version of the FY2026 Budget and
other financial Articles as well as other relevant information for each Article.
Between now and Town Meeting there will be multiple meetings to develop a comprehensive recommended budget
for FY2026. That budget will be delivered to all Town Meeting Members prior to the consideration of any financial
articles by Town Meeting.
SELECT BOARD
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair
Suzanne E. Barry
Joseph N. Pato
Jill I. Hai
Mark D. Sandeen
WARRANT
2025 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Detailed information on these Town Meeting Warrant Articles and other updated information
can be found at https://www.lexingtonma.gov/town-meeting
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SELECT BOARD MESSAGE ................................................................................................
ARTICLE 1 NOTICE OF ELECTION .......................................................................................................3
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS,
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES ..........................................................................................4
ARTICLE 3 APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES ...............................................................4
FINANCIAL ARTICLES .....................................................................................................5
ARTICLE 4 APPROPRIATE FY2026 OPERATING BUDGET ..............................................................5
ARTICLE 5 APPROPRIATE FY2026 ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGETS ..............................................5
ARTICLE 6 AMEND FY2025 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS .............................6
ARTICLE 7 SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS .................................................................................................6
ARTICLE 8 APPROPRIATE FUNDING TO CONSTRUCT A PLAYGROUND IN FLETCHER PARK (Citizen Petition) ..........................................................................................................6
ARTICLE 9 ESTABLISH AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS .....................6
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2026 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS ..................................................................7
ARTICLE 11 APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATION CAPITAL PROJECTS .............................................8
ARTICLE 12 APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT ..............8
ARTICLE 13 APPROPRIATE FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS .............................................9
ARTICLE 14 APPROPRIATE FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS ...............................9
ARTICLE 15 APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT .....................9
ARTICLE 16 APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS ..................................9
ARTICLE 17 APPROPRIATE TO POST EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LIABILITY FUND ...............10
ARTICLE 18 RESCIND PRIOR BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS .....................................................10
ARTICLE 19 ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM
SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS ................................................................................10
ARTICLE 20 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID BILLS .....................................................11
ARTICLE 21 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ................................11
GENERAL ARTICLES ........................................................................................................11
ARTICLE 22 SELECT BOARD TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS ....................................................................11
ARTICLE 23 DISPOSE OF 116 VINE STREET ........................................................................................11
ARTICLE 24 AUTHORIZE THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON TO PROHIBIT OR RESTRICT THE APPLICATION OF SECOND GENERATION ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES (Citizen Petition) .....................................................................................................................12
ARTICLE 25 AMENDMENT TO TOWN MEETING MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS IN TOWN BYLAWS (Citizen Petition) ...................................................................................................12
ARTICLE 26 LOCAL VOTING RIGHTS FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS (Citizen
Petition) ..................................................................................................................................12
ARTICLE 27 ALLOW 16 YEAR OLDS VOTING RIGHTS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS (Citizen Petition) ...................................................................................................................................12
ARTICLE 28 ACCURATE REPORTING ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES (Citizen Petition) ...............................................................................................13
ZONING ARTICLES ...........................................................................................................13
ARTICLE 29 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - BICYCLE PARKING ..........................................................13
ARTICLE 30 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FOR SPECIAL
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS .....................................................................................13
ARTICLE 31 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE (NFI) DISTRICT .......13
ARTICLE 32 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND MAP - TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ........................14
ARTICLE 33 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - ACCESSORY USES .............................................................14
ARTICLE 34 AMEND SECTION 7.5 OF THE ZONING BYLAW TO REDUCE MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT CAPACITY (Citizen Petition) ................................................................14
ATTACHMENT A MODERATOR LETTER .......................................................................15
TOWN MEETING MEMBER LISTING ...............................................................................16
2
TOWN OF LEXINGTON WARRANT
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 2025
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Lexington, in said County, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of
Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet in their respective voting places in said Town.
PRECINCT ONE CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING
PRECINCT TWO CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING
PRECINCT THREE LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER
PRECINCT FOUR CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING
PRECINCT FIVE CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING
PRECINCT SIX CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING
PRECINCT SEVEN CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING
PRECINCT EIGHT SAMUEL HADLEY PUBLIC SERVICES BUILDING
PRECINCT NINE LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER
On Monday, the Third Day of March, 2025
From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., then and there to act on the following article:
ARTICLE 1 NOTICE OF ELECTION
Two Select Board members; for a term of three years;
One Moderator for a term of one year;
Two School Committee members; for a term of three years;
One School Committee member; for a term of two years;
One Planning Board member; for a term of three years;
One Lexington Housing Authority Member, for a term of five years.
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct One, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to
serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired term
for a seat ending in 2027;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Two, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years;
Nine Town Meeting Members in Precinct Three, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired
term for a seat ending in 2027; and the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired
term for a seat ending in 2026;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Four, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Five, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Six, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to
serve for terms of three years;
3
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Seven, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Eight, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Nine, the seven receiving the highest number of votes
to serve for terms of three years.
You are also to notify the inhabitants aforesaid to meet at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial
Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington or by means of the audio/video conferencing platform described
more particularly below
on Monday, the twenty-fourth day of March, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by the Town
Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929, as amended, and subject to the referendum
provided for by Section eight of said Chapter, as amended.
Pursuant to Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020, as amended, including without limitation by Chapter 2 of the Acts of
2023, the Town Meeting shall be held through a hybrid of in person meeting and remote participation by the means
requested by the Moderator as follows:
Town Meeting members will either attend the meeting in person at Margery Milne Battin Hall, or via remote
participation. The meeting will be facilitated by use of: (1) the Zoom videoconferencing platform, (2) the online
voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe Pato and (3) an online queuing function developed by Select
Board member Joe Pato to facilitate debate. Other Town residents who wish to follow the proceedings may do so by
attending the meeting in person in the areas reserved for non-Town Meeting Members, or via LexMedia at
https://www.youtube.com/user/LexMediaMATV. Other residents who wish to participate in the Meeting may email
the Town Clerk's Office at clerk@lexingtonma.gov and by completing the online form at
http://www.lexingtonma.gov/town-meeting.
For more information, please see the Moderator's letter dated December 30, 2024 to the Select Board attached to
this warrant as Attachment A.
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS,
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
To see if the Town will vote to approve the Deputy Moderator nominated by the Moderator; receive the reports of
any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town
Meeting session by boards, officers, or committees. In addition, the Town will consider the approval of the
nomination of a Deputy Moderator as authorized under Section 118-11 of the Code of the Town of Lexington.
ARTICLE 3 APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES
To see if the Town will authorize the appointment of the committee on lectures under the wills of Eliza Cary
Farnham and Susanna E. Cary; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article that provides for the appointment of citizens to the Cary Lecture Series by
the Moderator.
4
FINANCIAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 4 APPROPRIATE FY2026 OPERATING BUDGET
To see if the Town will vote to make appropriations for expenditures by departments, officers, boards and
committees of the Town for the ensuing fiscal year and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax
levy, by transfer from available funds, by transfer from enterprise funds, or by any combination of these methods; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: See the most recent version of the FY2026 budget proposals posted at
http://lexingtonma.gov/budget.
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for the FY2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) operating budget. The
operating budget includes the school and municipal budgets. The operating budget includes requests for funds to
provide prospective salary increases for employees, including salaries to be negotiated through collective bargaining
negotiations. The budget also includes certain shared expenses.
ARTICLE 5 APPROPRIATE FY2026 ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to fund the operations of the DPW Water and
Wastewater Divisions and the Department of Recreation and Community Programs; determine whether the money
shall be provided by the estimated income to be derived in FY2026 from the operations of the related enterprise, by
the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the retained earnings of the relevant enterprise fund, or by
any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Enterprise Fund FY2024 Appropriated FY2025 Appropriated FY2026 Requested
a) Water
Personal Services $820,510 $971,418 $1,074,990
Expenses $544,206 $614,400 $650,100
Debt Service $2,375,660 $1,386,157 $1,438,006
MWRA Assessment $8,832,742 $8,432,204 $9,275,424
Total Water Enterprise Fund $12,573,118 $11,404,179 $12,438,520
b) Wastewater
Personal Services $356,647 $464,858 $497,353
Expenses $338,893 $536,400 $592,100
Debt Service $1,406,381 $1,592,858 $1,672,086
MWRA Assessment $8,861,891 $9,153,352 $10,068,687
Total Water Enterprise Fund $10,963,812 $11,747,468 $12,830,226
c) Recreation and Community Programs
Personal Services $1,530,004 $1,824,916 $1,875,354
Expenses $1,359,301 $1,579,751 $1,590,835
Total Recreation and Community Programs Enterprise Fund $2,889,305 $3,404,667 $3,466,189
DESCRIPTION: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F½, towns may establish Enterprise
Funds for a utility, health care, recreation or transportation operation, with the operation to receive related revenue
and receipts and pay expenses of such operation. This article provides for the appropriation to and expenditure from
5
three enterprise funds previously established by the Town. The Recreation and Community Programs Fund
includes the operations and programs for the Community Center.
ARTICLE 6 AMEND FY2025 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction with money
appropriated under Articles 4, 5, 9, and 10 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, and Articles 4 and 6 of the warrant
for the Special Town Meeting 2024-1, to be used during the current fiscal year, or make any other adjustments to
the current fiscal year budgets and appropriations that may be necessary; to determine whether the money shall be
provided by transfer from available funds including the Community Preservation Fund; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to permit adjustments to current fiscal year (FY2025) appropriations.
ARTICLE 7 SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for sustainable capital projects including electric vehicle
charging equipment and related infrastructure improvements; the study, design, purchase and installation of a solar
collector, canopy, rooftop or other solar energy collection systems, including battery storage and any costs
incidental or related thereto; and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; and further to determine whether the Town
will authorize the Select Board to apply for, accept, and expend in anticipation of federal and state aid for such
sustainable projects, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for sustainable capital projects which may include the purchase and
installation of electric vehicle chargers in municipal and public parking lots, the study, design and construction of
rooftop solar or solar canopies, including battery storage, and other projects intended to move the Town towards
achieving its sustainability goals.
ARTICLE 8 APPROPRIATE FUNDING TO CONSTRUCT A PLAYGROUND IN FLETCHER PARK
(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of constructing a new playground in
Fletcher Park; or to act in any other manner thereto. Fletcher Park is next to the Lexington Police Station, 1557
Massachusetts Avenue. Fletcher Park is abutted by Massachusetts Avenue, Fletcher Avenue, and Woburn Street
and the Massachusetts Commuter Bikeway.
(Inserted by Jane Shapiro and 9 or more registered voters)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: Structures should be safe and suitable for children’s' use. Structures should be available for
children ages 2-5 and structures should be available for children ages 5-12.
ARTICLE 9 ESTABLISH AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ and Chapter
110 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, to continue existing revolving funds; to amend said Chapter 110 to
establish new revolving funds; to determine whether the maximum amounts that may be expended from such new
and existing revolving fund accounts in FY2026 shall be the following amounts or any other amounts; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
6
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Program or Purpose for Revolving Funds FY2026 Authorization
School Bus Transportation $1,300,000
Building Rental Revolving Fund $647,043
Lexington Tree Fund $150,000
DPW Burial Containers $60,000
DPW Compost Operations $953,383
Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste Program $250,000
Senior Services $75,000
Residential Engineering Review $57,600
Health Programs $110,000
Lab Inspections $80,000
Tourism Revolving Fund $562,000
Refuse and Recycling Collection $0
DESCRIPTION: The amount that may be spent from a revolving fund established under Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ must be approved annually by Town Meeting. The Funds are credited with the
receipts received in connection with the programs supported by such funds, and expenditures may be made from the
revolving fund without further appropriation.
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2026 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the FY2026
Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee,
to appropriate from the Community Preservation Fund, or to reserve amounts in the Community Preservation Fund
for future appropriations; for the debt service on previously authorized financing; for the administrative expenses of
the Community Preservation Committee for FY2026; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space;
for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation,
preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation
and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space and community housing
acquired or created with moneys from the Community Preservation Fund; to appropriate funds for such projects and
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, or from estimated Community Preservation Act
surcharges and the state match for the upcoming fiscal year, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise
funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Community Preservation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED:
a. Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector – $300,000
b. Simond’s Brook Conservation Area Trail Design & Engineering – $75,000
c. Document Conservation – $21,000
d. Hancock-Clarke House Roof Replacement – $57,800
e. Affordable Housing Trust Funding– $3,000,000
f. LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration, Preservation, and Decarbonization – $494,140
7
g. Park and Playground Improvements – Center Playground – $1,490,000
h. Park Improvements – Athletic Fields - Harrington – $3,197,904*
i. Lincoln Park Field Improvements #3 – $1,950,000*
j. Administrative Budget – $150,000
DESCRIPTION: The article requests that Community Preservation Funds and other funds as necessary, be
appropriated for the projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee and for administrative costs.
*Denotes recommended projects partially funded with CPA Funds.
ARTICLE 11 APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATION CAPITAL PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for recreation-related capital projects and equipment;
and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the
Recreation and Community Programs Enterprise Fund, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Recreation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $70,000
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2026 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at www.lexingtonma.gov/fy26capital.
ARTICLE 12 APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the following capital projects and equipment:
a)Transportation Mitigation;
b)Fire Pumper Truck;
c)Equipment Replacement;
d)Sidewalk Improvements;
e)Hydrant Replacement;
f)Street Improvements;
g)Stormwater Management Program;
h)New Sidewalk Installations - Study and Design;
i)Intersection Improvements - Adams St. at East St. & Hancock St.;
j)DPW Building Improvements;
k)Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design;
l)Municipal Technology Improvement Program; and
m)Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan
and authorize the Select Board to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire, any fee, easement or
other interests in land necessary therefor; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods;
determine if the Town will authorize the Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of
state aid for such capital improvements; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $11,617,306
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2026 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at www.lexingtonma.gov/fy26capital.
8
ARTICLE 13 APPROPRIATE FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make water distribution system improvements, including the installation of new
water mains and replacement or cleaning and lining of existing water mains and standpipes, the replacement or
rehabilitation of water towers, engineering studies and the purchase and installation of equipment in connection
therewith, in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the Select Board may determine, subject to the
assessment of betterments or otherwise; and to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee,
easement or other interest in land necessary therefor; appropriate money for such improvements and land
acquisition and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, water enterprise fund, by transfer
from available funds, including any special water funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods;
to determine whether the Town will authorize the Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in
anticipation of federal and state aid for such projects; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,334,940
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2026 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at www.lexingtonma.gov/fy26capital.
ARTICLE 14 APPROPRIATE FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to install and line sanitary sewer mains and sewerage systems and replacements and
upgrades to pump stations thereof, including engineering studies and the purchase of equipment in connection
therewith; in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the Select Board may determine, subject to the
assessment of betterments or otherwise, in accordance with Chapter 504 of the Acts of 1897, and acts in addition
thereto and in amendment thereof, or otherwise; and to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any
fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor; appropriate money for such installation and land
acquisition and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, the wastewater enterprise fund, by
transfer from available funds, including any special wastewater funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; to determine whether the Town will authorize the Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in
anticipation of federal and state aid for such wastewater projects; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,282,431
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2026 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at www.lexingtonma.gov/fy26capital.
ARTICLE 15 APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to maintain and upgrade the schools’ technology
systems and equipment; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available
funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the School Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,500,910
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2026 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at www.lexingtonma.gov/fy26capital.
ARTICLE 16 APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for capital improvements and renovations, including
new construction to public facilities for:
a)Public Facilities Bid Documents;
b)Public Facilities Interior Finishes;
c)School Paving and Sidewalks;
9
d)Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated Systems;
e)Central Administration Building Demolition; and
f)Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom Renovation
and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including
enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; to determine if the Town will authorize the
Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of state aid for such capital improvements; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $5,743,000
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2026 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at www.lexingtonma.gov/fy26capital.
ARTICLE 17 APPROPRIATE TO POST EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LIABILITY FUND
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the Town of Lexington Post Retirement Insurance
Liability Fund, as established by Chapter 317 of the Acts of 2002; determine whether the money shall be provided
by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article will allow the Town to continue to fund its liability for post-employment benefits for
Town of Lexington retirees. Beginning with the FY2007 audit, the Town has been required to disclose this liability.
Special legislation establishing a trust fund for this purpose was enacted in 2002.
ARTICLE 18 RESCIND PRIOR BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unused borrowing authority voted under previous Town Meeting articles;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: State law requires that Town Meeting vote to rescind authorized and unissued debt that is no
longer required for its intended purpose.
ARTICLE 19 ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM SPECIFIED
STABILIZATION FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote to create, amend, dissolve, rename or appropriate sums of money to and from
Stabilization Funds in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Section 5B of Chapter 40, for the purposes of:
(a) Section 135, Zoning By-Law; (b) Traffic Mitigation; (c) Transportation Demand Management/Public
Transportation; (d) Special Education; (e) Center Improvement District; (f) Transportation Management Overlay
District; (g) Capital; (h) Payment in Lieu of Parking; (i) Visitors Center Capital; (j) Affordable Housing Capital; (k)
Water System Capital; (l) Ambulance Stabilization Fund; determine whether such sums shall be provided by the
tax levy, by transfer from available funds, from fees, charges or gifts or by any combination of these methods; or act
in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes to establish, dissolve, and fund Stabilization Funds for specific purposes and
to appropriate funds therefrom. Money in those funds may be invested and the interest may then become a part of
the particular fund. These funds may later be appropriated for the fund's specific designated purpose by a majority
vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting.
10
ARTICLE 20 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate money to pay any unpaid bills rendered to the Town for prior
years; to determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to pay bills after the close of the fiscal year in which the
goods were received or the services performed and for which no money was encumbered.
ARTICLE 21 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction with sums
appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water mains, sewers and sewerage systems, drains,
streets, buildings, recreational facilities or other capital improvements and equipment that have heretofore been
authorized; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from the balances in other
articles, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds and the Community Preservation Fund, by
borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to supplement existing appropriations for certain capital
projects in light of revised cost estimates that exceed such appropriations.
GENERAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 22 SELECT BOARD TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise
accept, easement interests for trails, drainage, sewer, utility or other public purposes, on such terms and conditions
and in a final location or locations as the Select Board may determine, or act in any other manner in action relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board )
DESCRIPTION: This article would permit the Select Board to accept easements for trails and utility infrastructure
in order to allow these amenities to be built and conveyed to the Town as required in accordance with many land
use permits, as opposed to requiring each such easement to be approved by Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 23 DISPOSE OF 116 VINE STREET
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of Town owned land
described as parcel 47-45B located at 116 Vine Street for the purposes of developing affordable housing thereon,
consistent with the vote on Article 12(b) of 2009 Annual Town Meeting and to authorize the Select Board or its
designee to enter into a Land Disposition Agreement and associated agreements in connection therewith; or to act in
any other manner thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: In 2009, Annual Town Meeting appropriated Community Preservation Act funds to acquire land
on Vine Street for conservation/open space and for community housing. This article would authorize the Board or
its designee to offer that portion of the parcel intended for community housing for development by an affordable
housing entity subject to a land disposition agreement to be negotiated by the Board or its designee.
11
ARTICLE 24 AUTHORIZE THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON TO PROHIBIT OR RESTRICT THE
APPLICATION OF SECOND GENERATION ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES (Citizen Petition)
To determine if the Town will authorize and request the Select Board to petition the General Court of the
Commonwealth for Home Rule Legislation to allow the town of Lexington, notwithstanding the provisions of
Chapter 132B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, to adopt a bylaw that would
prohibit or restrict the application and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within the Town of
Lexington, including the application of such pesticides by licensed commercial applicators as defined in 333 C.M.R.
10.00. SECTION 2. or to take any action in relative thereto.
(Inserted by Marci Cemenska and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article would authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court for Home Rule
Legislation to allow the Town of Lexington to prohibit or restrict the application and use of second-generation
anticoagulant rodenticides, commonly referred to as SGARs, within the Town of Lexington. SGARs are lethal
pesticides that stop the blood clotting process. Common SGAR compounds include: brodifacoum, bromadiolone,
difenacoum, and difethialone. If enacted, the petitioned special legislation would permit the Town to determine the
extent to which SGARs should be prohibited or restricted in Lexington under a future bylaw approved by Town
Meeting.
ARTICLE 25 AMENDMENT TO TOWN MEETING MANAGEMENT PROVI SIONS IN TOWN
BYLAWS (Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the provisions governing the management of Town Meeting to: Update
references to relevant documentation, revise language to improve clarify, consistency, accuracy, and modify the
threshold percentage of voting members required to end debate; or to act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Bridger McGaw and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article would amend the provisions governing the management of Town Meeting to update
references to relevant documents, review language, and modify the threshold percentage of voting members
required to end debate.
ARTICLE 26 LOCAL VOTING RIGHTS FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS (Citizen Petition)
To determine if the Town will authorize and request the Select Board to petition the General Court of the
Commonwealth for Home Rule Legislation to allow any resident of the Town of Lexington who is a lawful
permanent resident of the United States, and would otherwise be eligible to vote if they were a U.S. citizen, to
register and vote in municipal elections within the Town, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Inserted by Nathalie Huitema and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article would authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court for Home Rule
Legislation to allow any resident of the Town of Lexington who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States
and would otherwise be eligible to vote if they were a US citizen, the ability to register and vote in municipal
elections.
ARTICLE 27 ALLOW 16 YEAR OLDS VOTING RIGHTS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS (Citizen
Petition)
To determine if the Town will authorize and request the Select Board to petition the General Court of the
Commonwealth for Home Rule Legislation to allow any citizens in the Town of Lexington, notwithstanding the
provisions of M.G.L. 51, Sections 1, and Section 47A, who have reached the age of 16 or older, to register and vote
in municipal elections within the Town, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Inserted by the Kunal Botla and 9 or more registered voters)
12
DESCRIPTION: This article would authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court for Home Rule
Legislation to allow any citizens in the Town of Lexington sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, and
otherwise qualified to vote, the ability to vote in municipal elections.
ARTICLE 28 ACCURATE REPORTING ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES (Citizen Petition)
To see if the town will vote to endorse a resolution calling for accurate reporting on the negative aspects of lithium-
ion batteries when discussing the desirability of transitioning from fossil fuels to "green energy" alternatives.
(Inserted by Avram Baskin and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: The harmful impacts of fossil fuels on people and the environment is clear and the transition to
“clean energy”, including Lithium-ion batteries continues to be a goal for the Town of Lexington. This resolution
seeks to educate the public on the impacts of lithium-ion batteries from a scientific, social and environmental justice
perspective.
ZONING ARTICLES
ARTICLE 29 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - BICYCLE PARKING
To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.1.8 of the Zoning Bylaw to require bicycle parking spaces for uses
other than one-family and two-family dwellings for which they are not currently required; allow bicycle parking
requirements to be waived during site plan review; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would expand on section 5.1.8 of the Zoning Bylaw to require bicycle parking spaces
for additional uses. Presently, the Zoning Bylaw requires bicycle parking spaces only for office, manufacturing,
research, and laboratory uses. This amendment would require bicycle parking spaces for all uses other than one-
family and two-family dwellings. In addition, it would permit the Planning Board to waive bicycle parking
requirements during the site plan review process.
ARTICLE 30 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FOR SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.9.8 of the Zoning Bylaw to modify how the inclusionary housing
requirements are calculated; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would amend the Zoning Bylaw pertaining to how the amount of required inclusionary
housing would be calculated using a special residential development’s total proposed gross floor area rather than
using the maximum buildout gross floor area as shown on the proof plan.
ARTICLE 31 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE (NFI) DISTRICT
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map for the National Flood Insurance (NFI) Overlay Districts to
reference updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs); update Zoning Bylaw Sections 7.1 [National Flood
Insurance (NFI) District] and 10.0 [Definitions] to comply with FEMA’s Standards and Regulations, including
permit requirements and related definitions; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This amendment will modify the Zoning Map and Sections 7.1 and 10.0 of the Zoning Bylaw to
reference the most recent maps issued by FEMA, to comply with FEMA’s recommended standards, and update
definitions.
13
ARTICLE 32 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND MAP - TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
To see if the Town will vote to approve certain amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map that are clerical
in nature to correct any typographical errors, create consistency, or make other non-substantive changes; or act in
any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would not change the Zoning Bylaw or Zoning Map in any substantive way, but would
correct typos, changes to section references for consistency, and correct any errors discovered during the public
hearing process for zoning amendments.
ARTICLE 33 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - ACCESSORY USES
To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 3.2.1 of the Zoning Bylaw by removing the phrase, "and complies
with all other Town bylaws or General Laws," or take any other action in related thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would modify the Zoning Bylaw to clarify that the ZBA and other entities are not
required to enforce all of the Code of Lexington, leaving proper enforcement to the designated and relevant entities.
ARTICLE 34 AMEND SECTION 7.5 OF THE ZONING BYLAW TO REDUCE MULTI-FAMILY
DWELLING UNIT CAPACITY (Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to: (1) amend Section 7.5 of the Zoning Bylaw and Map to reduce the multi-
family dwelling unit capacity it allows by making changes to said section including, but not limited to,
reduction or removal of districts, modification of height, setback and other dimensional standards,
modification of parking requirements, and imposition of density limits; and (2) place a temporary
moratorium, in order to allow the Town a sufficient opportunity to reexamine the operational, capital,
financial, and other impacts of Section 7.5 on the Town, on: (a) developments permitted subject to site
plan review under Section 7.5, and (b) applications for preliminary or definitive subdivision plans, insofar
as such applications are submitted to freeze zoning requirements under Section 7.5; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Carol Sacerdote and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article would allow amendment of the Zoning Bylaw and Map adopted under Article 34 of
the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, which provides for MBTA Communities overlay districts. The Executive Office of
Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has specified a target capacity for Lexington, under the MBTA
Communities Act, G.L. c. 40A, §3A, of 1,231 new multifamily dwelling units. EOHLC subsequently certified that
the capacity created by the adoption of Section 7.5 is 12,546 units. This number of units, if fully built out, would
double the number of dwelling units in Lexington. The goal of this article is to amend Section 7.5 to reduce its
development capacity to a level closer to the state’s target, and thereby reduce potential worst-case impacts on the
Town, including financial impacts, while complying fully with the MBTA Zoning Act. Alternatively, or in addition,
this article seeks a temporary moratorium on the development of new projects for a time sufficient to allow a
reexamination of the impacts of Section 7.5 on the Town.
And you are directed to serve this warrant not less than seven days at least before the time of said meeting, as provided in the
Bylaws of the Town.
Hereof fail not, and make due return on this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, on or before the time of said
meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington this 27th day of January 2025.
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair Select Board
Suzanne E. Barry
Joseph N. Pato of
Jill I. Hai,
Mark D. Sandeen Lexington
A true copy, Attest: Constable of Lexington
14
ATTACHMENT A
Town of Lexington
MODERATOR
DEBORAH BROWN
December 30, 2024 DELIVERED BY EMAIL
Dear Select Board Members,
Pursuant to Massachusetts Section 26 of Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022, as amended by Section
47 of Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, I request approval to conduct the 2025 Annual Town
Meeting as a hybrid meeting. I propose to use a combination of: (1) the Zoom videoconferencing
platform, (2) the online voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe Pato, and (3) an
online queuing function developed by Select Board member Joe Pato to facilitate the process of
debate.
I certify that all components of the system described above have been fully tested and utilized
successfully for prior Town Meetings, and I am satisfied that this system enables our meetings to
be conducted in substantially the same manner whether a member is participating in person or
remotely. I certify that the system for those opting for remote participation (i) allows the
moderator, town meeting members, town officials and any other interested members of the
public to identify and hear the moderator and each town meeting member who attends and
participates in the remote meeting, as well as any other individuals who participate in the
meeting; (ii) provides the ability to determine whether a quorum is present; (iii) allows
participants to request recognition by the moderator and makes such requests visible to the
meeting participants and the public; (iv) allows the moderator to determine when a town meeting
member wishes to be recognized to speak, make a motion, or raise a point of order or personal
privilege; (v) enables the moderator to recognize a town meeting member, town official or other
individual and enable that person to speak; (vi) provides the ability to conduct a roll call or
electronically recorded vote; (vii) allows any interested members of the public to access the
meeting remotely through LexMedia for purposes of witnessing the deliberations and actions
taken at the town meeting; (viii) allows members of the public to participate in debate in-person
or through the submission of statements for or against a motion; and (ix) provides for the town
meeting to be recorded and available for future viewing. I further confirm that I have consulted
with Lexington’s Commission on Disability regarding system accessibility.
Sincerely,
Deborah Brown
Town Moderator
617-512-7901
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
15
AT LARGE MEMBERS
Michael J. Barrett, 7 Augustus
Rd. Suzanne E. Barry, 159
Burlington St. Deborah J. Brown,
47 Robinson Rd. Michelle
Ciccolo, 50 Shade St.
Jill I. Hai, 6 Highland Ave.
Douglas M. Lucente, 17 Vine Brook
Rd. Joseph N. Pato, 900
Massachusetts Ave. Mark Sandeen,
10 Brent Rd.
Precinct 1
Term Expires 2025
Lois Angelo, 11 Spencer St.
Cristina A. Burwell, 6 Albemarle Ave.
Larry D. Freeman, Jr., 218 Lowell St.
Stephanie Hayes Hsu, 9 Locke Ln.
Eric Jay Michelson, 45 Circle Rd.
Valerie Gale Overton, 25 Emerson Gdns
Katherine Reynolds, 114 Lowell St.
Term Expires 2026
John C. Bartenstein, 46 Sanderson
Rd. James C. Luker, 26 Rindge
Ave.
Noah Samuel Michelson, 45 Circle
Rd. Margaret Muckenhoupt, 19
Whipple Rd. John F. Rossi, 40
Arcola St.
Bella D. Tsvetkova, 42 Lowell St.
Albert Paul Zabin, 1 Page Rd.
Term Expires 2027
Sandhya R. Beebee, 10 Page Rd.Robert William Cunha, 10 Stevens Rd.
Tanya J. Gisolfi-McCready, 22 Cliffe Ave.
Janet M. Kern, 72 Lowell St.
Carol Jeanne Sampson, 8 Brandon St.
Judith Liskov Zabin, 1 Page Rd.
*James L. Avery, 8 Daniels St.
*William A. Carlson, 185 Lowell St.
*Sarah England Carter, 65 Spencer Ave.
*Charles James, 218 Lowell St.
Precinct 2
Term Expires 2025
Matthew Cohen, 29 Tower Rd.
Matthew P. Daggett, 11 White Pine Ln.
Rita B. Goldberg, 10 Independence Ave.
Ajay T. Joseph, 46 Golden Ave.
Ricki Donna Pappo, 16 Blossomcrest Rd.
Emilie Rinard Webster, 7 Lexington Ave.
Betsey Weiss, 8 Dover Ln.
Term Expires 2026
Avram S. Baskin , 43 Carville Ave.
Sarah S. Daggett, 11 White Pine Ln.
Carolyn M. Goldstein, 10 Peacock Farm
Rd.
Jeffrey C. Howry, 5 Bennett Ave.
Mark Allan Manasas, 6 Bennett Ave.
Jonathan E. Suber, 56 Taft Ave.
Laura W. Swain, 29 Locust Ave.
Term Expires 2027
Marian A. Cohen, 8 Plymouth Rd.
Barbara Katzenberg, 37 Moon Hill Rd.
Peter B. Lee, 770 Waltham St.
Syed Ali Rizvi, 237 Worthen Rd. E
Kenneth J. Shine, 7 Ellis St.
Rita Vachani, 75 Blossomcrest Rd.
Amy K. Weinstock, 33 Dawes Rd.
*Sean D. Osborne, 822 Massachusetts
Ave.
*Joseph N. Pato, 900 Massachusetts Ave
*Huayu Xiong, 8 Blossomcrest Rd.
Precinct 3
Term Expires 2025
Courtney McCollum Apgar, 31 Barberry
Rd.
Sallye F. Bleiberg, 960 Waltham St. #170
Christopher Buenrostro, 59 Potter Pond
Sudhir K. Jain, 3 Benjamin Rd.
Jeanne K. Krieger, 44 Webster Rd.
Glenn Parker, 186 Spring St.
Prashant Singh, 65 Munroe Rd
Franklin E. Smith, 7 Potter Pond
Hua Wang, 16 Hudson Rd.
Term Expires 2026
Bronte M. Abraham, 22 Hudson Rd.
Cynthia E. Arens, 7 Kitson Park Dr.
Norman Paul Cohen, 1010 Waltham St.
#291
Steven Philip Heinrich, 11 Potter Pond
Ipek Ozer-Stillman, 6 Stonewall Rd.
Stanley Yap, 30 April Ln.
Term Expires 2027
Joshua F. Apgar, 31 Barberry Rd.
Delanot Bastien, 3111 Main Campus
Dr. Michael J. Martignetti, 37
Barberry Rd. Letha MS Prestbo, 470
Concord Ave. Robert I. Rotberg, 14
Barberry Rd.
Michael J. Schanbacher, 516 Concord
Ave. *James Britton Baldwin, 39 Potter
Pond *Patrick R. Mehr, 31 Woodcliffe
Rd. *Bindu J. Vyas, 503Waltham St.
Precinct 4
Term Expires 2025
Nyles Nathan Barnert, 142 Worthen Rd.
Linda Boardman Liu, 18 Belfry Ter.
Lawrence Chan, 10 Hilltop Ave.
Wendy K. Manz, 3 Captain Parker Arms,
#24
Gerald Paul, 43 Highland Ave.
Kathryn A. Roy, 382 Marrett Rd.
Sandra J. Shaw, 51 Wachusett Dr.
Term Expires 2026
Alessandro Alessandrini, 32 Slocum
Rd. Michael P. Boudett, 39 Prospect
Hill Rd. Kathryn Rivard Colburn, 49
Forest St. Katie Ponty Cutler, 115
Kendall Rd. Heather Lynn Hartshorn,
62 Farmcrest Rd. Nancy Ann Shepard,
2 Baskin Rd. Ruth S. Thomas, 10
Parker St.
Term Expires 2027
Gloria J. Bloom, 17 Loring Rd.
Kunal P. Botla, 40 Grapevine Ave.
Robert N. Cohen, 10 Grassland St.
Eileen S. Jay, 191 Waltham St.
Charles W. Lamb, 55 Baskin Rd.
Kathleen M. Lenihan, 60 Bloomfield
St. Jennifer B. Richlin, 36 Sherburne
Rd. *Carol R. Sacerdote, 15 Loring
Rd. *Peter Shapiro, 113 Waltham St.
Precinct 5
Term Expires 2025
Irene Margaret Dondley, 22 Leonard Rd.
Marilyn M. Fenollosa, 10 Marshall Rd.
Andrew Friedlich, 22 Young St.
Jerold S. Michelson, 3 Clyde Pl.
Melanie A. Thompson, 360 Lowell St.
M. Masha Traber, 106 Maple St.
John Zhiqiang Zhao, 10 Cooke Rd.
Term Expires 2026
Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti, 340
Lowell St. Judith Ann Crocker, 5
Currier Ct.
Anthony Grant Galaitsis, 7 Burroughs
Rd. Steven B. Kaufman, 116 East
Emerson Rd. Pamela B. Lyons, 51
Grant St.
Lin Xu, 117 Vine St.
Lily Manhua Yan, 46 Courtyard Pl.
Term Expires 2027
Anil Ahuja, 7 Leonard Rd.Ting Fang, 39 Courtyard Pl.
Sarah E. Higginbotham, 21 Byron Ave.
Joyce S. Murphy, 1505 Massachusetts
Ave.
Kristin McKay Pechinsky, 38 Saddle Club
Rd.
Marc A. Saint Louis, 5 Brookwood Rd.
Alex J. Tsouvalas, 77 Grant St.
*Monica Karin Davis, 26 Hayes Ln.
*Lana Panasyuk, 28 Saddle Club Rd.
*Catherine Yan, 211 East Emerson Rd.
* New Candidates for 2025 Annual Town
Election † Moved/Resigned
16
Precinct 6
Term Expires 2025
Sara Gurley Bothwell Allen, 158
Burlington St.
Margaret L. Counts-Klebe, 8 Hancock
Ave.
Andrea J. Fribush, 61 East St.
Frederic Steven Johnson, 4 Stetson St.
Dawn E. McKenna, 9 Hancock St.
Deborah Cohen Strod, 10 Thoreau Rd.
Eran Cohen Strod, 10 Thoreau Rd.
Term Expires 2026
Thomas C. Barry, 159 Burlington St.
Jonathan Andrew Himmel, 66
Hancock St. Morton Gerald Kahan,
44 Hancock St. Innessa Anne
Manning, 46 York St. Bridger E.
McGaw, 89 Meriam St. Dinesh
Patel, 22 Brent Rd.
Ryan Samuel Wise, 8 Berwick Rd.
Term Expires 2027
Edmund C. Grant, 27 Grove St.
Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, 5 Diamond Rd.
Brian P. Kelley, 44 Grant St.
Susan Ann McLeish, 665 Lowell St. #52
Deepika Sawhney, 6 Porter Ln.
Taylor Singh, 40 Hancock St.
Vinita Verma, 3 Graham Rd.
*Lance P. Bradley, 24 Longfellow Rd.
*Olga Puchmajerova Guttag, 273 Emerson
Rd.
*Jeremy Levitan, 10 Adams St.
*Sarah Wolfson, 164 Grant St.
Precinct 7
Term Expires 2025
Christian L. Boutwell, 22 Burlington St.
Mary C. Burnell, 4 Eaton Rd.
Robert Kevin Creech, 2 Grimes Rd.
Mary Causey Hamilton, 23 Fifer Ln.
Vikas Kinger, 13 Donald St
Leonard J. Morse-Fortier, 20 Bernard St.
Robert D. Peters, 43 Fifer Ln.
Term Expires 2026
Sara Cuthbertson, 541 Bedford St.
Harry Clarke Forsdick, 46
Burlington St. Pam Hoffman, 4
Rangeway
Samita A. Mandelia, 59 Harding Rd.
Raul Marques-Pascual, 4 John
Benson Rd. Tina M. McBride, 45
Turning Mill Rd. Umesh Shelat, 34
James St.
Term Expires 2027
Marsha Baker, 46 Burlington St.
Philip K. Hamilton, 23 Fifer Ln.
Stacey A. Hamilton, 25 Robinson Rd.
David G. Kanter, 48 Fifer Ln.
Meghana Khanolkar, 63 Winter St.
Benjamin Charles Lees, 57 Gleason Rd.
Pamela C. Tames, 26 Bertwell Rd.
*Archan Basu, 34 Harding Rd.
*Vida Figueras Baterina Hom, 175 Grove
St.
*Katharine Blauer, 46 Robinson Rd.
*Sandra Hackman, 65 Fifer Ln.
*Letitia J. Hom, 175 Grove St.
*Monami D. Roy, 36 Bertwell Rd.
Precinct 8
Term Expires 2025
Victoria C. Buckley, 18 Bates Rd.
Margaret E. Coppe, 202 Katahdin Dr.
Peggy. Enders, 11 Kimball Rd.
Alix O’Brien Fox, 5 Hillside Ter.
Betty J. Gau, 64 Ward St.
Alan Mayer Levine, 54 Reed St.
Sudhir Ranjan, 155 Reed St.
Term Expires 2026
Robert M. Avallone, 21 Constitution Rd.
Lauren Deems Black, III, 143 Bedford St.
Shailesh Chandra, 10 Childs Rd.
Gang Chen, 24 Bellflower St.
Thomas R. Diaz, 13 Lois Ln.
Robin L. Lovett, 18 Bates Rd.
Andrei Radulescu-Banu, 86 Cedar St.
Term Expires 2027
Heidi Pasternak Burkholder, 51
Ward St. Lin D. Jensen, 133 Reed
St.
Brielle Kissel Meade, 17
Manning St. James Arthur
Osten, 8 Revere St. Sanjay
Padaki, 46 Ward St.
Dahua Pan, 34 Balfour St.
Jessica G. Steigerwald, 143
Cedar St. *Lisa A. Newton, 15
Ledgelawn Ave. *Alan V.
Seferian, 10 Augustus Rd
Precinct 9
Term Expires 2025
Victoria Lawrence Blier, 41
Shade St. Scott Foster Burson, 5
Willard Cir. Rodney E. Cole, 80
School St. Diana J. Donovan,
112 Shade St. Thomas O. Fenn,
15 Shade St. Vineeta Ajay
Kumar, 14 Munroe Rd. Janet M.
Perry, 16 Ellison Rd.
Term Expires 2026,
Shireen Ahmed, 393 Lincoln St.
Mark Valerian Andersen, 2400 Massachusetts
Ave.
Hemaben P. Bhatt, 8 Jean Rd.
Todd O. Burger, 386 Lincoln St.
Jeanne P. Canale, 29 Shade St.
Suzanne D. Lau, 18 Phinney Rd.
Lisah Susan Schmidt Rhodes, 482 Marrett
Rd.
Term Expires 2027
Richard L. Canale, 29 Shade St.
Mollie K. Garberg, 16 Cary Ave.
Kimberly Hensle-Lowrance, 23 Tufts Rd.
Philip T. Jackson, 50 Shade St.
Ethan Paul Kiczek, 26 Tufts Rd.
Alicia M. Morris, 19 Welch Rd
Thomas R. Shiple, 18 Phinney Rd.
*Foster Joseph Jackson, 50 Shade St.
*Elizabeth Ruth Mettetal, 6 Hastings Rd.
* New Candidates for 2025 Annual Town
Election † Moved/Resigned
17
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Presentation - 2025 ATM Warrant Article - FY26 Community Preservation Committee
(CPC) Operating Budget and Projects
PRESENTER:
Marilyn Fenollosa, Chair of the
Community Preservation Committee
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.7
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
The Chair of the CPC committee will present an overview of Article 10 for Annual Town Meeting.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 8:20pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Article 10 CPC projects Backup Material
Article 10 CPC article text Backup Material
Presentation to Select Board: 1/27/2025
Article 10: FY26 Projects
The Community Preservation Act
in Lexington
2* (Does not include debt service or total
administrative expense appropriation)
• Community Housing $17.9 million
– Created 40 units of Community Housing
• Historic Resources $43.5 million
– Funded 104 Historic Resource projects
• Open Space $20.3 million
– Acquired or preserved 68 acres of Open Space
• Recreational Resources $27.9 million
– Created or preserved 77 Recreational Resources
•TOTAL $109.6 million*
CPA Project Funding to Date
Percentages Appropriated to Date
3
Historic Resources
39%
Open Space
18%
Community Housing
16%
Recreation
25%
Admin.
2%
State Matches to Date
4
Fiscal Year Percentage Amount
2008 100.00 $2,556,362
2009 69.40 $1,927,708
2010 36.17 $1,060,390
2011 28.22 $ 858,729
2012 27.62 $ 885,463
2013 27.79 $ 929,507
2014 54.09 $1,932,347
2015 32.56 $1,230,116
2016 30.70 $1,229,774
2017 21.30 $ 897,243
2018 17.80 $ 789,905
2019 19.80 $ 922,256
2020 24.80 $1,219,950
2021 29.70 $1,549,955
2022 45.50 $2,500,261
2023 39.96 $2,323,956
2024 21.80 $1,354,935
2025 18.73 $1,234,313
TOTAL $25,403,170
Available for Appropriation
(at the beginning of 2025 Annual Town Meeting)
• Available Balances $2,923,289
• Estimated Surcharge $7,110,000
• Estimated State Match $1,030,000
• Estimated Interest Income $ 150,000
•TOTAL $11,213,289
Annual Town Meeting 2025 5
Ending Balance
(after 2025 Annual Town Meeting)
Funds Available for Appropriation $11,213,289
ATM Projects Art. 10 (a-i)($7,495,844)
Administrative Expenses Art. 10 (j)($ 150,000)
ENDING BALANCE $3,567,445*
*Of this balance, $1,297,161 is restricted to Open Space and $770,283 is restricted to Historic Resources. The
remaining $1.5 million reserve is available for all funding categories.
Annual Town Meeting 2025 6
Article 10 (a)
Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector
Annual Town Meeting 2025 7
Open Space (9-0)$300,000
Surveying,
engineering, and
design for a trail
connecting Cotton
Farm and the
Lexington Community
Center
Article 10 (b)
Simond’s Brook Conservation Area Trail Design and
Engineering
Annual Town Meeting 2025 8
Open Space (9-0)$75,000
Surveying,
engineering, and
design for a new trail
connecting Rangeway
St. and an existing
trail entering from
Grove St.
Article 10 (c)
Document Conservation
Annual Town Meeting 2025 9
Historic Resources (9-0)$21,000
Conservation and
preservation of
19th and 20th
century historic
municipal
documents and
records.
Article 10 (d)
Hancock-Clarke House Roof Replacement
Annual Town Meeting 2025 10
Historic Resources (9-0)$57,800
Replacing and
weatherproofing
roof to preserve
and protect
historic Hancock-
Clark House.
Article 10 (e)
Affordable Housing Trust Funding
Annual Town Meeting 2025 11
Community Housing (9-0) $3,000,000
Funding for
acquisition, holding,
and other affordable
housing costs, hiring
of consultants to
prepare RFPs,
preparation of housing
needs assessments,
etc.
Article 10 (f)
LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration,
Preservation, and Decarbonization
Annual Town Meeting 2025 12
Community Housing (9-0) $494,140
Preservation and
rehabilitation of multiple
LexHAB units, including
roof replacement, new
doors, exterior painting
to prevent damage, and
decarbonization efforts;
plus rent subsidies for
LexHAB’s lowest income
tenants.
Article 10 (g)
Park and Playground Improvements –
Center Playground
Annual Town Meeting 2025
13
Recreational Resources (8-0-1) $1,490,000
Update and
replacement of
playground
equipment. Includes
poured-in-place
safety surfacing and
universal access to
play equipment.
Article 10 (h)
Park Improvements – Athletic Fields - Harrington
Annual Town Meeting 2025 14
Recreational Resources (9-0)$1,197,904
Construction of two
rectangular athletic
fields at 146 Maple
Street following
demolition of the LPS
Central Office Building
Article 10 (i)
Lincoln Park Field Improvements
Annual Town Meeting 2025 15
Recreational Resources (8-1)$860,000
Replacement of the
Athletic Field #3 at
Lincoln Park,
including
construction,
landscaping, and site
improvements.
#3
Article 10 (j)
Administrative Expenses
Annual Town Meeting 2025 16
Administrative (9-0) $150,000
Staff expense, legal
bills, Community
Preservation Coalition
dues, miscellaneous
expenses, and $50,000
in land planning funds
(including appraisals).
Thank you for your support!
Annual Town Meeting 2025 17
For Additional Information and to Post
Questions:
• Website:
lexingtonma.gov/720/Community-Preservation-Committee
• Contact us:
communitypreservationcomm@lexingtonma.gov
18Annual Town Meeting 2025
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2026 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the FY2026
Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee,
to appropriate from the Community Preservation Fund, or to reserve amounts in the Community Preservation Fund
for future appropriations; for the debt service on previously authorized financing; for the administrative expenses of
the Community Preservation Committee for FY2026; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space;
for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation,
preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation
and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space and community housing
acquired or created with moneys from the Community Preservation Fund; to appropriate funds for such projects and
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, or from estimated Community Preservation Act
surcharges and the state match for the upcoming fiscal year, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise
funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Community Preservation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED:
a. Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector – $300,000
b. Simond’s Brook Conservation Area Trail Design & Engineering – $75,000
c. Document Conservation – $21,000
d. Hancock-Clarke House Roof Replacement – $57,800
e. Affordable Housing Trust Funding– $3,000,000
f. LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration, Preservation, and Decarbonization – $494,140
g. Park and Playground Improvements – Center Playground – $1,490,000
h. Park Improvements – Athletic Fields - Harrington – $3,197,904*
i. Lincoln Park Field Improvements #3 – $1,950,000*
j. Administrative Budget – $150,000
DESCRIPTION: The article requests that Community Preservation Funds and other funds as necessary, be
appropriated for the projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee and for administrative costs.
*Denotes recommended projects partially funded with CPA Funds.
1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Presentation - 2025 ATM Warrant Article - (Citizens Petition) Accurate Reporting on the
Negative Aspects of Lithium-Ion Batteries
PRESENTER:
Avram Baskin
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.8
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
Avram Baskin will give a short overview about the article/motion for the Accurate Reporting on the Negative
Aspects of Lithium-Ion Batteries. He will be available to answer questions about this article.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 8:40pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Art 28 Lithium-Ion batteries article text Backup Material
Article 28 Lithium-Ion Batteries Presentation Backup Material
Art 28 Lithium-ion batteries motion 1.23.25 Backup Material
ARTICLE 28 ACCURATE REPORTING ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES (Citizen Petition)
To see if the town will vote to endorse a resolution calling for accurate reporting on the negative aspects of lithium-
ion batteries when discussing the desirability of transitioning from fossil fuels to "green energy" alternatives.
(Inserted by Avram Baskin and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: The harmful impacts of fossil fuels on people and the environment is clear and the transition to
“clean energy”, including Lithium-ion batteries continues to be a goal for the Town of Lexington. This resolution
seeks to educate the public on the impacts of lithium-ion batteries from a scientific, social and environmental justice
perspective.
1
12/24/2024 Annual Town Meeting 2025 1
Accurate Reporting on the
Negative Aspects of
Lithium-Ion Batteries
2
These posters represent the
discussions we have in Lexington
about the critical need to transition
from fossil fuels to lithium-ion
batteries.
We describe these batteries as green
and clean and healthy.
The objective of this article is to encourage staff, committees, and other
Lexington organizations to be open and honest in our advocacy for
lithium-ion batteries. Climate change poses an existential threat to all
life on earth and fossil fuels are one of the main contributors. While
critical to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lithium-ion batteries
have environmental impacts and social and environmental justice issues
that affect indigenous and marginalized communities around the world.
Referring to lithium-ion batteries as green, clean, and healthy is not
accurate and does not acknowledge the pain of those indigenous and
marginalized communities. My hope is that we will stop describing
these batteries as green and clean and healthy.
3
It is NOT an objective of this article to inspire anyone to try
and reverse any prior votes of town meeting, to reword any
prior votes of town meeting, or to change the implementation
dates of any prior votes of town meeting.
4
Carbon Footprint
Cradle to grave studies, or lifecycle analysis, consider cumulative emissions from extraction,
manufacturing, fuel production and distribution, vehicle use, and end-of-life disposal.
The aggregated data compares emissions from different energy sources, in this case,
gasoline powered vehicles and electric vehicles.
Cradle to grave studies by the MIT Energy Initiative and Argonne National Laboratory
reached similar conclusions.
•Gasoline powered vehicles are dirtier than electric vehicles
•Electric vehicles have their own carbon footprint and also contribute to climate change
and global warming — they are a less dirty alternative.
5
Social & Environmental Justice Issues
The social and environmental justice issues associated with
lithium-ion batteries occur throughout their lifecycle —
production (mining and refinement), use (placement of
infrastructure), and disposal.
6
Cobalt Mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the source of 70% of
the cobalt currently used worldwide.
•The indigenous population lives in abject poverty - average
salary is $1,200/year
•Adults and children work under slave labor conditions
•Young girls and adult women are subject to various forms of
sexual abuse related to the mining of cobalt
7
•Adults and children working as artisanal miners lack the most
basic protective equipment — gloves, face masks, boots,
goggles, or helmets
•Lack of protective equipment causes a variety of severe health
issues, some fatal
•Amnesty International visited a village where the residents showed
that the water in the stream they drank from was contaminated by
the discharge of waste from a mineral processing plant
•Residents are often forced to leave their homes to make way for
mine expansion
8
Lithium Mining In South America
South America’s lithium “golden triangle” is the source of 60% of the lithium currently
used worldwide.
•Extraction of lithium from brines stored deep underground is energy intensive and
requires large amounts of water
•Once on the surface, the brines are left to dry in arid salt flats
•The extraction and drying process degrades the local environment and negatively
impacts the health and quality of life of the indigenous population
•Indigenous communities do not have legal options because there is not a process for
negotiation with mining companies
9
Lithium Mining at Thacker Pass, Nevada
Thacker Pass may contain the largest known lithium deposits in the United
States.
A 6,000 acre open-pit lithium mine on Thacker Pass has been proposed
•Lithium Nevada promises responsible mining practices and environmental
sustainability, but there will be a carbon footprint, water lost, and an impact on
the environment
•At full production, almost 153,000 tons of carbon dioxide will be emitted,
680,000 tons of sulfur will be burned, and nearly two billion gallons of water will
be consumed annually
10
The People of Red Mountain (PRM) represents members of the
Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone tribes.
•For PRM, Thacker Pass, known as Peehee Mu’huh (Rotten
Moon), is sacred ground that includes cultural and burial sites
•They believe the Bureau of Land management did not
communicate with the tribes in good faith
•PRM believes there will be a devastating environmental and
spiritual cost for the Native Americans they represent, amounting
to “cultural genocide to the Paiute and Shoshone people”
11
Mining the Ocean Floor
On the horizon is the mining of the ocean floor, an untapped
source of lithium, cobalt, and other metals needed for lithium-
ion batteries.
•Scientists who study deep-sea ecosystems believe this
mining will cause serious and irreversible damage
•Mining will contribute to global warming and climate
change and will put new pressures on global fisheries
12
Indigenous communities that rely on fishing as a way of life
live within areas where proposed mining will take place.
•Fishing is the main source of revenue, employment, and
food
•Indigenous people have cultural connections to the oceans
that will be disrupted by deep-sea mining
•Deep-sea mining will have negative impacts on local
economies, wellbeing, and the human right to food and
health
13
Inequitable Placement of Energy Infrastructure
A 2024 study from the Union of Concerned Scientists and
three other organizations showed that the siting of energy
infrastructure in Massachusetts has historically been
disproportionately located in environmental justice
communities.
14
The climate bill signed by Governor Healey addressed the issues
raised in the study and in a subsequent blog post by Paula Garcia,
the studies lead author. Included are a required cumulative
impacts analysis, representatives from environmental justice and
indigenous communities to the Energy Facilities Siting Board, and
prioritization of health and climate change in decision making.
The climate bill had a positive outcome for environmental justice
communities in Massachusetts. But, there are environmental
justice communities across the country and around the world that
will continue to suffer from inequitable placement of energy
infrastructure.
15
Electric Battery End-of-Life Disposal
Worldwide, only a fraction of lithium-ion batteries are recycled.
•A report from Resource Recycling Systems estimates that between
75% and 92% of these batteries are not disposed of properly
•When these batteries enter the waste stream, they are subject to a
variety of conditions that can damage them and cause fires that
release toxic fluoride gas, carbon monoxide, and other toxic
substances
16
•Batteries that are not disposed of properly can end up in
landfills that are disproportionally located near low-
income, non-white communities
•According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over a
seven year period 78% of recycling centers and 40% of
landfills had at least one fire related to lithium-ion batteries
17
Promising New Technologies
There are technologies currently under development that
may reduce the negative impacts from the mining of cobalt
and lithium or replace these metals altogether. The timeline
for these technologies is that most will not be available on an
industrial scale until at least 2030.
18
Closing Thoughts
In Judaism, we have the concept of Tikkun Olam, which
teaches us that we have a responsibility to do what we can
to repair the world. That’s “the world”, not our little, wealthy,
privileged corner of the world.
19
Lexington’s green, clean, and healthy has negative environmental,
social justice, and environmental justice consequences for
indigenous people and marginalized communities throughout the
world. We owe it to them to be open and honest about the bad
as well as the good of the technology that we like.
I believe that Lexington residents are smart and thoughtful. Being
open and honest about lithium-ion batteries will not cause
residents to be less committed to fighting climate change and
transitioning to green energy. Rather, it will make our advocacy
more credible.
20
Notes and Contact Information
For more detailed information, refer to the supporting document
included in the Additional Materials section for this article on the
2025 Annual Town Meeting webpage, also titled Accurate
Reporting on the Negative Aspects of Lithium-Ion Batteries.
This presentation and the supporting document were written for
what I assumed was a primarily non-technical audience. For
more technical information, there is a link to each source in the
References section of the supporting document.
21
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
avram.baskin@icloud.com
22
ARTICLE 28 ACCURATE REPORTING ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: That the Town adopts the following resolution:
WHEREAS , climate change and global warming present an existential threat to all life on earth;
WHEREAS , Lexington has repeatedly stated that it is a goal of the community to reduce the impact of
climate change and global warming;
WHEREAS , use of fossil fuels are a major cause of climate change and global warming;
WHEREAS , use of lithium-ion batteries are a critical part of Lexington’s plan for reducing the use of
fossil fuels;
WHEREAS , in our advocacy for transitioning to lithium-ion batteries we describe them as being green
and clean and healthy;
WHEREAS , two cradle-to-grave studies, one conducted by scientists at the MIT Climate Initiative and
another conducted by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory, compared emissions from automobiles
powered by lithium-ion batteries and automobiles powered by internal-combustion engines, found that
internal combustion engines are dirtier than lithium-ion batteries, but that lithium-ion batteries also have a
carbon footprint and they contribute to global warming and climate change;
WHEREAS , two key components of lithium-ion batteries are lithium and cobalt;
WHEREAS , the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the source of 70% of the cobalt currently
used worldwide;
WHEREAS , the indigenous population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) suffers from
environmental degradation and social justice and environmental justice issues related to the mining of
cobalt;
WHEREAS , in the DRC there are forced evictions of indigenous communities to facilitate expansion of
industrial open pit mines;
WHEREAS , the indigenous population of the DRC lives in abject poverty, with an average salary of
$1,200 per year;
WHEREAS , indigenous adults and children in the DRC work under slave labor conditions;
WHEREAS , in the DRC young girls are raped, because local superstition holds that having sex with a
virgin girl will bring luck in the mines;
WHEREAS , adult women are also raped by miners, and many of these women end up with sexually
transmitted diseases and some are forced into lives of prostitution;
Town of Lexington
Motion
2025 Annual Town Meeting
1
WHEREAS , adults and children working as artisanal miners work without basic protective equipment —
gloves, face masks, boots, goggles, or helmets;
WHEREAS , a r t i s a n a l m i n e r s s u ff e r f r o m a v a r i e t y o f h e a l t h i s s u e s ;
WHEREAS , prolonged inhalation of cobalt dust can cause “hard metal disease”, which can be fatal;
WHEREAS , o t h e r m e d i c a l i m p a c t s s u ff e r r e d b y m i n e r s i n c l u d e c o u g h i n g , u r i n a r y t r a c t i n f e c t i o n s ,
respiratory sensitization, asthma, shortness of breath, and other pulmonary illnesses;
WHEREAS , direct, sustained handling of cobalt without gloves can cause dermatologic illnesses,
including dermatitis;
WHEREAS , residents of one village told Amnesty International that the water in the local stream that
they drank from was contaminated by the discharge of waste from a mineral processing plant;
WHEREAS , a woman interviewed by Amnesty International who carries bags of cobalt that weigh as
much as 110 pounds stated that “we all have problems with our lungs, and pain all over our bodies”;
WHEREAS , South America’s lithium “golden triangle”, which spans the borders of Argentina, Bolivia,
and Chile, is the source of 60% of the lithium currently used worldwide;
WHEREAS , most of the lithium in the golden triangle is stored in mineral rich brines that are deep under
ground;
WHEREAS , bringing the brines to the surface is energy intensive and requires large amounts of water;
WHEREAS , once on the surface, the brines are left to dry in arid salt flats;
WHEREAS , the extraction and drying process degrades the local environment and negatively impacts the
health and quality of life of the indigenous population;
WHEREAS , there is no local control or local benefit to the indigenous population from the mining of
lithium in the lithium golden triangle;
WHEREAS , Thacker Pass, Nevada, may contain the largest known lithium deposits in the United States;
WHEREAS , Lithium Americas has proposed a 6,000 acre open pit lithium mine for Thacker Pass;
WHEREAS , Lithium Americas promises responsible mining practices, but they also acknowledge that
there will be a carbon footprint, there will be water lost, and there will be an impact on the environment;
WHEREAS , The People of Red Mountain (PRM), a grassroots organization representing traditional
Native American knowledge keepers and members of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone tribes,
have been protesting the Thacker Pass mine since it was first proposed;
WHEREAS , to these Native Americans, Thacker Pass, known as Peehee Mu’huh (Rotten Moon), is
sacred ground where there are 923 native cultural sites, including burial sites, with 56 of the sites are
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historical Places;
Town of Lexington
Motion
2025 Annual Town Meeting
2
WHEREAS , PRM believes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved the mine without
c o n d u c t i n g a g o o d f a i t h e ff o r t t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h t h e t r i b e ;
WHEREAS , PRM believes BLM inappropriately fast-tracked the environmental impact statement, giving
insufficient consideration of the impact the mine would have on water, air, land, wildlife, plants, food, and
the people in the surrounding communities;
WHEREAS , PRM believes there will be a devastating environmental and spiritual cost for the Native
Americans they represent, stating ““Lithium Nevada wants to turn Thacker Pass into a toxic wasteland by
contamination of water, air, irreparable damage to the land and culturally important animals, medicines,
and first foods, ultimately guilty of cultural genocide to the Paiute and Shoshone people”;
WHEREAS , the ocean floor is an untapped source of lithium and cobalt and test mining has begun;
WHEREAS , scientists who study ocean ecosystems believe that mining will devastate the ecosystems
where the mining takes place, and that this will be serious and irreversible;
WHEREAS , this devastation will involve destruction of poorly known habitats and species;
WHEREAS deep sea mining will contribute to global warming and climate change;
WHEREAS , mining will place new pressures on global fisheries;
WHEREAS , indigenous people living on islands in areas where mining will take place depend on fishing
for revenue, employment, and food;
WHEREAS , the the impact of deep-sea mining on local economies, wellbeing, and the human right to
food and health are not being considered;
WHEREAS , there are cultural connections between people and the ocean that will likely be disrupted by
deep-sea mining;
WHEREAS , A study published in 2024 by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Conservation Law
Foundation, Alternatives for Community and Environment, and GreenRoots Analysis found that in
Massachusetts, historically the siting of power infrastructure is disproportionately located in
environmental justice communities;
WHEREAS , this study found that more than 80% of existing fossil-fuel electricity generating units, and
their associated health and safety risks, are located in or within one mile of communities where people of
color, low-income people, and limited English proficient speakers live;
WHEREAS , while the climate bill recently signed by Governor Healey had a positive outcome for
environmental justice communities in Massachusetts, there are environmental justice communities across
t h e c o u n t r y a n d a r o u n d t h e w o r l d t h a t w i l l c o n t i n u e t o s u ff e r f r o m i n e q u i t a b l e p l a c e m e n t o f e n e r g y
infrastructure.
Town of Lexington
Motion
2025 Annual Town Meeting
3
WHEREAS , a report from Resource Recycling Systems prepared for the South Bayside Waste
Management Authority estimates that between 75% and 92% of lithium-ion batteries are are not disposed
of properly;
WHEREAS , once lithium-ion batteries enter the waste stream they are subject to a variety of conditions
that can damage them and cause fires;
WHEREAS , over a seven year period studied by the Environmental Protection Agency, 78% of
recycling centers and 40% of landfills had at least one fire related to these batteries;
WHEREAS , when lithium-ion batteries combust they release toxic fluoride gas, carbon monoxide, and
other toxic substances into the atmosphere;
WHEREAS , many of those improperly disposed of batteries end up in landfills, which are
disproportionately located near low income, non-white communities;
WHEREAS , t h e r e s i d e n t s o f t h e s e c o m m u n i t i e s s u ff e r f r o m n u m e r o u s h e a l t h a n d q u a l i t y - o f - l i f e i s s u e s ;
WHEREAS , while there are technologies currently under development that may reduce the negative
impacts from the mining of cobalt and lithium or replace these metals altogether, the most optimistic
estimates are that most of these technologies will not be available on an industrial scale until at least 2030;
WHEREAS , Lexington is as committed to social justice and environmental justice as it is to fighting
climate changes and global warming;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the town of Lexington acknowledges that there are
negative environmental impacts, social justice issues, and environmental justice issues associated with
lithium-ion batteries, and that these impact environmental justice and marginalized communities in the
United States and around the world;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is critical that the town continue to transition from fossil fuels to
lithium-ion batteries and other green technologies;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town of Lexington acknowledges that that describing lithium-
ion batteries as “green and clean and healthy” or similar descriptions are not accurate;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that is should be a goal for the town of Lexington that residents, staff,
boards, committees, and other stakeholders should work together to create suitable wording that
acknowledges these negative environmental impacts, social justice issues, and environmental justice
issues, that can be used as part of future advocacy for transitioning from fossil fuels to lithium-ion
batteries.
(1/23/2025)
Town of Lexington
Motion
2025 Annual Town Meeting
4
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Discussion - 2025 ATM Select Board Article Presenters, Discussion and Positions
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.9
SUMMARY:
Category - Discussion
The Board may take up discussion on 2025 Annual Town Meeting Articles, take positions on articles and may
assign a Select Board presenters.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
n/a
FOLLOW-UP:
n/a
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 8:50pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Select Board Working Document - Positions 2025 ATM Backup Material
Select Board Positions
Working Document
#Article Name
UPDATE AT
SELECT BOARD
MTG
SELECT
BOARD
PRSNTR
Proposed
CNSNT
(PC)
Possible
IP (?)DL JP JH MS
1 Notice of Election
2 Election of Deputy Moderator and Reports of Town Boards, Officers and Committees
3 Appointments To Cary Lecture Series.
4 Appropriate FY2026 Operating Budget
5 Appropriate FY2026 Enterprise Funds Budgets
6 Amend Fy2025 Operating, Enterprise And CPA Budgets
7 Sustainable Projects
8 Appropriate Funding To Construct a Playground In Fletcher Park (Citizen Petition)2/24/2025
9 Establish and Continue Departmental Revolving Funds
Appropriate The FY2026 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget And CPA Projects
a. Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector – $300,000
b. Simond’s Brook Conservation Area Trail Design & Engineering – $75,000
c. Document Conservation – $21,000
d. Hancock-Clarke House Roof Replacement – $57,800
e. Affordable Housing Trust Funding– $3,000,000
f. LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration, Preservation, and Decarbonization – $494,140
g. Park and Playground Improvements – Center Playground – $1,490,000
h. Park Improvements – Athletic Fields - Harrington – $3,197,904*
i. Lincoln Park Field Improvements #3 – $1,950,000*
j. Administrative Budget – $150,000
11 Appropriate For Recreation Capital Projects
12 Appropriate For Municipal Capital Projects And Equipment
a) Transportation Mitigation
b) Fire Pumper Truck
c) Equipment Replacement
10 1/27/2025
Financial Articles
Select Board Positions
Working Document
#Article Name
UPDATE AT
SELECT BOARD
MTG
SELECT
BOARD
PRSNTR
Proposed
CNSNT
(PC)
Possible
IP (?)DL JP JH MS
d) Sidewalk Improvements
e) Hydrant Replacement
f) Street Improvements
g) Stormwater Management Program
h) New Sidewalk Installations - Study and Design
i) Intersection Improvements - Adams St. at East St. & Hancock St.
j) DPW Building Improvements
k) Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design
l) Municipal Technology Improvement Program
m) Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan
13 Appropriate For Water System Improvements.
14 Appropriate For Wastewater System Improvements
15 Appropriate For School Capital Projects And Equipment
Appropriate For Public Facilities Capital Projects
a) Public Facilities Bid Documents
b) Public Facilities Interior Finishes
c) School Paving and Sidewalks
d) Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated Systems
e) Central Administration Building Demolition
f) Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom Renovation
17 Appropriate To Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
18 Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations
19 Establish, Amend, Dissolve And Appropriate To And From Specified Stabilization Funds
20 Appropriate For Prior Years’ Unpaid Bills
21 Appropriate For Authorized Capital Improvements.
12 (cont.)
General Articles
16
Select Board Positions
Working Document
#Article Name
UPDATE AT
SELECT BOARD
MTG
SELECT
BOARD
PRSNTR
Proposed
CNSNT
(PC)
Possible
IP (?)DL JP JH MS
22 Select Board To Accept Easements
23 Dispose Of 116 Vine Street 3/10/2025
24 Authorize The Town Of Lexington To Prohibit Or Restrict The Application Of Second Generation
Anticoagulant Rodenticides (Citizen Petition)2/3/2025
25 Amendment To Town Meeting Management Provisions In Town Bylaws (Citizen Petition)
26 Local Voting Rights For Lawful Permanent Residents (Citizen Petition) 2/14/2025
27 Allow 16 Year Olds Voting Rights In Municipal Elections (Citizen Petition)2/24/2025
28 Accurate Reporting On The Negative Aspects Of Lithium-Ion Batteries (Citizen Petition)1/27/2025
29 Amend Zoning Bylaw - Bicycle Parking 3/10/2025
30 Amend Zoning Bylaw - Inclusionary Housing For Special Residential Developments 3/10/2025
31 Amend Zoning Bylaw - National Flood Insurance (NFI) District 3/10/2025
32 Amend Zoning Bylaw And Map - Technical Corrections 3/10/2025
33 Amend Zoning Bylaw - Accessory Uses 3/10/2025
34 Amend Section 7.5 Of The Zoning Bylaw To Reduce Multi-Family Dwelling Unit Capacity (Citizen
Petition)
Zoning Articles
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Discussion - Special Town Meeting 2025-1 and STM Article 2 - Amend Section 7.5 of the
Zoning Bylaw to Reduce Multi-Family Dwelling Unit Capacity
PRESENTER:
Board discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.10
SUMMARY:
Category: Informing
Carol Sarcedote will be available for a brief overview and to answer questions from the board.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
1/27/2025 8:55pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Working motion 1.22.25 clean Backup Material
Working motion 1.22.25 redlined Backup Material
Proposed Motion as of 1/22/25
1
Town of Lexington
Motion
Special Town Meeting 2025-1
ARTICLE 2 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND MAP
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING FOR MBTA
COMMUNITIES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION
a) That the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, and Zoning Map
be amended as follows, and further that non-substantive changes to the numbering of this
bylaw be permitted to comply with the numbering format of the Code of the Town of
Lexington:
1) Amend the Zoning Map to delete the following areas shown on maps on file with the Town
Clerk from the VO District:
a. Bedford Street/Worthen Road except for the following properties:
Map 64 Lot 161 located at 89 Bedford St.
Map 57 Lot 135 located at 3 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 133A located at 4 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 134 located at 5 Militia Dr.
b. Bedford Street/Reed Street except for the following properties:
Map 64 Lot 73A located at 185 Bedford St.
Map 64 Lot 72 located at 187 Bedford St.
c. Bedford Street/Bike Path except for the following property:
Map 71 Lot 33 located at 231 Bedford St.
d. Marrett Road/Waltham Street
e. Marrett Road/Spring Street
2) Amend the Zoning Map to delete the following areas shown on maps on file with the Town
Clerk from the MFO District:
f. Lexington Center
g. Bedford Street North
3) Amend the Zoning Map to delete the following areas shown on maps on file with the Town
Clerk from the VHO District:
i. Hartwell Avenue/Westview Street except for the following properties:
Map 84 Lot 81 located at 7 Hartwell Avenue
Map 84 Lot 80A located at 17 Hartwell Avenue
Proposed Motion as of 1/22/25
2
j. Maguire Road
k. Hartwell Avenue/Wood Street
4) Add a new subsection § 135-7.5.15 as follows:
“7.5.15 Number of dwelling units. The maximum number of dwelling units in any
development under this section shall be fifteen (15) times the area of the development in acres,
rounded to the nearest whole number, except that this provision shall not apply to the following
properties:
Map 13 Lot 375 located at 217 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 374 located at 229 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 373 located at 233 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 372 located at 241 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 64 Lot 161 located at 89 Bedford St.
Map 57 Lot 135 located at 3 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 133A located at 4 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 134 located at 5 Militia Dr.
Map 64 Lot 73A located at 185 Bedford St.
Map 64 Lot 72 located at 187 Bedford St.
Map 71 Lot 33 located at 231 Bedford St.
Map 10 Lot 58A located at 5 Piper Rd.
Map 10 Lot 59A located at 7 Piper Rd.
Map 10 Lot 31A located at Concord Ave.
Map 10 Lot 31B located at 331 Concord Ave.
Map 10 Lot 31C located at Concord Ave.
Map 9 Lot 11B located at Concord Ave.
Map 84 Lot 80A located at 17 Hartwell Ave.
Map 84 Lot 81 located at 7 Hartwell Ave.”
b) That the Town adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS the Town of Lexington has been a leader in the implementation of the MBTA
Communities Act, M.G.L. c. 40A, § 3A (the “MBTA Act”), and is committed to doing its part to
alleviate the housing shortage in the greater Boston area; and
WHEREAS in 2023, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)
specified a target capacity for Lexington’s required zoning under the MBTA Act of 1,231
multifamily dwelling units, representing 10% of the Town’s existing dwelling units, and set a
deadline for compliance of December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS Town Meeting voted at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting to adopt Article 34, which
added to the Lexington Zoning Bylaw a new Section 7.5 creating twelve overlay districts in
which multifamily housing can be built as of right, and establishing dimensional and other
standards that allow development densities significantly higher than required by the MBTA Act;
and
Proposed Motion as of 1/22/25
3
WHEREAS EOHLC subsequently determined that the capacity created by Section 7.5,
calculated in accordance with a model which all MBTA communities are required to follow, is
12,546 dwelling units, ten times the minimum requirement and a number which, if fully built
out, would double the number of dwelling units in Lexington; and
WHEREAS the rate at which new developments have been proposed and the number of
dwelling units proposed for inclusion in such developments have substantially exceeded the rate
and number originally projected at the time that Section 7.5 was adopted; and
WHEREAS responsible planning for Lexington’s future growth requires careful consideration
of the consequences of an increase of greater than 10% in housing units within the next three to
five years and continuing thereafter; and
WHEREAS it would be prudent for the Town to limit the capacity for the creation of as-of-right
multifamily housing under Section 7.5 at a level closer to the MBTA Act’s requirement of 1,231
units for a sufficient time to permit the Town to evaluate the impacts of developments already
approved, in the permitting pipeline, or that may be proposed in the future under Section 7.5.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Meeting requests the Select Board to
create a broadly representative process, engaging the whole community, to evaluate and study
the financial and other impacts of Section 7.5 on Town services, infrastructure, residents, and
businesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Town Meeting requests the Planning Board, in
conjunction with the Select Board, to consider appropriate means to manage prudent and
responsible growth in housing going forward, informed by the process described above,
including, but not limited to, a reexamination of the appropriate number and size of overlay
districts, setbacks, height limits, density limits, and parking requirements under Section 7.5.
Proposed Motion as of 1/22/25 (marked to show changes)
1
Town of Lexington
Motion
Special Town Meeting 2025-1
ARTICLE 2 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND MAP
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING FOR MBTA
COMMUNITIES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION
a) That the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, and Zoning Map
be amended as follows, and further that non-substantive changes to the numbering of this
bylaw be permitted to comply with the numbering format of the Code of the Town of
Lexington:
1) Amend the Zoning Map to delete the following areas shown on maps on file with the Town
Clerk from the VO District:
a. East Lexington except for the following properties:
Map 13 Lot 375 located at 217 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 374 located at 229 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 373 located at 233 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 372 located at 241 Massachusetts Ave.
b.a. Bedford Street/Worthen Road except for the following properties:
Map 64 Lot 161 located at 89 Bedford St.
Map 57 Lot 135 located at 3 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 133A located at 4 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 134 located at 5 Militia Dr.
c.b. Bedford Street/Reed Street except for the following properties:
Map 64 Lot 73A located at 185 Bedford St.
Map 64 Lot 72 located at 187 Bedford St.
d.c. Bedford Street/Bike Path except for the following property:
Map 71 Lot 33 located at 231 Bedford St.
e.d. Marrett Road/Waltham Street
f.e. Marrett Road/Spring Street
2) Amend the Zoning Map to delete the following areas shown on maps on file with the Town
Clerk from the MFO District:
g.f. Lexington Center
h.g.Bedford Street North
Proposed Motion as of 1/22/25 (marked to show changes)
2
3) Amend the Zoning Map to delete the following areas shown on maps on file with the Town
Clerk from the VHO District:
i. Hartwell Avenue/Westview Street except for the following properties:
Map 84 Lot 81 located at 7 Hartwell Avenue
Map 84 Lot 80A located at 17 Hartwell Avenue
i.j. Maguire Road
j.k. Hartwell Avenue/Wood Street
4) Add a new subsection § 135-7.5.15 as follows:
“7.5.15 Number of dwelling units. The maximum number of dwelling units in any
development under this section shall be fifteen (15) times the area of the development in acres,
rounded to the nearest whole number, except that this provision shall not apply to the following
properties:
Map 13 Lot 375 located at 217 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 374 located at 229 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 373 located at 233 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 13 Lot 372 located at 241 Massachusetts Ave.
Map 64 Lot 161 located at 89 Bedford St.
Map 57 Lot 135 located at 3 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 133A located at 4 Militia Dr.
Map 57 Lot 134 located at 5 Militia Dr.
Map 64 Lot 73A located at 185 Bedford St.
Map 64 Lot 72 located at 187 Bedford St.
Map 71 Lot 33 located at 231 Bedford St.
Map 10 Lot 58A located at 5 Piper Rd.
Map 10 Lot 59A located at 7 Piper Rd.
Map 10 Lot 31A located at Concord Ave.
Map 10 Lot 31B located at 331 Concord Ave.
Map 10 Lot 31C located at Concord Ave.
Map 9 Lot 11B located at Concord Ave.
Map 84 Lot 80A located at 17 Hartwell Ave.
Map 84 Lot 81 located at 7 Hartwell Ave.”
b) That the Town adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS the Town of Lexington has been a leader in the implementation of the MBTA
Communities Act, M.G.L. c. 40A, § 3A (the “MBTA Act”), and is committed to doing its part to
alleviate the housing shortage in the greater Boston area; and
WHEREAS in 2023, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)
specified a target capacity of 1,231 multifamily dwelling units for Lexington’s required zoning
Proposed Motion as of 1/22/25 (marked to show changes)
3
under the MBTA Act , of 1,231 multifamily dwelling units, representing 10% of the Town’s
existing dwelling units, and set a deadline for compliance of December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS Town Meeting voted at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting to adopt Article 34, which
added to the Lexington Zoning Bylaw a new Section 7.5 creating twelve overlay districts in
which multifamily housing can be built as of right, and establishing dimensional and other
standards that allow development densities significantlyfar higher than required by the MBTA
Act; and
WHEREAS EOHLC subsequently determined that the capacity created by Section 7.5,
calculated in accordance with a model which all MBTA communities are required to follow, is
12,546 dwelling units, , ten times the minimum requirement amount required by the MBTA Act
and a number which, if fully built out, would double the number of dwelling units in Lexington;
and
WHEREAS the rate at which new developments have been proposed under the MBTA Act and
the number of dwelling units proposed for inclusion in such developments have, in the aggregate,
substantially far exceeded the rate and number originally projected at the time that Section 7.5
was adopted; and
WHEREAS responsible planning for Lexington’s future growth requires careful consideration
of the consequences of an increase of greater than 10% in housing units within the next three to
five years and continuing thereafterin the immediately foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS it would be prudent for the Town to limit the capacity for the creation of as-of-right
multifamily housing under Section 7.5 atto a level closer to the MBTA Act’s requirement of
1,231 units for a sufficient time to permit the Town to evaluate the impacts of developments
already approved, in the permitting pipeline, or that may be proposed in the future under Section
7.5.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Meeting requests the Select Board to
create a broadly representative process, engaging the whole community, to evaluate and study
the financial and other impacts of Section 7.5 on the growth in the number of dwelling units and
on Town services, infrastructure, residents, and businesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Town Meeting requests the Planning Board, in
conjunction with the Select Board, to consider , in conjunction with the Planning Board,
appropriate means to manage prudent and responsible growth in housing and population going
forward, informed by the process described above, including, but not limited to, a reexamination
of the appropriate number and size of MBTA Act overlay districts, setbacks, height limits,
density limits, and parking requirements under Section 7.5.