HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-20 Finance Summit I - ReleasedFinance Summit I
Select Board, School Committee, Appropriation Committee,
Capital Expenditures Committee
November 20, 2025
7:00 PM
Estabrook Hall, Cary Memorial Building
AGENDA
Summit
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1.Overview of FY2027 Revenue Projections, Budget Drivers, Current-Year
Challenges, Policy Considerations, and Proposed Approaches to Closing the
Budget Gap
ADJOURN
1.Anticipated Adjournment 8:30pm
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION - LABELONLY
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
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
Hearing Assistance Devices Available on Request
All agenda time and the order of items are approximate and subject to change.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Overview of FY2027 Revenue Projections, Budget Drivers, Current-Year Challenges, Policy
Considerations, and Proposed Approaches to Closing the Budget Gap
PRESENTER:
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant TM
Finance; Steve Bartha, Town
Manager; Dr. Julie Hackett School
Superint
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.1
Sub Item:
SUMMARY:
Municipal and School leaders will present preliminary information and trends driving the development of the
FY2027 Budget. The presentation includes the following materials:
FY2027 Summit 1 Presentation
Fiscal Indicators
FY2027 Revenue Projections
FY2027 Revenue Allocation Model
FY2027 School Budget Drivers - in addition please review the pre-recorded video by Dr. Hackett,
Superintendent of Schools at the following link: Video
SUGGESTED MOTION:
No vote is requested for this item.
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
11/20/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
FY2027 Budget Summit 1 - Presentation Presentation
FY27 LPS Budget Summit Presentation_November 2025 Backup Material
Revenue Report - FY2027 Backup Material
FY2027 Summit I Indicators_11.20.2025 Backup Material
Town of LexingtonFY2027 Budget Summit INovember 20, 2025
Town of Lexington2Agenda: • Review of FY2025 Operating Results – Budget to Actual• FY2027 Revenue Projections• FY2027 Revenue Allocation Model• Closing the Budget Gap (now & later)• Budget Challenges, Planning and Policy Considerations • Review Future Summit Dates & Agendas
Town of Lexington3FY2025 Operating Results
Town of Lexington4FY2025 Operating Revenue
Town of Lexington5FY2025 Operating Expenditures(A) (B) (C) (D) (B+C)/A (B/A)Revised BudgetYear-to-Date Expended EncumbrancesAvailable Budget% Used (Exp. & Enc.)% Used (Exp. Only)LPS Education Personal Services 120,852,942$ 119,500,582$ -$ 1,352,360$ 98.9% 98.9%LPS Education Expenses 19,655,425$ 19,342,294$ 1,581,290$ (1,268,159)$ 106.5% 98.4%Minuteman Regional Vocational 3,406,395$ 3,406,395$ -$ -$ 100.0% 100.0%Total Education 143,914,762$ 142,249,271$ 1,581,290$ 84,201$ 99.9% 98.8%Employee Benefits 38,133,895$ 36,594,219$ -$ 1,539,676$ 96.0% 96.0%Pension 10,743,076$ 10,743,076$ -$ -$ 100.0% 100.0%Facilities 14,565,854$ 13,756,207$ 771,564$ 38,083$ 99.7% 94.4%Debt Service, Insurance & Other 8,689,152$ 7,292,354$ 14,339$ 1,382,459$ 84.1% 83.9%Total Shared Expenses 72,131,977$ 68,385,856$ 785,903$ 2,960,218$ 95.9% 94.8%Municipal Personal Services 32,992,787$ 32,682,970$ -$ 309,817$ 99.1% 99.1%Municipal Expenses 16,742,374$ 14,349,626$ 1,307,344$ 1,085,404$ 93.5% 85.7%Total Municipal 49,735,161$ 47,032,596$ 1,307,344$ 1,395,221$ 97.2% 94.6%Total Operating Expenditures 265,781,900$ 257,667,723$ 3,674,537$ 4,439,640$ 98.3% 96.9%Summary of Operating Expenditures - General Fund• The turnback in employee expenses is due to actual shifts in Open Enrollment & Qualifying Events compared to the amount budgeted (80 positions at a blended rate) • The turnback in Debt Service, Insurance & Other includes unused Reserve Fund ($850K) and favorable debt service interest rates and financing schedule adjustments
Town of Lexington6Free Cash Trend
Town of Lexington7FY2027 Revenue Projections
Town of Lexington8FY2027 Projected Revenue Summary• Tax levy is assumed to increase 2.5% plus $3.0M in new levy growth• Chapter 70 State Aid is assumed to be a minimum per student increase of $100/student • Local Receipts reflect increases in Motor Vehicle Excise (MVE) and $1.5M in Interest Income• Available Funds primarily reflect a reduction in Free Cash• Set Asides are primarily one-time funds set aside for one-time expenses
Town of Lexington9Tax Levy New Growth (Revenue)
Town of Lexington10Local Receipts (Revenue)
Town of Lexington11Investment IncomeAnnual Rates of Return from MMDT*2027 Projected2026 EstimatedFY2025 ActualFY2024 ActualFY2023 ActualFY2022 ActualFY2021 ActualFY2020 ActualFY2019 ActualFY2018 ActualFY2017 ActualFY2016 Actual $ 1,500,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 6,279,974 $ 7,825,208 $ 4,401,414 $ 281,726 $ 277,170 1,297,265$ $ 1,781,573 $ 1,027,739 $ 573,023 $ 332,126 Interest Earned on General Fund*Annual Returns from Massachusetts Municipal Depository Trust (MMDT) Cash Portfolio: https://www.mymmdt.com/mmdt/pools/investment-pools/mmdt-cash-portfolio.do
Town of Lexington12FY2027 Revenue Allocation Model
Town of Lexington13FY2027 Revenue Allocation Model
Town of Lexington14FY2027 Revenue Allocation
Town of Lexington15FY2027 Shared ExpensesShared Expenses – FY2027• Shared Expenses represent 26-29% of the annual General Fund operating budget and are increasing at a faster rate than revenue growth.• Heath Insurance is a particular challenge, with double-digit increases in premiums budgeted for two consecutive years (FY26 ~11%; FY27~15%).• Public Facilities is driven by salaries in FY2027; utility projections reflect • Minuteman Budget reflects a projected 10% increase in assessment due to an increase in Lexington’s 5-year rolling enrollment.
Town of Lexington16FY2027 Health InsuranceHealth Insurance TrendFY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027Advised % Increase in Premiums 8.0% 5.5% 5.5% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 7.0% 9.6% 11.0% 15.0%Budget Amount (GenFund) 24,932,984$ 25,542,389$ 25,951,569$ 27,026,973$ 28,270,148$ 29,554,494$ 31,612,815$ 33,947,889$ 37,401,396$ $ 42,448,468 Budget $ Inc vs PY 609,405$ 409,180$ 1,075,404$ 1,243,175$ 1,284,346$ 2,058,321$ 2,335,074$ 3,453,507$ 5,047,072$ Budget % Inc vs PY 2.4% 1.6% 4.1% 4.6% 4.5%7.0% 7.4% 10.2% 13.5%Actual Expense (GenFund) 21,949,687$ 22,585,970$ 24,133,417$ 25,448,028$ 26,483,798$ 27,711,900$ 28,999,884$ 32,466,784$ Actual % Increase 2.9% 6.9% 5.4% 4.1% 4.6% 4.6% 12.0%Health Insurance Turnback 2,983,297$ 2,956,419$ 1,818,152$ 1,578,945$ 1,786,350$ 1,842,594$ 2,612,931$ 1,481,105$ • Health Insurance premiums have been trending up for several years; turn-backs have trended lower• There are approximately 2,600 subscribers (1200 actives; 1400 retirees)• The Town covers 82% of the premium cost; subscribers contribute 18% • Each budget year has a placeholder for annual Open Enrollment & Other Qualifying Events (OEQE) (90 per year 2018-2019; 80 per year 2020-2027)• Every 1% increase in premiums adds approximately $330K in cost (a premium increase of 10% vs 15% would reduce cost by approx. $1.6M)
Town of Lexington17FY2027 Revenues Set-Aside for Designated Expenses
Town of Lexington18Discussion on Closing the FY2027 Budget Gap(comments and guidance requested for this item)
Town of Lexington19Closing the Budget Gap – Revenue vs Expenses• Closing the budget gap will require an increase in projected revenues, or a decrease in expenses, or likely both• Revenues are currently projected conservatively, in line with longstanding methodologies, including the exclusive use of ongoing sources (i.e. no one-time revenues)• A more aggressive approach may be taken in projecting certain revenue line items (i.e. investment income), though this approach may result in shortfalls in subsequent years• Expenses are also projected conservatively. Some line items have built-in cushion to account for mid-year changes (i.e. health insurance) • Inflating projected revenue and/or removing the cushion from expense lines will add risk to the annual operating budget for the current and future years• Both actions will reduce the amount of free cash available in future years, impacting the ability to fund reserves and cash capital.Closing the Budget Gap ~ $4.7M
Town of Lexington20Allocation Adjustments to Revenue
Town of Lexington21Use of One-Time RevenuesPotential Revenue Adjustments:• Aggressively estimate Investment Income or other Local Receipts• Use one-time funds: • Free Cash• SPED Stabilization• General Stabilization• OPEB Fund• Divert annual funding from Reserves or investment in Cash Capital:• Tax Levy to Capital Stabilization Fund• Tax Levy to Cash Capital (roads & buildings)• Free Cash to OPEB• Minor adjustments to Local Receipts or State Aid may be made as the budget progressesThe use of one-time funds for the operating budget does not align with past, or best practices and will carry the budget deficit into FY2028. Certain actions, such as reducing reserves, may be viewed negatively by ratings agencies.
Town of Lexington22Expense & Other ReductionsExpenses (School & Municipal):• Management will review detailed expense budgets and make targeted and/or broad % based reductions with input from Department Heads• Vacant positions may be left unfilled • Consider changes in the level of service currently providedOther Potential Adjustments:• Reduce OEQE in Health Budget• Reduce set-asides for Reserve Fund and/or unanticipated needs• Adjustment to term or schedule of within-levy debt financingReductions in expenses and set-asides will lead to smaller turn-backs in future years (i.e. lower amounts of available Free Cash). Lower Free Cash will impact the Capital Budget – either in the form of deferred maintenance or future increases in debt service.
Town of Lexington23Municipal Operating ExpendituresContractual Expenses:• Refuse & Recycling collection & disposal• Curbside composting• Lexpress bus service (less grant funding)• PEG Access (Lexmedia)• Vehicles & vehicle maintenance• Contractual Services across multiple departmentsMunicipalExpense Budget DriversMunicipal Bargaining Units Current ContractLexington Municipal Employees Association FY 26-28Lexington Municipal Management Association FY 26-28SEIU Local 888 School Crossing Guards FY 26-28Local 1703 Building Custodians FY 25-27AFSCME Local 1703 Public Works FY 25-27Lexington Police Association FY 24-26Cary Memorial Library Staff Association FY 24-26AFSCME Public Safety Dispatchers FY 24-26Police Superiors Association FY 23-25IAFF Local 1491 Firefighters FY 23-25Compensation:FY2027 total projected increase ~ 3.9% (COLAs, Steps, Grades & Market Adj.):
Town of Lexington24Other Policy Discussions & Considerations
Town of Lexington25Mid-Term Budget Planning & Challenges• Managing the Operating Budget to avoid Operating Overrides -(Municipal & School) • Financing the Lexington High School Construction Project; managing taxpayer impact• Identifying new revenue sources• Planning for residential development and growing the commercial tax base• Guidelines for managing revenues and/or savings from energy investment, one-time and ongoing• Capital Investment, Planning & Debt Financing • Guidelines for funding Pensions & OPEB liabilitiesMid-term Budget Planning & Challenges
Mid-Term Budget Planning & ChallengesTown of Lexington26•Maintain Existing Assets vs Creating New Assets: If less funding is available in future years, guidance will be needed on the priority between continuing capital programs and the creation of new assets.•Cash vs Debt Financing: The Town has enjoyed elevated levels of free cash inrecent history, which has allowed for a high level of capital investment while decreasing debt financing. If this trend begins to reverse, new guidelines may be needed for the use of debt financing for capital programs and projects. •Large Capital Projects post LHS (potential future debt exclusions):Long term capital planning improvements include East Lexington Fire Station Reconstruction, Clark Middle School HVAC, Library HVAC, and Town Office Building•Planning for Growth and/or Regulatory Changes: Increases in the Town’s population and/or regulatory changes such as environmental guidelines for Stormwater Management, may require significant levels of capital investment not currently in our long-term capital plans. Plans will evolve as new information becomes available.Capital Planning Guidelines
Town of Lexington27Mid-Term Budget Planning & ChallengesFY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30FY31 FY32 FY33 FY34 FY35General Fund (Issued) 4,682,433$ 3,697,662$ 3,323,830$ 3,040,230$ 2,759,660$ 2,434,660$ 2,166,340$ 1,674,800$ 1,538,000$ 964,400$ General Fund Authorized (Unissued) -$ 2,577,153$ 2,500,532$ 2,423,911$ 2,347,289$ 2,270,668$ 1,939,647$ 1,676,878$ 1,619,055$ 1,561,231$ Total Projected GF Debt Service 4,682,433$ 6,274,815$ 5,824,362$ 5,464,141$ 5,106,949$ 4,705,328$ 4,105,987$ 3,351,678$ 3,157,055$ 2,525,631$ Authorized General Fund Debt (Issued & Unissued):Unissued General Fund projects include Police Station Solar Canopy, Pine Meadows Clubhouse, 173 Bedford St Renovation, New Sidewalk Installations (Cedar St), Cary Memorial Library, and Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Design.
Town of Lexington28Pension FundActuarial Date 1/1/2006 7/1/2008 1/1/2010 1/1/2012 1/1/2014 1/1/2016 1/1/2018 1/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2023 1/1/2025Total Liability 111,724$ 125,412$ 133,456$ 154,907$ 158,135$ 169,564$ 188,161$ 222,082$ 253,300$ 269,155$ 296,288$Pension Assets 98,759$ 113,880$ 118,559$ 121,340$ 130,169$ 144,700$ 164,000$ 178,655$ 194,047$ 221,429$ 262,274$Pension Liability (unfunded) 12,965$ 11,532$ 14,897$ 33,567$ 27,966$ 24,865$ 24,162$ 43,427$ 59,253$ 47,726$ 34,014$ Percent Funded 88.40% 90.80% 88.84% 78.33% 82.32% 85.34% 87.16% 80.45% 76.61% 82.27% 88.52%
Town of Lexington29Pension Funding Schedule• The Retirement Board conducts new actuarial valuations every two years – the most recent as of 1/1/2025• The fund remains on target to achieve full funding in FY2030 (partial funding year)• The Town’s annual budget contribution will decrease significantly once the unfunded liability is paid down• This schedule should be reviewed with Financial Indicators 9, 10a & 10b• Funding slightly above 100% will ensure we maintain full funding and provide more flexibility for future yearsRetirement Fund – Adopted Funding Schedule as of 1/1/2025
Town of Lexington30OPEB FundActuarial Date (Dollars in ,000's) 6/30/2006 6/30/2009 6/30/2011 6/30/2013 6/30/2015 6/30/2017 6/30/2019 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 6/30/2022 6/30/2023 6/30/2024OPEB Liability255,440$ 266,099$ 306,301$ 131,406$ 195,460$ 143,680$ 137,586$ 145,831$266,296$ 246,534$268,218$ 265,620$ Plan Assets/Net Position -$ 840$ 2,000$ 3,069$ 5,799$ 9,870$ 15,774$ 18,466$ 24,058$ 23,554$ 27,826$ 34,129$ Net OPEB Liability255,440$ 265,259$ 304,301$ 128,337$ 189,662$ 133,810$ 121,812$ 127,365$242,238$ 222,980$ 240,392$231,491$ Percent Funded 0.00% 0.32% 0.65% 2.34% 2.97% 6.87% 11.46% 12.66% 9.03% 9.55% 10.37% 12.85%
Town of Lexington31Reflections & Future Meeting Dates
Future Meeting DatesTown of Lexington32Future Meeting Dates: • FY2027 Summit II – December TBD (if needed)• FY2027 Select Board Budget Hearings – Dec. 3, 4 & 9, 2025• FY2027 White Book Summit – January 28, 2026 (Wed)• Annual Town Meeting Begins – March 30, 2026• Spring Policy & Planning Summit – TBD (after Town Meeting)
Town of Lexington, MA
FY2027 Revenue Projections
Town Manager’s Office
Finance Department
Issued November 20, 2025
Revenue Executive Summary
This revenue projection is being submitted to the Select Board as required under Section 13 of Chapter
753 of the Acts of 1968, as amended, An Act Establishing the Selectmen-Town Manager Form of
Government in the Town of Lexington. The projection is based on the most current data available; as
new information arises, the projections may be revised. The summary below presents Total General
Fund Operating Revenues, and Net General Fund Revenues.
•Total General Fund Operating Revenues are from annually recurring and non-recurring revenue
sources, including transfers from Enterprise Funds, 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. A large portion of the revenue set-aside is from certified Free
Cash, which is a one-time revenue that should not be used for ongoing expenses.
In FY2027, Total General Fund Operating Revenues are projected to increase by approximately $7.19
million, or 2.3%. Net General Fund Revenues, those available to support school and municipal operating
budgets, are projected to increase by $12.42 million, or 4.5%.
FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual FY2026 Recap FY2027 Projected
FY2026-27 Change
General Fund Revenue Summary $%
Property Tax Levy (Table 1)$ 227,334,427 $ 239,713,641 $ 249,133,335 $ 258,361,669 $ 9,228,333 3.70%
State Aid (Table 2)$ 19,695,534 $ 20,579,658 $ 21,532,602 $ 22,181,496 $ 648,894 3.01%
Local Receipts (Table 3)$ 25,615,431 $ 25,740,345 $ 16,868,269 $ 17,821,440 $ 953,170 5.65%
Available Funds (Table 4)$ 17,328,584 $ 17,250,345 $ 25,611,684 $ 22,112,842 $ (3,498,842) (13.66)%
Revenue Offsets (Table 5)$ (1,813,993) $ (1,953,708) $ (2,103,696) $ (2,360,640) $ (256,944) 12.21%
Enterprise Receipts (Table 6)$ 1,894,067 $ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189 $ 2,047,125 $ 111,936 5.78%
Total General Fund Operating Revenues $ 290,054,050 $ 303,204,098 $ 312,977,383 $ 320,163,931 $ 7,186,548 2.30%
Less - Tax Levy Dedicated to Capital Stabilization Fund $ 4,036,373 $ 6,563,050 $ 6,580,908 $ 6,580,908 $ — —%
Less: Revenues Set-Aside for Other Designated Purposes $ 20,156,257 $ 21,256,751 $ 28,345,019 $ 23,112,059 $ (5,232,960) (18.46)%
Net General Fund Revenues $ 265,861,420 $ 275,384,297 $ 278,051,457 $ 290,470,965 $ 12,419,508 4.47%
Detailed Description:
Property Tax Levy: The FY2027 property tax levy is projected to increase approximately $9.23 million,
or 3.70%. The projected levy is a function of the FY2026 levy limit increased by 2.5% per
Proposition 2½, plus an increment for new growth. FY2027 new growth will be a function of construction
activity for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. FY2027 new growth is estimated at $3,000,000
based on a review of historical data and current trends. There is little commercial or industrial
development in the pipeline, but the Town expects residential and personal property growth will remain
stable in FY2026 and FY2027.
Tax Levy Dedicated to Capital Stabilization Fund: In the Fall of 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 has been
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 approved due to the revamped zoning on Hartwell Ave. This
framework has reserved levy capacity to absorb an increase in debt service for large capital projects,
such as the high school. The set-aside funds will 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 available
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
in Table 1C, and the accumulated set-aside amount of prior year new growth is $6,580,908 for FY2027.
Additional new levy growth from commercial and industrial projects for FY2027 is not included in the
$3.00 million estimate noted above.
Tax Levy Dedicated to Pension Fund: In FY2023 Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Takeda), a large industrial
property owner discontinued their annual filing as a ‘manufacturer’ with the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. In previous years, the designation as ‘manufacturer’ exempted Takeda from personal
property taxes. This change returned Takeda’s $39 million of personal property back to the tax roll which
equaled $1.06 million in new taxes. The Town executed a plan to dedicate this unexpected revenue into
the Pension Fund in future years in order to remain on our planned funding schedule. When the Town has
fully paid down the pension liability (i.e. reached full-funding) the contribution from the tax levy to the
Pension Fund will decrease by over $10 million annually. The amount set-aside to pension each year is
growing by 2.5%.
State Aid: State Aid is projected to increase by 3.01% in FY2027, primarily due to an expectation that
the Town will receive minimum per pupil aid under the Chapter 70 formula. Projections assume the
minimum contribution will be $100 per student, which aligns with funding in the last two years. The
mandated amount is $30 per student per the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
(DESE), so this projection carries a modest amount of risk. The State is beginning to develop its FY2027
budget and initial FY2027 State Aid numbers will be available in January 2026, once the Governor
releases her budget. Final figures are likely to be known in June 2026 when the Legislature adopts, and
the Governor signs, the FY2027 State Budget.
Local Receipts: FY2027 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 to specific
categories due to economic and local conditions. FY2027 local receipts are estimated to increase by
approximately $953,170 or 5.65% over FY2026 estimates, and details by category are detailed below.
The main contributors to the increase in local receipts are investment income and motor vehicle excise,
partly offset by a reduction in the estimates for other excise.
Available Funds: Available Funds are projected to decrease by $(3,498,842), or (13.66)%, primarily due
to a decrease in the amount of Free Cash available from the close of FY2025. Free Cash is currently
projected to be approximately $20,500,000, with the final amount expected to be certified in December,
ahead of finalizing the FY2027 budget. The FY2027 transfer from the PEG Access SRF is recommended
at $200,000 less than the PEG operating budget, which results in support from the tax levy to continue
level service PEG programming. This is level with the amount budgeted in FY2026, though PEG revenue
in future years may continue to decline.
Free Cash has not yet been certified and therefore is a conservative estimate; however any additional
free cash will be utilized for cash capital, not to support the operating budget.
Revenue Offsets: Revenue Offsets are projected to increase by approximately $256,944 or 12.21%.
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;
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
(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 FY2027 increase in total Revenue Offsets is driven by the set-aside of $400,000 in estimated
FY2027 revenue to cover a potential snow and ice deficit at the end of FY2026. For FY2026, $400,000
was set-aside, but did not end up being needed since actual FY2025 snow and ice removal expenses fell
within their budgeted levels.
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.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Revenue Summary
FY2027 Projected
FY2026-27 Change
FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual FY2026 Recap $%
Table 1: Property Tax Levy
Tax Levy $ 216,220,071 $ 227,348,851 $ 239,807,037 $ 249,133,335 $ 9,326,298 3.89%
Prop. 2.5%$ 5,405,502 $ 5,683,721 $ 5,995,176 $ 6,228,333 $ 233,157 3.89%
New Growth $ 6,824,943 $ 6,774,465 $ 3,331,122 $ 3,000,000 $ (331,122) (9.94)%
Override/Excess Levy Capacity $ (14,424) $ (93,397) $—NA
Subtotal $ 228,436,092 $ 239,713,640 $ 249,133,335 $ 258,361,669 $ 9,228,333 3.70%
Table 2: State Aid
Chapter 70 $ 17,609,131 $ 18,321,635 $ 19,344,035 $ 19,999,535 $ 655,500 3.39%
Charter School Reimbursement $ 87,520 $ 149,983 $ 81,758 $ 81,758 $ — —%
Unrestricted General Government Aid $ 1,832,124 $ 1,887,088 $ 1,907,846 $ 1,907,846 $ — —%
Veterans' Benefits & Exemptions $ 83,921 $ 130,560 $ 109,400 $ 99,659 $ (9,741) (8.90)%
Offsets (Library)$ 82,838 $ 90,392 $ 89,563 $ 92,698 $ 3,135 3.50%
Subtotal $ 19,695,534 $ 20,579,658 $ 21,532,602 $ 22,181,496 $ 648,894 3.01%
Table 3: Local Receipts
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax $ 6,143,335 $ 6,606,284 $ 5,601,396 $ 6,198,000 $ 596,604 10.65%
Other Excise $ 1,982,929 $ 1,691,969 $ 1,832,000 $ 1,685,000 $ (147,000) (8.02)%
Penalties & Interest $ 479,253 $ 404,807 $ 492,000 $ 430,000 $ (62,000) (12.60)%
PILOTs $ 731,519 $ 817,682 $ 762,000 $ 767,000 $ 5,000 0.66%
Rentals $ 479,390 $ 308,021 $ 352,623 $ 359,190 $ 6,566 1.86%
Departmental-Schools $ 475,325 $ 533,446 $ 300,000 $ 299,000 $ (1,000) (0.33)%
Departmental-Municipal $ 3,629,754 $ 3,820,994 $ 3,395,950 $ 3,507,950 $ 112,000 3.30%
Licenses & Permits $ 3,226,256 $ 4,616,400 $ 3,016,300 $ 2,958,300 $ (58,000) (1.92)%
Special Assessments $ 10,370 $ 13,550 $ — $ — $ — —%
Fines & Forfeits $ 172,123 $ 111,884 $ 116,000 $ 117,000 $ 1,000 0.86%
Investment Income $ 7,825,208 $ 6,279,974 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,500,000 $ 500,000 50.00%
Miscellaneous Non-Recurring $ 459,968 $ 535,335 $ — $ — $ — —%
Subtotal $ 25,615,431 $ 25,740,345 $ 16,868,269 $ 17,821,440 $ 953,170 5.65%
Table 4: Available Funds
Parking Fund $ 100,000 $ 250,000 $ 425,500 $ 425,500 $ — —%
Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund $ 50,408 $ 123,000 $ 151,875 $ 147,000 $ (4,875) (3.21)%
Free Cash $ 15,919,159 $ 15,838,627 $ 24,096,825 $ 20,500,000 $ (3,596,825) (14.93)%
Health Claims Trust Fund $ 240,000 $ 32,270 $ — $ — $ — —%
Transportation Demand Management Stab. Fund $ 171,000 $ 171,000 $ 171,000 $ 171,000 $ — —%
Traffic Mitigation Stabilization Fund $ 80,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Transportation Management Overlay District (TMOD) Stabilization Fund $ 42,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Ambulance Stabilization Fund $ — $ 125,000 $ — $ — $ — —%
PEG Access Special Revenue Fund $ 586,833 $ 646,214 $ 596,441 $ 694,392 $ 97,951 16.42%
Transportation Network Company (TNC) Special Revenue Fund $ 7,684 $ 13,234 $ 18,043 $ 22,950 $ 4,907 27.20%
Betterments Fund $ 11,500 $ 1,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ — —%
Visitors Center Stabilization Fund $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ — —
General Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Special Education Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Recreation Enterprise Fund $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ — —%
Use of BAN Premiums $ 70,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — —%
Subtotal $ 17,328,584 $ 17,250,345 $ 25,611,684 $ 22,112,842 $ (3,498,842) (13.66)%
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 5: Revenue Offsets
Cherry Sheet Assessments $ (981,462) $ (1,112,390) $ (1,264,133) $ (1,116,126) $ 148,007 (11.71)%
Cherry Sheet Offsets - Public Libraries $ (82,531) $ (91,318) $ (89,563) $ (94,514) $ (4,951) 5.53%
Overlay (abatements)$ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ — —%
Snow Deficit $ — $ — $ — $ (400,000) $ (400,000) —
Subtotal $ (1,813,993) $ (1,953,708) $ (2,103,696) $ (2,360,640) $ (256,944) 12.21%
Table 6: Enterprise Receipts
Water $ 1,011,340 $ 968,301 $ 1,002,244 $ 1,091,745 $ 89,501 8.93%
Wastewater (Sewer)$ 588,040 $ 596,525 $ 614,684 $ 627,572 $ 12,888 2.10%
Recreation & Community Programs $ 294,687 $ 308,991 $ 318,261 $ 327,808 $ 9,547 3.00%
Subtotal $ 1,894,067 $ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189 $ 2,047,125 $ 111,936 5.78%
Gross General Fund Revenues $ 291,155,715 $ 303,204,097 $ 312,977,383 $ 320,163,931 $ 7,186,548 2.30%
Less: Property Tax Levy Dedicated to the Capital Stabilization Fund $ 4,036,373 $ 6,563,050 $ 6,580,907 $ 6,580,907 $ — —%
Less: Revenues Set Aside for Designated Expenses $ 20,156,257 $ 21,256,751 $ 28,345,019 $ 23,112,059 $ (5,232,960) (18.46)%
Net General Fund Revenues Available for Appropriation $ 266,963,085 $ 275,384,296 $ 278,051,457 $ 290,470,965 $ 12,419,508 4.47%
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Revenues Set Aside for Designated Expenses: This represents components of Gross General Fund
Revenues that are set aside for designated purposes. The proposed purposes for FY2027 are shown in
the table below.
Financing Sources
Tax Levy Free Cash Other Total Notes
1 Set-Aside for Unanticipated Current Fiscal Year Needs $ — $ 250,000 $ — $ 250,000 Reserve for appropriation at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting to fund supplemental appropriations to the FY2026 (current year) budget.
2 Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)$ — $ 2,129,721 $ — $ 2,129,721 Appropriate to OPEB Trust.
3 Unallocated $ — $ 1,000,000 $ — $ 1,000,000 Set aside for yet-to-be identified one-time needs in the FY2027 budget & reserve for future budgets
4 Cash Capital $ — $ 16,720,279 $ 22,950 $ 16,743,229 Free Cash, Tax Levy and other available funds to support capital improvements.
5 Appropriate into Capital Stabilization Fund $ 6,580,908 $ — $ — $ 6,580,908 To meet future capital/debt service needs and provide taxpayer debt mitigation for capital projects
6 Street Improvement Program $ 2,746,777 $ — $ — $ 2,746,777 Tax Levy designated for long-term street maintenance plan.
7 Municipal Building Envelope and Systems $ 242,332 $ — $ — $ 242,332 Initially funded in 2006 override; increases by 2.5% per year.
8 Warrant Articles $ — $ — $ — $ —
9 Subtotal $ 9,570,016 $ 20,100,000 $ 22,950 $ 29,692,966
Community Center $ 268,334
10 Funding for 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 FY2027.
11 Grand Total $ 9,570,016 $ 20,500,000 $ 22,950 $ 30,092,966
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 1-A: Tax Levy History
Fiscal Year
Previous Year Levy Limit(incl. amended new growth)
Allowable 2½% Increase
Allowable New Construction
Dedicated New Levy Growth*
Voter Approved Override
Total Tax Levy Limit Exempt Debt Service
Allowable Amount to raise from Property Tax
Unused Tax Capacity Actual Tax Levy
2008 $ 96,012,202 $ 2,400,305 $ 2,485,650 $ — $ 3,981,589 $ 104,879,746 $ 5,372,874 $ 110,252,620 $ 45,961 $ 110,206,659
2009 $ 104,879,746 $ 2,621,994 $ 3,276,649 $ — $ — $ 110,778,389 $ 5,632,642 $ 116,411,031 $ 72,867 $ 116,338,164
2010 $ 110,778,389 $ 2,769,460 $ 2,431,902 $ — $ — $ 115,979,750 $ 5,746,384 $ 121,726,134 $ 58,674 $ 121,667,460
2011 $ 115,934,719 $ 2,898,368 $ 3,426,550 $ — $ — $ 122,259,637 $ 5,753,550 $ 128,013,187 $ 57,464 $ 127,955,723
2012 $ 122,259,637 $ 3,056,491 $ 3,346,536 $ — $ — $ 128,662,664 $ 5,379,620 $ 134,042,285 $ 46,950 $ 133,995,335
2013 $ 128,662,664 $ 3,217,107 $ 3,538,945 $ — $ — $ 135,440,316 $ 6,199,081 $ 141,639,396 $ 53,534 $ 141,585,863
2014 $ 135,440,316 $ 3,386,008 $ 3,017,335 $ — $ — $ 141,843,659 $ 6,927,654 $ 148,771,313 $ 1,175 $ 148,770,138
2015 $ 141,843,659 $ 3,546,091 $ 2,896,983 $ — $ — $ 148,286,733 $ 7,423,332 $ 155,710,065 $ 74,194 $ 155,635,871
2016 $ 148,286,733 $ 3,709,681 $ 2,772,633 $ — $ — $ 154,769,047 $ 8,324,697 $ 163,093,744 $ 18,897 $ 163,074,847
2017 $ 154,781,455 $ 3,869,536 $ 3,309,344 $ — $ — $ 161,960,336 $ 8,330,185 $ 170,290,521 $ 94,519 $ 170,196,001
2018 $ 161,960,336 $ 4,049,008 $ 3,357,135 $ — $ — $ 169,366,479 $ 8,292,690 $ 177,659,169 $ 34,354 $ 177,624,815
2019 $ 169,402,066 $ 4,235,052 $ 3,270,004 $ — $ — $ 176,907,122 $ 9,360,000 $ 186,267,122 $ 66,068 $ 186,201,054
2020 $ 176,907,122 $ 4,422,678 $ 3,608,503 $ — $ — $ 184,938,303 $ 11,128,255 $ 196,066,558 $ 116,789 $ 195,949,768
2021 $ 184,938,303 $ 4,623,458 $ 4,853,553 $ — $ — $ 194,415,314 $ 12,684,830 $ 207,100,143 $ 85,435 $ 207,014,708
2022 $ 194,415,314 $ 4,860,383 $ 4,923,938 $ 57,138 $ — $ 204,256,773 $ 13,947,991 $ 218,204,763 $ 28,032 $ 218,176,732
2023 $ 204,256,773 $ 5,106,419 $ 4,120,880 $ 2,735,999 $ — $ 216,220,071 $ 15,208,385 $ 231,428,456 $ 32,849 $ 231,395,606
2024 $ 216,220,071 $ 5,405,502 $ 4,521,707 $ 2,303,236 $ — $ 227,348,851 $ 16,311,649 $ 243,660,500 $ 14,424 $ 243,646,076
2025 $ 227,348,851 $ 5,683,721 $ 4,247,789 $ 2,526,677 $ — $ 239,807,037 $ 16,591,920 $ 256,398,957 $ 93,396 $ 256,305,561
2026**$ 239,807,037 $ 5,995,176 $ 3,313,264 $ 17,858 $ — $ 249,133,335 $ 16,207,456 $ 265,340,791 $ — $ 265,340,791
2027**$ 249,133,335 $ 6,228,333 $ 3,000,000 $ — $ — $ 258,361,669 $ 16,855,583 $ 275,217,252 $ — $ 275,217,252
Note: *Dedicated New Levy Growth includes amounts set-aside into the Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF). For FY2023 the $2,735,999 new growth set-aside
included $1,060,000 dedicated to the Pension Fund and $1,675,999 into the CSF.
** FY2026 & FY2027 Exempt Debt Service is based on debt modeling of current authorizations excluded from the limits of Proposition 2½ and projects that
are candidates for future debt exclusion projects. Amount shown is projected debt service, net of the application of Capital Stabilization funds to mitigate
taxpayer impact.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 1-A: Tax Levy History 8 November 20, 2025
Table 1-B: New Tax Levy Growth
New Growth to the Levy Limit
Residential Commercial/Industrial Personal C/I Dedicated to CSF Personal Dedicated to Pension
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
$—
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
Fiscal Year Residential Commercial/ Industrial C/I Dedicated to CSF Personal
Personal Dedicated to Pension Total
FY2017 $1,858,460 $507,820 $943,064 $3,309,344
FY2018 $1,908,536 $743,645 $704,954 $3,357,135
FY2019 $2,022,777 $480,671 $766,558 $3,270,005
FY2020 $1,698,582 $793,718 $1,116,203 $3,608,503
FY2021 $1,973,034 $1,639,128 $1,241,391 $4,853,553
FY2022 $1,876,839 $1,710,247 $57,138 $1,336,852 $4,981,076
FY2023 $1,933,882 $1,386,864 $1,675,999 $800,135 $1,060,000 $6,856,879
FY2024 $1,790,882 $1,121,047 $2,303,236 $1,609,778 $0 $6,824,943
FY2025 $2,246,368 $541,401 $2,526,677 $1,460,019 $0 $6,774,465
FY2026 $2,161,122 $0 $17,858 $1,152,142 $0 $3,331,122
Totals $19,470,482 $8,924,541 $6,580,908 $11,131,096 $1,060,000 $47,167,025
Three Year Average FY2024-2026
C/I/P $1,961,462
Residential $2,066,124
Total $4,027,587
Five Year Average FY2022-2026
C/I/P $2,223,697
Residential $2,001,819
Total $4,225,515
Ten Year Average FY2017-2026
C/I/P $2,005,564
Residential $1,947,048
Total $3,952,612
Note: FY2021 and FY2022 include approximately $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for new construction at 75 Hayden Ave. FY2023 includes $1.25
million from 1050 Waltham St. and $1.06 million of new Personal Property at Takeda. FY2024 includes $1.1 million from 1050 Waltham St. and $857K from
20 Maguire Rd. FY2025 includes $2.5 million from 440 Bedford St.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 1-B: New Tax Levy Growth 9 November 20, 2025
Table 1-C: New Levy Growth Dedicated to the Capital Stabilization Fund by Property
Property Address FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual FY2026 Recap
Accumulated Tax-Levy Set-Aside FY2027 Projected
1050 Waltham St.$ 1,252,291 $ 1,101,665 $ — $ — $ 2,353,956 $ 2,353,956
186 Bedford St.$ 24,488 $ 9,885 $ 32,156 $ 17,858 $ 84,387 $ 105,838
55 Watertown St.$ 399,220 $ 169,897 $ — $ — $ 569,117 $ 604,804
440 Bedford St.$ — $ 164,207 $ 2,494,520 $ — $ 2,658,727 $ 2,658,727
20 Maguire Rd.$ — $ 857,582 $ — $ — $ 857,582 $ 857,582
Subtotal - CSF Tax Levy $ 1,675,999 $ 2,303,236 $ 2,526,677 $ 17,858 $ 6,580,908 $ 6,580,908
Note: Beginning in FY2022, new levy growth generated from specified projects are dedicated to the Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) rather
than falling to general revenue for the town budget. Projects include those with a Preliminary Site Development and Use Plan (PSDUP)
approved by Town Meeting, and those approved due to the revamped zoning on Hartwell Ave. In this way, fiscal leaders are setting aside
funds to mitigate the future burden on the taxpayers for large capital projects such as the High School reconstruction.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 1-B: New Tax Levy Growth 10 November 20, 2025
Table 2-A: State Aid (Cherry Sheet)
Net State Aid - FY2021 to FY2027, Projected
$16,157,540 $16,623,758 $17,017,491
$19,612,696
$20,489,266
$21,443,039 $22,088,798
FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027
$15,000,000
$17,500,000
$20,000,000
$22,500,000
State Aid-Cherry Sheet:FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual FY2026 Cherry Sheet 2027 Projected
Education:
Chapter 70 $ 14,438,034 $ 14,647,494 $ 15,063,127 $ 17,609,131 $ 18,321,635 $ 19,344,035 $ 19,999,535
Charter Tuition Reimbursement $ 60,652 $ 101,651 $ 60,734 $ 87,520 $ 149,983 $ 81,758 $ 81,758
Sub-Total, All Education Items $ 14,498,686 $ 14,749,145 $ 15,123,861 $ 17,696,651 $ 18,471,618 $ 19,425,793 $ 20,081,293
General Government:
Unrestricted General Government Aid $ 1,627,400 $ 1,769,494 $ 1,775,314 $ 1,832,124 $ 1,887,088 $ 1,907,846 $ 1,907,846
Veterans Benefits $ 18,904 $ 20,416 $ 24,178 $ 17,954 $ 11,602 $ 19,236 $ 26,642
Exemptions: Vets, Blind, Surviving Spouses $ 12,550 $ 84,703 $ 94,138 $ 65,967 $ 118,958 $ 90,164 $ 73,017
Offset Items:
Public Libraries $ 63,823 $ 53,560 $ 77,628 $ 82,838 $ 90,392 $ 89,563 $ 92,698
Sub-Total, General Government $ 1,722,677 $ 1,928,173 $ 1,971,258 $ 1,998,883 $ 2,108,040 $ 2,106,809 $ 2,100,203
Gross Cherry Sheet Totals $ 16,221,363 $ 16,677,318 $ 17,095,119 $ 19,695,534 $ 20,579,658 $ 21,532,602 $ 22,181,496
Less Offset Items:$ (63,823) $ (53,560) $ (77,628) $ (82,838) $ (90,392) $ (89,563) $ (92,698)
Net Cherry Sheet Totals $ 16,157,540 $ 16,623,758 $ 17,017,491 $ 19,612,696 $ 20,489,266 $ 21,443,039 $ 22,088,798
Note: From FY2019 to FY2023 Lexington received the minimum per-pupil amount of State Aid under the Chapter 70 formula. In FY2024 State
revenue was significantly higher as Lexington’s foundation budget grew faster than our required local contribution, requiring a higher
contribution from the State under the Chapter 70 formula. Minimum aid of $100 per pupil is projected for FY2027. Statutory parameters of the
Chapter 70 formula is $30 per pupil, however the State has elected higher amounts for the last several years ranging from $60-$104 per pupil.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 2-A: State Aid (Cherry Sheet) 11 November 20, 2025
Table 3-A: Local Receipts Summary
Local Receipts - FY2021-25 Actuals; FY2026-27 Projected
$15,358,064 $16,714,476
$23,992,008 $25,615,430 $25,740,346
$17,039,873 $17,821,440
FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
$30,000,000
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax $ 5,335,129 $ 5,330,281 $ 5,846,393 $ 6,143,335 $ 6,606,284 $ 5,773,000 $ 6,198,000 $ 6,198,671 $ 5,852,285
Other Excise $ 813,643 $ 1,351,204 $ 1,683,396 $ 1,982,929 $ 1,691,969 $ 1,832,000 $ 1,685,000 $ 1,786,098 $ 1,504,628
Penalties & Interest $ 445,590 $ 590,842 $ 413,104 $ 479,253 $ 404,807 $ 492,000 $ 430,000 $ 432,388 $ 466,719
PILOT's $ 660,966 $ 682,107 $ 709,774 $ 731,519 $ 817,682 $ 762,000 $ 767,000 $ 752,991 $ 720,410
Rentals $ 473,201 $ 394,624 $ 319,837 $ 479,390 $ 308,021 $ 352,623 $ 359,190 $ 369,082 $ 395,015
Departmental-Schools $ 337,909 $ 1,169,058 $ 550,130 $ 475,325 $ 533,446 $ 300,000 $ 299,000 $ 519,634 $ 613,174
Departmental-Municipal $ 2,398,261 $ 2,742,233 $ 3,245,975 $ 3,629,754 $ 3,820,994 $ 3,395,950 $ 3,507,950 $ 3,565,574 $ 3,168,972
Licenses & Permits $ 3,542,914 $ 3,171,808 $ 5,840,007 $ 3,226,256 $ 4,616,400 $ 3,016,300 $ 2,958,300 $ 4,560,888 $ 4,079,477
Special Assessments $ 25,644 $ 18,165 $ 13,531 $ 10,370 $ 13,550 $ — $ — $ — $ —
Fines & Forfeits $ 59,820 $ 79,398 $ 111,594 $ 172,123 $ 111,884 $ 116,000 $ 117,000 $ 131,867 $ 106,964
Investment Income $ 277,170 $ 281,726 $ 4,401,414 $ 7,825,208 $ 6,279,974 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,500,000 $ 6,168,865 $ 3,813,098
Miscellaneous Non-Recurring $ 987,817 $ 903,030 $ 856,853 $ 459,968 $ 535,335 $ — $ — $ — $ —
Total $ 15,358,064 $ 16,714,476 $ 23,992,008 $ 25,615,430 $ 25,740,346 $ 17,039,873 $ 17,821,440 $ 24,486,058 $ 20,720,742
Note: Local Receipts make up 5.6% of the projected FY2027 total revenues for the Town of Lexington. Local receipts are one indicator of the
status of economic growth in the community. Certain local receipts (e.g., motor vehicle excise, licenses and permits, investment income, hotel/
motel) are closely related to the overall growth in the State’s economy.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 12 November 20, 2025
Table 3-B: Local Receipt Detail - Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax $ 5,335,129 $ 5,330,281 $ 5,846,393 $ 6,143,335 $ 6,606,284 $ 5,773,000 $ 6,198,000 $ 6,198,671 $ 5,852,285
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX-PR $ 1,065 $ 874 $ 24 $ 403 $ 51 $ — $ —
15 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $ 56 $ 45 $ 193 $ — $ — $ — $ —
16 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $ 559 $ 36 $ (27) $ 166 $ — $ — $ —
17 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $ 1,569 $ 4,111 $ 1,074 $ 429 $ — $ — $ —
18 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $ 7,410 $ 1,792 $ 1,720 $ 182 $ 115 $ — $ —
19 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $ 20,914 $ 5,945 $ 1,155 $ 517 $ 174 $ — $ —
20 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $758,643 $ 29,286 $ 2,768 $ 1,739 $ 537 $ — $ —
21 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX $4,544,913 $688,159 $ 15,954 $ (58) $ 1,025 $ — $ —
22 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX NA $4,600,034 $738,734 $ 20,730 $ 3,655 $ — $ —
23 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX NA $4,600,034 $5,084,800 $ 718,903 $ 26,349 $ — $ —
24 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX NA NA NA $5,402,512 $ 876,406 $ — $ —
25 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX NA NA NA NA $5,698,023 $ 5,773,000 $ —
26 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX NA NA NA NA NA NA $ 6,198,000
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 13 November 20, 2025
Table 3-C: Local Receipt Detail - Other Excise Taxes
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Other Excise Taxes $ 813,643 $ 1,351,204 $ 1,683,395 $ 1,982,930 $ 1,691,970 $ 1,832,000 $ 1,685,000 $ 1,786,098 $ 1,504,628
OTHER EXCISE-HOTEL/MOTEL $ 356,743 $ 613,622 $ 718,671 $ 841,526 $ 698,372 $ 780,000 $ 700,000 $ 752,856 $ 645,787
OTHER EXCISE-JET FUEL $ 152,253 $ 265,420 $ 495,863 $ 631,677 $ 440,658 $ 563,000 $ 460,000 $ 522,733 $ 397,174
OTHER EXCISE - MEALS $ 304,647 $ 472,162 $ 468,861 $ 509,727 $ 552,940 $ 489,000 $ 525,000 $ 510,509 $ 461,667
Note:
The 0.75% local option meals excise tax became effective on January 1, 2010. The 2% local option hotel/motel excise became effective on July 1, 2010.
For FY2027 Other Excise receipts were adjusted to conservatively reflect the average of the last two fiscal years as the 3-year and 5-year averages include
pandemic years when receipts were lower. Projections for Hotel/Motel have mostly returned to pre-pandemic revenue levels, despite the closure of one
hotel. This category may receive an additional boost due to the local Lex250 celebrations in FY2026. Jet Fuel is projected at the average of FY2024 and
FY2025 which both reflect recent trends in fuel prices and increased activity at Hanscom due to private jet expansion. Meals are budgeted at the average of
FY2024 and FY2025 which reflect pre-pandemic revenue levels.
Table 3-D: Local Receipt Detail - Penalties & Interest
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Penalties & Interest $ 445,590 $ 590,843 $ 413,104 $ 479,254 $ 404,807 $ 492,000 $ 430,000 $ 432,388 $ 466,720
PENALTIES AND INTEREST P.P. TAX $ 12,494 $ 11,785 $ 9,733 $ 10,940 $ 24,048 $ 10,000 $ 14,000 $ 14,907 $ 13,800
PENALTIES & INTEREST R.E. TAX $ 291,465 $ 273,635 $ 254,616 $ 271,619 $ 241,140 $ 266,000 $ 255,000 $ 255,791 $ 266,495
PENALTIES & INTEREST TAX LIENS $ 37,277 $ 229,717 $ 66,193 $ 112,620 $ 56,622 $ 136,000 $ 78,000 $ 78,478 $ 100,486
PENALTIES & INTEREST M.V. TAX $ 104,354 $ 75,706 $ 82,562 $ 84,075 $ 82,997 $ 80,000 $ 83,000 $ 83,212 $ 85,939
Note:
Penalties and Interest are not budgeted at full 3-year or 5-year average since they are highly fluid and will vary due to case-by-case circumstances, including
the amount of unpaid property taxes outstanding (Lexington typically collects 98%-99% of committed property taxes).
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 14 November 20, 2025
Table 3-E: Local Receipt Detail - Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOTs)
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
PILOTs $ 661,266 $ 682,107 $ 709,774 $ 731,518 $ 762,281 $ 762,000 $ 767,000 $ 734,524 $ 709,330
Town of Arlington, MA $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048 $ 2,048
City of Cambridge, MA $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985 $ 1,985
Lexington Lodge #2204 BPOE (Elks)$ 7,236 $ 7,236 $ 7,453 $ 7,677 $ 7,907 $ 7,455 $ 7,679 $ 7,679 $ 7,502
Brookhaven $ 587,326 $ 602,009 $ 617,060 $ 632,486 $ 648,298 $ 664,506 $ 664,506 $ 632,615 $ 617,436
Trustees of the Supreme Council (Masons)$ 21,058 $ 21,058 $ 21,690 $ 22,340 $ 23,010 $ 21,696 $ 22,347 $ 22,347 $ 21,831
Waldorf School $ 20,156 $ 29,394 $ 42,354 $ 43,412 $ 44,498 $ 45,612 $ 46,752 $ 43,421 $ 35,963
Lexington Housing Authority $ 20,864 $ 18,077 $ 16,863 $ 21,228 $ 28,846 $ 18,723 $ 22,312 $ 22,312 $ 21,176
Miscellaneous $ 593 $ 300 $ 321 $ 342 $ 5,689 $ — $ — $ 2,117 $ 1,389
Note:
1.PILOTs are projected based on historical averages, except for Brookhaven and the Waldorf School which increase annually per written agreements.
The Brookhaven PILOT was renegotiated in May 2017 as part of rezoning approved at Town Meeting; increased payments began in FY2020.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 15 November 20, 2025
Table 3-F: Local Receipt Detail - Rentals
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Rentals $ 473,201 $ 394,624 $ 319,837 $ 479,390 $ 308,020 $ 352,623 $ 359,189 $ 369,082 $ 395,014
Buildings $ 69,900 $ 75,267 $ 47,468 $ 53,699 $ 54,357 $ 53,989 $ 54,085 $ 51,841 $ 60,138
Cell Towers $ 403,301 $ 319,357 $ 272,369 $ 425,691 $ 253,663 $ 298,634 $ 305,104 $ 317,241 $ 334,876
MWRA $ 118,472 $ 75,923 $ — $ 158,746 $ 41,330 $ 82,963 $ 82,963
Verizon $ 56,275 $ 57,964 $ 59,703 $ 61,494 $ 63,339 $ 63,339 $ 65,239
Sprint/Nextel $ 51,547 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
AT&T $ 41,523 $ 42,769 $ 44,052 $ 96,406 $ 108,704 $ 52,721 $ 54,303
T-Mobile $ 90,483 $ 97,702 $ 123,614 $ 64,045 $ 40,291 $ 45,293 $ 46,652
Temp. Site for Police Antenna $ 45,000 $ 45,000 $ 45,000 $ 45,000 $ — $ 54,318 $ 55,948
Note: Building Rentals reflect rental agreements with the Munroe Center for the Arts, the Waldorf School, LexFarm, and outdoor dining agreements. The
Munroe Center for the Arts revenue for FY2018-2022 reflects repayment to the Town for a roofing project; the last year for repayment was FY2022. Sprint
terminated their cell tower lease agreement with the Town effective March 2022. Beginning in FY2025 the Town receives sublease revenue from the new
antenna behind the Police Station which replaced the temporary antenna.
Table 3-G: Local Receipt Detail - Schools Departmental Revenue
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Schools Departmental Revenue $ 337,910 $ 1,169,059 $ 550,130 $ 475,326 $ 533,446 $ 300,000 $ 299,000 $ 519,634 $ 613,173
TUITION $ 10,942 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,188
MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT $ 287,285 $ 954,638 $ 503,905 $ 388,555 $ 473,714 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 455,391 $ 521,619
STUDENT PARKING FEES $ 3,605 $ 8,925 $ 4,375 $ 8,750 $ 8,460 $ 6,000 $ — $ 7,195 $ 6,823
TRANSCRIPT FEES $ 36,078 $ 45,030 $ 41,850 $ 47,076 $ 51,272 $ 44,000 $ 49,000 $ 46,733 $ 44,261
HOMELESS STUDENT TRANSPORTATION $ — $ 160,466 $ — $ 30,945 $ — $ — $ — $ 10,315 $ 38,282
Note: Program rules for Medicaid reimbursements were becoming more restrictive prior to the pandemic, and reimbursements are dependent on student
eligibility and services offered. Town was able to recoup many expenses that were related to the pandemic in FY2022, some which continued into FY2023.
The School Department has advised that expected reimbursements are currently steady but future restrictions may curtail the Town’s ability to recoup
expenses.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 16 November 20, 2025
Table 3-H: Local Receipt Detail - Municipal Departmental Revenue
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Municipal Department Revenue $ 2,398,261 $ 2,742,234 $ 3,245,915 $ 3,621,750 $ 3,782,243 $ 3,293,950 $ 3,403,950 $ 3,549,966 $ 3,158,081
MISC. FEES $ 7,266 $ 7,471 $ 4,429 $ 13,486 $ 5,385 $ 7,500 $ 7,500 $ 7,766 $ 7,607
NET METERING CREDIT REVENUE $ 674,298 $ 642,150 $ 841,417 $ 823,246 $ 920,511 $ 830,000 $ 869,000 $ 861,724 $ 780,324
MUNICIPAL LIEN CERTIFICATES $ 42,645 $ 35,609 $ 20,366 $ 19,225 $ 18,400 $ 25,000 $ 20,000 $ 19,330 $ 27,249
TOWN CLERK FEE $ 36,943 $ 30,725 $ 34,278 $ 36,055 $ 35,134 $ 34,000 $ 34,000 $ 35,155 $ 34,627
REGISTRY SURCHARGE FEE $ 10,020 $ 10,100 $ 10,235 $ 14,030 $ 13,660 $ 11,000 $ 11,000 $ 12,642 $ 11,609
RENTAL CAR SURCHARGE FEES $ 1,199 $ 2,264 $ 3,233 $ 3,385 $ 2,868 $ 2,500 $ 2,500 $ 3,162 $ 2,590
CONSERVATION FEES $ 27,353 $ 30,039 $ 22,627 $ 24,728 $ 46,851 $ 26,000 $ 26,000 $ 31,402 $ 30,320
P.B. FILING & REVIEW FEES $ 24,000 $ 61,500 $ 26,181 $ 52,653 $ 106,954 $ 40,000 $ 40,000 $ 61,929 $ 54,258
ANR PLAN FILING FEES $ 9,000 $ 150 $ 150 $ 650 $ 2,200 $ — $ — $ 1,000 $ 2,430
POLICE DEPT REC-HOUSE ALARM $ 7,720 $ 9,520 $ 10,120 $ 8,560 $ 7,080 $ 9,000 $ 9,000 $ 8,587 $ 8,600
POLICE DEPT FEE $ 70,286 $ 72,800 $ 97,917 $ 118,752 $ 104,074 $ 88,000 $ 88,000 $ 106,914 $ 92,766
FIRE DEPT REC-AMBULANCE FEE $ 1,157,735 $ 1,425,457 $ 1,728,905 $ 2,050,103 $ 2,080,781 $ 1,800,000 $ 1,900,000 $ 1,953,263 $ 1,688,596
FIRE DEPT REC-FIRE ALARM FEES $ 10,095 $ 10,161 $ 13,725 $ 9,800 $ 7,678 $ 11,000 $ 8,000 $ 10,401 $ 10,292
AVALON BAY MONITORING SERVICES $ 5,850 $ 19,300 $ 17,620 $ 9,650 $ — $ 9,650 $ 9,650 $ 9,090 $ 10,484
FIRE DEPARTMENT FEE $ 37,300 $ 28,900 $ 24,500 $ 21,900 $ 22,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 22,800 $ 26,920
B & Z MICROFILM FEES $ 9,470 $ 4,990 $ 1,555 $ — $ — $ 3,000 $ 1,000 $ 518 $ 3,203
B.O.A. HEARING FEES $ 12,752 $ 10,000 $ 10,210 $ 6,550 $ 5,500 $ 8,000 $ 8,000 $ 7,420 $ 9,002
TRENCH PERMIT FEES $ 6,700 $ 7,500 $ 5,700 $ 5,650 $ 5,100 $ 6,000 $ 5,000 $ 5,483 $ 6,130
PROTECTED TREE FEES $ 690 $ 8,890 $ 50,735 $ 54,480 $ 22,320 $ 38,000 $ 40,000 $ 42,512 $ 27,423
MISC MUNICIPAL DEPT REVENUE $ 310 $ 395 $ 769 $ 322 $ 302 $ 300 $ 300 $ 464 $ 420
LEXPRESS FARES $ 9,506 $ 16,010 $ 12,417 $ 23,777 $ 20,721 $ 22,000 $ 20,000 $ 18,972 $ 16,486
CEMETERY INTEREST ALLOCATION $ 72,925 $ 95,969 $ 101,500 $ 130,898 $ 170,662 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 134,353 $ 114,391
CEMETERY PREPARATION $ 164,198 $ 212,334 $ 207,326 $ 193,850 $ 184,062 $ 198,000 $ 180,000 $ 195,079 $ 192,354
Note: FY2027 projections are based on 3- and 5-year historical averages, with adjustments applied for economic conditions and local trends. Net Metering
Credit is revenue from Eversource for power generated by the Hartwell Avenue solar arrays. Ambulance fee projections for FY2027 were adjusted upward to
reflect a recent increase in fees and service levels that are at all-time highs.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 17 November 20, 2025
Table 3-I: Local Receipt Detail - Licenses & Permits
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Licenses & Permits $ 3,542,913 $ 3,171,809 $ 5,840,007 $ 3,226,257 $ 4,616,401 $ 3,016,300 $ 2,958,300 $ 4,560,887 $ 4,079,477
SELECT BOARD'S LIC. & PERMITS $ 3,560 $ 4,290 $ 3,640 $ 5,035 $ 2,830 $ 4,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,835 $ 3,871
CABLE FRANCHISE LICENSE $ 3,715 $ 1,239 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 991
ALCOHOL & BEVERAGE LIC $ 67,250 $ 76,800 $ 75,050 $ 73,350 $ 76,700 $ 73,000 $ 74,000 $ 75,033 $ 73,830
TOWN CLERK'S LIC & PERMITS $ 46,366 $ 51,460 $ 51,110 $ 51,110 $ 52,495 $ 49,000 $ 51,000 $ 51,572 $ 50,508
MISC. LICENSE & PERMITS $ 4,943 $ 4,450 $ 4,853 $ 4,375 $ 4,597 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,608 $ 4,644
FIREARMS LICENSE $ 5,100 $ 3,900 $ 3,313 $ 4,863 $ 4,725 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,300 $ 4,380
FIRE DEPT LIC. & PERMITS $ 55,120 $ 55,450 $ 55,605 $ 50,725 $ 45,055 $ 54,000 $ 51,000 $ 50,462 $ 52,391
BUILDING PERMITS $ 2,564,055 $ 2,098,377 $ 4,130,720 $ 2,159,554 $ 3,557,641 $ 2,100,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 3,282,638 $ 2,902,069
GAS PERMITS $ 24,795 $ 23,196 $ 38,722 $ 35,549 $ 32,595 $ 26,000 $ 26,000 $ 35,622 $ 30,971
WIRING PERMITS $ 371,267 $ 384,996 $ 538,228 $ 406,167 $ 426,060 $ 320,000 $ 400,000 $ 456,818 $ 425,344
PLUMBING PERMITS $ 77,554 $ 66,169 $ 118,006 $ 101,389 $ 122,925 $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 114,107 $ 97,209
SHEET METAL PERMITS $ 34,968 $ 95,016 $ 99,037 $ 54,939 $ 61,517 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 71,831 $ 69,095
MECHANICAL PERMITS $ 83,668 $ 108,895 $ 559,089 $ 107,584 $ 50,889 $ 125,000 $ 70,000 $ 239,187 $ 182,025
B & Z MISC PERMITS $ 5,465 $ 4,390 $ 1,315 $ 940 $ 1,545 $ 2,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,267 $ 2,731
SHORT TERM RENTAL LIC & PERMIT $ — $ — $ 250 $ 1,150 $ 1,150 $ 200 $ 200 $ 850 $ 510
DPW STREET OPENING PERMITS $ 141,375 $ 119,610 $ 49,096 $ 58,031 $ 50,332 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 52,486 $ 83,689
RIGHT OF WAY OBSTRUCTION $ 150 $ 100 $ 100 $ — $ 50 $ 100 $ 100 $ 50 $ 80
STORM WATER/DRAIN PERMIT $ 660 $ 431 $ 4,843 $ 981 $ 200 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 2,008 $ 1,423
DRAIN LAYERS LICENSE $ 990 $ 1,050 $ 1,200 $ 780 $ 1,260 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,080 $ 1,056
BOARD OF HEALTH LIC. & PERMITS $ 51,912 $ 71,990 $ 105,830 $ 109,735 $ 123,835 $ 83,000 $ 102,000 $ 113,133 $ 92,660
Note: FY2027 projections are based on 3- and 5-year historical averages, with adjustments applied for economic conditions and local trends.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 18 November 20, 2025
Table 3-J: Local Receipt Detail - Special Assessments
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Special Assessments $ 25,644 $ 18,165 $ 13,531 $ 10,370 $ 13,550 $ — $ — $ 12,484 $ 16,252
STREET BTMT PD IN ADVANCE $ 11,882 $ 6,666 $ — $ — $ 13,550 $ — $ —
STREET BTMT PRINCIPAL $ — $ — $ — $ 7,900 $ — $ — $ —
STREET BTMT INTEREST $ 13,762 $ 11,499 $ 13,531 $ 2,470 $ — $ — $ —
Note: FY2027 projections are based on actual principal and interest payments scheduled for billing in future years, with no assumptions for advance
payments. The Municipal Modernization Act requires that betterment payments for debt issued after November 2016 be segregated into a separate fund to
pay debt service.
Table 3-K: Local Receipt Detail - Fines & Forfeitures
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Fines & Forfeitures $ 59,821 $ 79,398 $ 111,594 $ 172,123 $ 111,884 $ 116,000 $ 117,000 $ 131,867 $ 106,964
PARKING FINES $ 11,640 $ 12,840 $ 22,795 $ 37,188 $ 29,987 $ 25,000 $ 26,000 $ 29,990 $ 22,890
NON CRIMINAL FINES $ 940 $ 320 $ 4,130 $ 7,980 $ 2,235 $ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ 4,782 $ 3,121
REGISTRY CMVI $ 46,598 $ 65,638 $ 83,299 $ 125,180 $ 79,377 $ 87,000 $ 87,000 $ 95,952 $ 80,018
COURT FINES $ 643 $ 600 $ 1,370 $ 1,775 $ 285 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,143 $ 935
Notes: FY2027 projections are based on 3- and 5-year historical averages, with adjustments applied for economic conditions and local trends. The Town
paused during enforcement during the pandemic and Center Streetscape construction, but resumed this operation during FY2023.
Table 3-L: Local Receipt Detail - Investment Income
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Investment Income $ 277,170 $ 281,726 $ 4,401,414 $ 7,825,208 $ 6,279,974 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,500,000 $ 6,168,865 $ 3,813,098
Note: FY2027 projections are conservative estimates, but are set a level that reflects current interest rates and fund balances. As of November 2025, the
Town’s main savings account interest rate was 4.2% compared to 4.8% in November 2024, 5.6% in November 2023, 4.0% in November 2022 and 0.1% in
November 2021.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 19 November 20, 2025
Table 3-M: Local Receipt Detail - Miscellaneous Non-Recurring
Local Receipt Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected 3-Year Average 5-Year Average
Miscellaneous Non-Recurring $ 987,817 $ 903,031 $ 631,745 $ 459,968 $ 535,336 $ — $ — $ 542,350 $ 703,579
MISC. NON-RECURRING REVENUE $ 733,154 $ 702,873 $ 402,541 $ 374,640 $ 412,909 $ — $ —
MISC. STATE REVENUE $ 31,722 $ 1,324 $ 48,305 $ 17,294 $ — $ — $ —
MISC. FEDERAL REVENUE $ 9,617 $ 6,713 $ 8,030 $ 13,450 $ 13,873 $ — $ —
SUPPLEMENTAL BILLING $ 213,324 $ 192,121 $ 172,869 $ 54,584 $ 108,554 $ — $ —
Note: No estimate is made for this category of revenue as it is unpredictable and ‘non-recurring’ by nature. This category includes rebates for installation of
green energy equipment in Municipal and School buildings, rebates from recycling school technology, rebates from procurement card (Pcard) expenses, and
revenue from sales of surplus property. Supplemental Property Tax revenue is included as Misc. Non-Recurring Revenue per State statute.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 3: Local Receipts 20 November 20, 2025
Table 4-A: Available Funds
Available Fund Category
Appropriated
FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 Projected
Parking Fund $ 562,000 $ 828,237 $ — $ 100,000 $ 250,000 $ 425,500 $ 425,500
Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund $ 40,480 $ 51,933 $ 16,125 $ 50,408 $ 123,000 $ 151,875 $ 147,000
Free Cash*$ 9,468,456 $ 14,638,059 $ 15,519,832 $ 15,919,159 $ 15,838,627 $ 24,096,825 $ 20,500,000
Health Claims Trust Fund $ 750,000 $ 750,000 $ 750,000 $ 240,000 $ 32,270 $ — $ —
Capital Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Transportation Demand Management Stab. Fund $ 141,000 $ 141,000 $ 141,000 $ 171,000 $ 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 $ — $ —
Special Education Stabilization Fund $ — $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
PEG Access Special Revenue Fund $ 620,711 $ 629,287 $ 637,576 $ 586,833 $ 646,214 $ 596,441 $ 694,392
Transportation Network Company (TNC) Special Revenue Fund $ 16,504 $ 20,889 $ 6,824 $ 7,684 $ 13,234 $ 18,043 $ 22,950
Balances from Prior Year Capital Articles $ — $ 155,974 $ 266,923 $ — $ — $ — $ —
BAN Premium Proceeds $ — $ 110,000 $ — $ 70,000 $ — $ — $ —
Betterments Special Revenue Fund $ 6,200 $ — $ — $ 11,500 $ 1,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000
Visitors Center Stabilization Fund $ 200,000 $ — $ — $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000
Total Available Funds $ 11,805,351 $ 17,825,379 $ 17,643,280 $ 17,328,584 $ 17,125,345 $ 25,611,684 $ 22,112,842
*FY2025 Free Cash (for use in FY2027 Projected) is a preliminary estimate, subject to certification by the Department of Revenue.
Use of Capital Stabilization Fund to Mitigate Exempt Debt**$ 4,600,000 $ 2,800,000 $ 800,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ —
Total Use of Capital Stabilization Fund $ 4,600,000 $ 2,800,000 $ 800,000 $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ —
**Shown for informational purposes only, as Exempt Debt is not part of general operating revenues.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 4-A: Available Funds 21 November 20, 2025
Table 4-B: Parking Fund
FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected
Beginning Balance $ 1,176,808 $ 753,112 $ 111,921 $ 407,240 $ 737,689 $ 955,542 $ 955,542
Budgeted Expenses - Total $ (562,000) $ (828,237) $ — $ (100,000) $ (250,000) $ (425,500) $ (425,500)
DPW Administration (3110)$ (1,700) $ (1,700) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Highway Maintenance (3210)$ (71,200) $ (71,200) $ — $ — $ — $ (39,000) $ (39,000)
Police Administration (4110)$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Patrol & Enforcement (4120)$ (18,200) $ (18,200) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Traffic Bureau (4130)$ (293,900) $ (293,900) $ — $ (100,000) $ (250,000) $ (386,500) $ (386,500)
Capital/Debt Service $ (177,000) $ (443,237) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Total Collected $ 138,305 $ 187,046 $ 295,319 $ 430,449 $ 467,852 $ 425,500 $ 425,500
Parking Meter Revenue $ 137,328 $ 148,834 $ 160,144 $ 168,090 $ 144,637 $ 175,000 $ 150,000
Parking Permit Revenue $ (399) $ — $ 57,215 $ 60,552 $ 52,395 $ 60,500 $ 55,000
Parking Lot Revenue $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Electric Vehicle Charges $ 1,376 $ 7,738 $ 12,961 $ 20,182 $ 31,162 $ 15,000 $ 25,000
Pay-by-Phone Charges $ — $ 30,474 $ 64,999 $ 181,624 $ 239,659 $ 175,000 $ 195,500
Returned Capital Funds $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Ending Balance $ 753,112 $ 111,921 $ 407,240 $ 737,689 $ 955,542 $ 955,542 $ 955,542
Note: Appropriations in all years include funds for the costs incurred in the Police and Public Works departments in support of the Town's parking programs.
FY2020 reflects the cost of electric vehicle charging stations, offset by returned funds from an earlier capital project. FY2021 reflects the cost of acquiring
the lot at Edison Way from the Historical Society. FY2022 reflects the cost of updates to the parking system. In FY2023, operating budget offsets were
temporarily suspended due to insufficient fund balance. In FY2024 and FY2025, moderate offsets supported operations as the fund balance began to
rebuild. In FY2026, the fund will offset the cost for Traffic Bureau staff and the Pay-By-Phone app contract, as well as the partial cost for parking lot plowing
during snow events.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 4-B: Parking Meter Fund 22 Updated as of November 20, 2025
Table 4-C: Free Cash History
Beginning Free Cash
Receipts in Excess of Estimates
Expenditures less than Appropriated Misc. Factors Appropriations from F.C. and other adjustments
Certified Free Cash
FY2001 $ 1,836,400 $ 3,086,536 $ 1,208,713 $ — $ (692,645) $ 5,439,004
FY2002 $ 2,250,004 $ (603,164) $ 487,229 $ — $ — $ 2,135,507
FY2003 $ 1,495,174 $ (372,684) $ 232,472 $ — $ (39,959) $ 1,315,003
FY2004 $ 1,315,003 $ (301,684) $ 588,899 $ — $ — $ 2,323,303
FY2005 $ 2,123,303 $ 1,732,103 $ 333,862 $ 1,852,214 $ (715,232) $ 5,409,985
FY2006 $ 5,409,985 $ 3,385,764 $ 429,318 $ — $ (5,422,720) $ 3,802,347
FY2007 $ 3,802,347 $ 2,462,181 $ 1,966,642 $ 432,693 $ (3,802,347) $ 4,861,516
FY2008 $ 4,861,516 $ 2,084,646 $ 2,967,150 $ 429,921 $ (4,861,516) $ 5,481,717
FY2009 $ 5,481,717 $ 1,669,160 $ 3,113,850 $ 1,376,499 $ (5,481,717) $ 6,159,509
FY2010 $ 6,159,509 $ 2,476,716 $ 3,772,879 $ 875,405 $ (6,159,509) $ 7,125,000
FY2011 $ 7,125,000 $ 2,392,461 $ 4,797,523 $ 953,116 $ (7,125,000) $ 8,143,100
FY2012 $ 8,143,100 $ 3,800,023 $ 5,889,241 $ 2,911,667 $ (8,143,100) $ 12,600,931
FY2013 $ 12,600,931 $ 3,751,452 $ 4,417,500 $ 1,260,573 $ (11,727,331) $ 10,303,125
FY2014 $ 10,303,125 $ 4,677,709 $ 7,407,913 $ 422,581 $ (9,703,125) $ 13,108,202
FY2015 $ 13,108,202 $ 4,858,093 $ 4,432,010 $ 1,841,084 $ (12,764,202) $ 11,475,187
FY2016 $ 11,475,187 $ 3,825,713 $ 7,168,120 $ 2,002,674 $ (10,383,826) $ 14,087,868
FY2017 $ 14,087,868 $ 3,855,319 $ 8,231,557 $ 157,028 $ (13,269,721) $ 13,062,051
FY2018 $ 13,062,051 $ 5,276,255 $ 8,026,582 $ (499,215) $ (12,464,579) $ 13,401,094
FY2019 $ 13,401,094 $ 2,227,122 $ 8,016,944 $ 1,272,711 $ (12,201,094) $ 12,716,777
FY2020 $ 12,716,777 $ 1,494,398 $ 11,086,531 $ 1,544,334 $ (9,503,981) $ 17,338,059
FY2021 $ 17,338,059 $ 3,053,162 $ 10,158,418 $ 472,749 $ (14,638,059) $ 16,384,329
FY2022 $ 16,384,329 $ 4,128,361 $ 8,719,918 $ 3,325,121 $ (15,438,570) $ 17,119,159
FY2023 $ 17,119,159 $ 8,987,103 $ 7,729,545 $ (884,517) $ (15,919,159) $ 17,032,132
FY2024 $ 17,032,132 $ 10,371,207 $ 11,959,658 $ 610,794 $ (15,876,966) $ 24,096,825
FY2025 $ 24,096,825 $ 9,200,000 $ 7,800,000 $ (1,396,825) $ (19,200,000) $ 20,500,000
Notes: The table above shows the factors that drive the annual certification of free cash. The FY2025 value is an estimate and has not
been certified by the Department of Revenue.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 4-C: Free Cash History 23 November 20, 2025
Table 5-A: Revenue Offsets
Revenue Offset Category FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected
Cherry Sheet Assessments $ (990,747) $ (1,048,843) $ (1,003,631) $ (981,462) $ (1,112,390) $ (1,264,133) $ (1,116,126)
Cherry Sheet Offset - Public Libraries $ (63,823) $ (53,560) $ (77,628) $ (82,531) $ (91,318) $ (89,563) $ (94,514)
Overlay (abatements)$ (750,000) $ (900,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000) $ (750,000)
Snow Deficit $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (400,000)
Total Revenue Offsets $ (1,804,570) $ (2,002,403) $ (1,831,259) $ (1,813,993) $ (1,953,708) $ (2,103,696) $ (2,360,640)
Notes: FY2027 Cherry Sheet Assessments reflect level funding from FY2026 assessments. $400,000 was set-aside for a snow deficit in FY2025, but was
ultimately not needed and therefore re-allocated at the recent Fall Special Town meeting.
Table 6-A: Enterprise Receipts
Enterprise Fund FY2021 Actual FY2022 Actual FY2023 Actual FY2024 Actual FY2025 Actual 2026 Estimated 2027 Projected
Water $ 930,001 $ 918,245 $ 977,093 $ 1,011,340 $ 968,301 $ 1,002,244 $ 1,091,745
Wastewater (Sewer)$ 541,663 $ 514,111 $ 542,416 $ 588,040 $ 596,525 $ 614,684 $ 627,572
Recreation & Community Programs $ 277,771 $ — $ 286,104 $ 294,687 $ 308,991 $ 318,261 $ 327,808
Total Enterprise Receipts $ 1,749,435 $ 1,432,356 $ 1,805,613 $ 1,894,067 $ 1,873,817 $ 1,935,189 $ 2,047,125
Notes: FY2027 amount for initial projections for Enterprise Indirect charges (General Fund revenue) are current estimates. Final figures may vary slightly
compared to this placeholder amount as Finance Dept. staff complete a detailed analysis.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Tables 5 and 6: Revenue Offsets and Enterprise Receipts 24 November 20, 2025
Table 7-A: Revenues Set-Aside for Designated Purposes
Revenue Set-Asides FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 Projected
Set-Aside for as yet to be identified needs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,700,158 $ 1,000,000
Set-Aside for Unanticipated Current Fiscal Year Needs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 200,000 $ 250,000
Appropriate from Capital Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Support of Community Center Program (Transfer to Article 12)$ 618,916 $ 509,215 $ 242,790 $ 256,675 $ 272,708 $ 254,213 $ 268,334
Appropriate into Capital Stabilization Fund $ — $ 3,787,974 $ 4,394,724 $ 4,432,518 $ 8,399,172 $ 7,497,832 $ 6,580,908
Appropriate into Transportation Demand Management Stabilization Fund $ — $ 200,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Cash Capital $ 4,775,531 $ 6,806,505 $ 11,049,906 $ 13,299,438 $ 13,769,698 $ 16,542,946 $ 16,720,279
Cash Capital - Non-General Fund $ 193,504 $ 464,126 $ 311,824 $ 129,685 $ 168,234 $ 18,043 $ 22,950
Other Post-Employment Benefit Liability (OPEB)$ 750,000 $ 1,879,721 $ 1,929,721 $ 1,979,721 $ 2,029,721 $ 2,079,721 $ 2,129,721
Special Education Stabilization Fund $ — $ — $ — $ 500,000 $ — $ — $ —
Special Education Reserve $ — $ — $ — $ 750,000 $ — $ 700,000 $ —
Street Improvement Program $ 2,634,022 $ 2,651,674 $ 2,669,767 $ 2,688,312 $ 2,707,321 $ 2,726,806 $ 2,746,777
Building Envelope Program $ 208,962 $ 214,186 $ 219,540 $ 225,029 $ 230,655 $ 236,421 $ 242,332
Senior Tax Work-Off Program $ — $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ — $ 15,000 $ — $ —
Opioid Settlement Programs $ — $ — $ — $ 225,108 $ 187,927 $ — $ —
Other $ — $ 150,000 $ 125,570 $ — $ 500,000 $ 24,000 $ —
Total Set Asides for Designated Uses $ 9,180,935 $ 16,678,401 $ 20,958,842 $ 24,486,486 $ 28,280,436 $ 35,180,140 $ 29,961,301
*In FY2020, FY2021 and FY2023 $700K was set aside to eliminate Free Cash from the Operating Budget- those funds were used for Cash Capital, and is
captured in that total amount. Beginning in FY2023 the Town received funds associated with national opioid settlement agreements. These funds were
originally appropriated in the General Fund, but beginning in FY2025 these funds may be set-aside for their designated purpose and spent without further
appropriation.
Town of Lexington - FY2027 Revenue Projections
Table 7-A: Revenue Set-Asides 25 November 20, 2025
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I
Indicator Analysis:
Fiscal Years 2016 –2025
November 20, 2025
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I –November 20, 2025
Introduction 1
Indicator Analysis
Indicator Summary 2
Consumer Price Index 3
I.1 Revenues 4
I.2 State Aid 5
I.3 Revenues Related to Economic Growth 6
I.4 Property Tax Revenues 7
I.5 Uncollected Property Taxes 8
I.6 Expenditures per Department 9
I.7 Personnel Costs 10
I.8 Employee Benefits 11
I.9 Retirement 12
I.10a Pension Liability 13
I.10b OPEB Liability 14
I.11 Debt Service 15
I.12 Long-Term Debt 16
I.13 Reserves and Fund Balance 17
I.14 School Enrollment 18
This packet of information includes an evaluation of the fiscal health of the Town of Lexington presented through a series of indicators. Town staff have
compiled 16 indicators, and where appropriate, comparative benchmarks to assist policy makers in evaluating the Town’s financial condition and
prepare for the FY2027 Budget development process.
The indicators were developed using recognized metrics from professional organizations including the International City/County Management
Association (ICMA), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Moody’s Investor’s Service; and data from the Town of Lexington, the
Massachusetts Department of Revenue, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Lexington’s overall financial condition remains sound, and current fiscal years are experiencing new trends.
•Inflationary pressures had a pronounced impact on revenues and expenses in recent years but have eased in the last two years as indicated in
constant dollar trends. Future increases in inflation will result in pressure on compensation and operating expenses.
•Revenues related to economic growth such as motor vehicle excise, hotel/motel and meals taxes have been stable since dipping during pandemic
years. Interest income has been strong due to elevated interest rates coupled with a robust fund balance. Permit revenue is beginning to benefit from
residential growth driven by MBTA zoning. This trend follows several years of significant commercial growth in industrial life science developments.
•State Aid as a percent of operating revenues was on a slight, but steady decline since 2018 when the Town reached foundation budget, then
benefited from a significant increase in FY2024 due to the Chapter 70 (education) funding formula. School aid is expected to experience minimum
per student increases for future years.
•Trends in school enrollment were volatile during the pandemic. Overall enrollment has dropped significantly since peak levels.
•Increases in staffing and labor costs have driven the increase in operating expenses in recent years. These pressures coupled with conservative
trends in actuarial assumptions are driving up the Town’s unfunded pension and OPEB liabilities. Future increases in staffing levels and cost of living
increases will further impact the pension funding schedule.
•Lexington’s Health Insurance spending as a percentage of employee wages is beginning to increase after a mostly stable decade. Market indicators
point to insurance costs continuing to increase faster than revenues and wages in the coming years.
•Debt service has leveled or is beginning to decline, and overall ratios of debt as a percentage of valuation continues to improve. This trend is the
result of long-term planning and is expected to reverse if the project to replace Lexington High School moves forward.
•The Town has continued to grow reserves both in Stabilization Fund set-asides and free cash. These reserves will begin to draw-down if the project
to replace Lexington High School moves forward.
The financial metrics in this report highlight the Town’s strong financial position and prudent fiscal management. Though management foresee multiple
pressures on the horizon, Lexington is expected to maintain its Aaa credit rating.
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Indicator Summary 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
I.1 Revenues F F/M M F F
I.2 State Aid M M M F F
I.3 Revenues Related to Economic Growth F/M F/M F F F
I.4 Property Tax Revenues F F F/M F F
I.5 Uncollected Property Taxes F F F F F
I.6 Expenditures per Department M M M F F
I.7 Personnel Costs F/M F F M M
I.8 Employee Benefits M F M F M/U
I.9 Retirement Participants M M F M M
I.10a Pension Liability U U M M F
I.10b OPEB Liability F U M M M
I.11 Debt Service M F F F F
I.11a Projected Exempt Debt Service F/M F/M F F F
I.12 Long-Term Debt F F F F F
I.13 Reserves and Fund Balance F F/M F F F
I.14a School Enrollment F/M F/M F F F
Chart Key
U –
Unfavorable
M –
Marginal
F/M –
Favorable/Marginal
F –
Favorable
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH All Items, Not seasonally adjusted
* Complete data for 2025 has not yet been reported. Numbers reflect BLS CPI-U data for January – July 2025. While inflation appears to be
easing based on this data, staff feel the current economy is volatile and future conditions may change rapidly.
Year (1982-64 = 100)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025*
Average Consumer Price Index 260.496 267.033 275.815 281.082 284.266 293.521 314.356 326.016 336.376 346.856
Average 12-Month % Change 1.5%2.5%3.3%1.9%1.1%3.3%7.1%3.7%3.2%3.2%
260.496 267.033 275.815 281.082 284.266 293.521
314.356 326.016 336.376 346.856
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025*
Average Consumer Price Index
1.5%
2.5%
3.3%
1.9%
1.1%
3.3%
7.1%
3.7%3.2%3.2%
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025*
Average 12-Month % Change
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Revenue growth is one measure of the Town's ability to maintain existing service levels. For the past decade
revenue growth across all categories has been positive and relatively steady. However, higher inflation from 2021-2024 had a negative impact on revenue growth in constant dollars which puts pressure on the operating
budget. Fiscal years 2024-2025 indicate inflation is slowing. Revenue is trending back up, though the FY2024
increase was largely driven by a substantial increase in Chapter 70 State Aid, and 2023-2025 benefited from significant amounts of interest income.
Indicator 1: Revenues
A decrease in net operating revenues (constant dollars) is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
2.24%2.65%2.44%1.91%2.23%
0.06%
-1.61%
3.27%3.45%
4.71%
-3.00%
-2.00%
-1.00%
0.00%
1.00%
2.00%
3.00%
4.00%
5.00%
6.00%
7.00%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Percent Change - Net Operating Revenues (constant dollars)
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
10-year
Change
Gross Operating Revenue/Transfers 193,583$ 203,261$ 214,544$ 223,563$ 232,588$ 241,503$ 255,071$ 273,437$ 287,575$ 303,502$ 56.8%
Less: Exempt Debt Service 8,325$ 8,330$ 8,293$ 9,360$ 11,128$ 12,685$ 13,948$ 15,208$ 16,312$ 16,592$ 99.3%
Net Operating Revenues 185,258$ 194,931$ 206,251$ 214,203$ 221,460$ 228,818$ 241,123$ 258,229$ 271,264$ 286,910$ 54.9%
Percent Change from prior year (net)4.37%5.22%5.81%3.86%3.39%3.32%5.38%7.09%5.05%5.77%32.1%
10-Year Average Change
CPI-U, prior calendar year 260.5 267.0 275.8 281.1 284.3 293.5 314.4 326.0 336.4 346.9
CPI-U, adjustment to constant dollars 96.41%94.05%91.05%89.35%88.35%85.56%79.89%77.04%75.86%75.10%
Net Operating Revenues (constant dollars)$178,603 $183,328 $187,799 $191,385 $195,652 $195,779 $192,633 $198,930 $205,788 $215,475 20.6%
Percent Change from prior year (net)2.24%2.65%2.44%1.91%2.23%0.06%-1.61%3.27%3.45%4.71%
10-Year Average Change
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
On a constant dollar basis, State Aid increased steadily from FY2016-18, largely due to increased Education Aid. This time period reflects the state’s efforts to meet its minimum financing requirements (Foundation Budget) under the Chapter 70 formula. The state funding requirement was met in FY2018, and the Town subsequently received the annual minimum aid per student each year until FY2024. In 2024 changes in enrollment and inflation in per student costs caused the Town to fall below the target Foundation Budget which resulted in a large increase in our Chapter 70 Aid. Staff expect that going forward we will continue to receive the minimum aid per student as was seen from FY2018-2023.
While the Town does not rely heavily on increasing State Aid, reductions in State funding may still be difficult to manage. In order to protect itself, the Town has a contingency plan for reductions in State Aid. Since 2006, the Town has been funding reserves capable of offsetting cyclical downturns in State Aid and Local Receipts.
Indicator 2: State Aid
Reduced State Aid as a percentage of operating revenues is considered a warning indicator, particularly if the Town does not have adequate reserves to offset reductions.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
6.22%
6.80%
7.61%7.45%7.32%7.06%6.81%6.58%
7.20%7.10%
5.50%
6.00%
6.50%
7.00%
7.50%
8.00%
8.50%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
State Aid as % of Operating Revenue
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
10-year
Change
Cherry Sheet Revenues $11,527 $13,262 $15,689 $15,963 $16,204 $16,158 $16,432 $16,991 $19,535 $20,361 76.63%
Less: School Building Reimbursements $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0.00%
Net State Aid Revenues $11,527 $13,262 $15,689 $15,963 $16,204 $16,158 $16,432 $16,991 $19,535 $20,361 76.63%
Net Operating Revenues $185,258 $194,931 $206,251 $214,203 $221,460 $228,818 $241,123 $258,229 $271,264 $286,910 54.87%
State Aid as % of Operating Revenues 6.22%6.80%7.61%7.45%7.32%7.06%6.81%6.58%7.20%7.10%
CPI-U, prior calendar year 260.5 267.0 275.8 281.1 284.3 293.5 314.4 326.0 336.4 346.9
CPI-U, adjustment for constant dollars 96.41%94.05%91.05%89.35%88.35%85.56%79.89%77.04%75.86%75.10%
State Aid Revenues (constant dollars)$11,113 $12,473 $14,285 $14,263 $14,316 $13,825 $13,128 $13,089 $14,820 $15,291 37.60%
% change from prior year (constant dollars)1.90%12.24%14.53%-0.16%0.37%-3.43%-5.04%-0.29%13.22%3.18%
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Economic growth revenues are responsive to changes in the economy. A balance between growth and other (non-economic growth) revenues mitigates the effects of economic growth or decline. During a recession, a high percentage of non-economic growth revenue is an advantage. During a slowing economy, the Town should maintain sufficient reserves to protect
against slowing revenue growth. An increase in building permit fees may also be a leading indicator of future increases in the tax levy.
The Town’s economic revenues have largely recovered from declines experienced during the pandemic. Building permit revenue has been exceptionally strong the last several years
driven by commercial development, particularly life science buildings. This trend is expected to slow going forward as the life science real estate market has become saturated and is experiencing low occupancy rates.
Indicator 3: Revenues Related to Economic Growth
Decreasing economic growth revenues, as a percentage of net operating revenues, is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
6.14%
6.54%
6.21%
5.94%5.83%
6.12%
5.88%
7.64%
5.93%
6.58%
5.50%
6.00%
6.50%
7.00%
7.50%
8.00%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Economic Growth Revenues as % of Operating Revenues
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
10-year
Change
Net Operating Revenues (constant dollars)$178,603 $183,328 $187,799 $191,385 $195,652 $195,779 $192,633 $198,930 $205,788 $215,475 20.64%
Building-Related Fees & Permits 2,298$ 2,547$ 2,689$ 2,392$ 2,690$ 3,156$ 2,777$ 5,840$ 2,865$ 4,252$ 85.04%
Motor Vehicle Excise (MVE)4,953$ 5,350$ 5,396$ 5,649$ 5,383$ 5,335$ 5,330$ 5,846$ 6,142$ 6,606$ 33.38%
Hotel/Motel Local Excise 952$ 1,056$ 903$ 948$ 802$ 357$ 614$ 719$ 842$ 698$ -26.64%
Meals Local Excise 497$ 482$ 457$ 472$ 438$ 305$ 472$ 469$ 510$ 553$ 11.19%
Levy Growth from New Residential Construction 1,713$ 1,858$ 1,909$ 2,023$ 1,699$ 1,973$ 1,877$ 2,340$ 1,971$ 2,254$ 31.57%
Levy Growth from New Industrial/Commercial Growth 215$ 508$ 744$ 481$ 794$ 1,639$ 1,767$ 2,657$ 2,143$ 3,061$ 1320.64%
Levy Growth from Personal Property 744$ 943$ 705$ 767$ 1,116$ 1,241$ 1,337$ 1,860$ 1,610$ 1,460$ 96.32%
Total: Ecomomic Growth Revenues 11,372$ 12,745$ 12,801$ 12,731$ 12,922$ 14,006$ 14,174$ 19,731$ 16,082$ 18,884$ 66.05%
CPI-U, prior calendar year 260.5 267.0 275.8 281.1 284.3 293.5 314.4 326.0 336.4 346.9
CPI-U adjustment for constant dollars 96.41%94.05%91.05%89.35%88.35%85.56%79.89%77.04%75.86%75.10%
Revenues related to Economic Growth (constant dollars)10,964$ 11,986$ 11,656$ 11,375$ 11,416$ 11,984$ 11,323$ 15,200$ 12,200$ 14,182$ 29.36%
Economic Growth Revenues as % of Operating Revenues (constant dollars)6.14%6.54%6.21%5.94%5.83%6.12%5.88%7.64%5.93%6.58%
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Property tax revenues are analyzed separately because they are the Town's primary revenue source for both operating and capital spending. Increases due to operating overrides should be
noted for their impact on taxpayers' ability to pay. Lexington has seen consistent growth in property tax revenues since 2016, however the increase in inflation in FY2021-23 slowed growth in
constant dollars. The final row reflects the consistently strong tax collections from Lexington residents, which indicates their ability to pay. This rate has remained strong, even during fiscal downturns.
Indicator 4: Property Tax RevenueIndicator 5: Uncollected Property Taxes
A decline in property tax revenues (constant dollars) is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
$149,191
$152,222
$154,183
$158,003
$163,284
$166,270
$163,158
$166,543 $172,462 $180,030
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
$180,000
$200,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Net Property Tax Revenues (constant dollars)
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
10-year
Change
Property Tax Levy and CPA Surcharge 167,241$ 174,655$ 182,287$ 191,006$ 201,055$ 212,415$ 223,876$ 237,346$ 249,916$ 263,256$ 57.41%
Less: Exempt Debt Service, net of mitigation 8,325$ 8,330$ 8,293$ 9,360$ 11,128$ 12,685$ 13,948$ 15,208$ 16,312$ 16,592$ 99.30%
Less: CPA Surcharge 4,166$ 4,469$ 4,662$ 4,805$ 5,105$ 5,400$ 5,700$ 5,950$ 6,270$ 6,950$ 66.83%
Net Property Tax Revenues 154,750$ 161,856$ 169,332$ 176,841$ 184,822$ 194,330$ 204,228$ 216,187$ 227,334$ 239,714$ 54.90%
CPI-U, prior calendar year 260.5 267.0 275.8 281.1 284.3 293.5 314.4 326.0 336.4 346.9
CPI-U, adjustment for constant dollars 96.41%94.05%91.05%89.35%88.35%85.56%79.89%77.04%75.86%75.10%
Property Tax Revenues (constant dollars)149,191$ 152,222$ 154,183$ 158,003$ 163,284$ 166,270$ 163,158$ 166,543$ 172,462$ 180,030$ 20.67%
Percent Increase over Prior Year 2.28%2.03%1.29%2.48%3.34%1.83%-1.87%2.07%3.55%4.39%
Uncollected Taxes as a Percentage of Net
Property Tax Levy 0.59%0.77%-0.09%0.63%0.13%0.16%-0.27%0.20%-0.03%0.28%
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Increasing departmental operating expenditures may indicate that the cost of providing services is exceeding the Town's ability to
pay, or that the demographics of the Town are changing, requiring increased spending in related services.
The significant decrease in FY2022-FY2023 was driven by the change in constant dollars, which signifies an increase in inflation.
This short-term trend reverses in FY2024 as inflation is easing and expenses are leveling.
Indicator 6: Expenditures Per Department
Increasing operating expenditures, in constant dollars, may be a warning indicator if increases are the result of fixed or unsustainable costs.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
1.29%
2.83%
2.50%
3.71%
1.88%2.12%
-2.86%
0.88%
4.13%3.86%
-4.00%
1.00%
6.00%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
% Change - Total Operating Expenditures
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Education 90,455$ 96,728$ 101,433$ 108,677$ 112,079$ 118,138$ 123,951$ 128,462$ 138,106$ 143,831$ $53,376 59.01%
Shared Expenses (Benefits, Debt)36,088$ 38,146$ 41,654$ 43,082$ 45,514$ 47,784$ 48,011$ 49,509$ 51,019$ 54,644$ $18,556 51.42%
Public Works 8,637$ 9,055$ 9,236$ 9,750$ 9,475$ 10,486$ 10,704$ 11,573$ 11,788$ 13,211$ $4,574 52.96%
Public Facilities 9,821$ 10,092$ 10,171$ 10,666$ 11,095$ 11,050$ 12,202$ 12,836$ 13,943$ 14,528$ $4,706 47.92%
Public Safety 13,290$ 12,975$ 14,948$ 14,795$ 14,905$ 15,554$ 16,053$ 17,383$ 18,078$ 18,947$ $5,657 42.57%
Library 2,394$ 2,485$ 2,471$ 2,675$ 2,736$ 2,725$ 3,019$ 3,345$ 3,367$ 3,507$ $1,113 46.49%
Human Services 1,125$ 1,066$ 1,115$ 1,229$ 1,243$ 1,294$ 1,216$ 1,481$ 1,539$ 1,378$ $253 22.49%
Land Use/ Development (including Health)1,969$ 2,091$ 2,186$ 2,092$ 2,156$ 2,245$ 2,347$ 2,582$ 2,668$ 2,716$ $747 37.92%
General Government 5,133$ 5,417$ 5,295$ 6,275$ 6,074$ 7,184$ 7,682$ 8,419$ 8,607$ 8,581$ $3,449 67.19%
Total Operating Expenditure 168,911$ 178,054$ 188,509$ 199,242$ 205,278$ 216,461$ 225,185$ 235,591$ 249,115$ 261,342$ $92,431 54.72%
CPI-U, 2000 base year 260.5 267.0 275.8 281.1 284.3 293.5 314.4 326.0 336.4 346.9
CPI-U, adjustment for constant dollars 96.41%94.05%91.05%89.35%88.35%85.56%79.89%77.04%75.86%75.10%
Total Operating Expenditure (constant collars)162,844$ 167,456$ 171,644$ 178,018$ 181,355$ 185,206$ 179,901$ 181,491$ 188,985$ 196,273$ $33,429 20.53%
Percent Change from prior years 1.29%2.83%2.50%3.71%1.88%2.12%-2.86%0.88%4.13%3.86%
10-year Average Change $3,342.94 2.05%
10-year Change ($ | %)
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – – November 20, 2025
Increasing salaries and wages as a percent of operating expenditures may be an indicator of two trends: First, it may point to future pension and health insurance costs since both of
these items are related to the number and compensation level of employees. The increases from FY2023-2024 are the result in increases in headcount and salaries due to collective bargaining agreements, both of which will add to future pension and insurance costs. Second, this trend may be an indicator of deferred maintenance of the Town's infrastructure. The
Town has diligently invested an increasing amount of capital funding to building and infrastructure projects over the last 10 years, a positive indication that the Town is not sacrificing
capital and maintenance in order to fund personnel.
Indicator 7: Personnel Costs
Increasing personnel costs as a percentage of total spending is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
10-year
Change
Operating Expenditures 168,911$ 178,054$ 188,509$ 199,242$ 205,278$ 216,461$ 225,185$ 235,591$ 248,371$ 256,732$ 51.99%
Total Municipal Wages 23,001$ 23,290$ 25,141$ 25,133$ 25,703$ 27,461$ 28,038$ 29,677$ 31,533$ 32,682$ 42.09%
School Wages 76,126$ 81,058$ 85,201$ 90,272$ 94,476$ 96,807$ 101,248$ 106,157$ 114,299$ 123,343$ 62.02%
Public Facilities Wages 4,768$ 5,139$ 5,200$ 5,348$ 5,673$ 5,588$ 5,967$ 5,976$ 6,451$ 6,771$ 42.02%
Benefits 28,597$ 30,377$ 31,155$ 31,048$ 34,516$ 35,996$ 37,266$ 40,827$ 42,880$ 47,337$ 65.53%
Total Wage & Benefit Costs 132,492$ 139,864$ 146,698$ 151,800$ 160,369$ 165,853$ 172,518$ 182,637$ 195,164$ 210,134$ 58.60%
Salaries & Wages as % of
Operating Expenditures 61.5%61.5%61.3%60.6%61.3%60.0%60.1%60.2%61.3%63.4%
Benefits as % of Operating
Expenditures 16.9%17.1%16.5%15.6%16.8%16.6%16.5%17.3%17.3%18.4%
Total Wage & Benefit Costs as
% of Operating Expenditures 78.4%78.6%77.8%76.2%78.1%76.6%76.6%77.5%78.6%81.8%
61.5%61.5%61.3%60.6%61.3%60.0%60.1%60.2%61.3%63.4%
16.9%17.1%16.5%15.6%16.8%16.6%16.5%17.3%17.3%18.4%
78.4%78.6%77.8%76.2%78.1%76.6%76.6%77.5%78.6%81.8%
0.0%
50.0%
100.0%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Total Personnel Costs as a Percentage of Operating Expenses
Salaries & Wages as % of Operating Expenditures Benefits as % of Operating Expenditures Total Wage & Benefit Costs as % of Operating Expenditures
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – – November 20, 2025
Employee benefits represent a significant share of the Town's operating costs. Lexington’s Health Insurance spending as a percentage of employee wages is beginning to increase after
a mostly stable decade since joining the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) in 2013. Market indicators point to insurance costs increasing faster than revenues and wages in the coming years.
In FY2023 the Town made a supplemental appropriation into the Pension fund of $1,060,000 from an unanticipated personal property tax revenue from one of the Town’s top
commercial taxpayers. A policy decision was made to continue to appropriate that ongoing annual revenue to the pension fund in future years. This supplemental funding has helped maintain the Town’s target funding schedule. For further explanation of the increase in the Pension Assessment, please see Indicator 10.
Indicator 8: Employee Benefits
Increasing employee benefit costs as a percentage of wages and salaries is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
21.9%22.1%21.3%21.0%21.5%21.8%21.9%21.8%21.2%22.1%
5.0%5.0%4.9%4.9%5.0%5.2%5.5%6.5%6.6%6.6%
26.9%27.1%26.3%26.0%26.6%27.0%27.4%28.3%27.8%28.7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Health Insurance and Retirement Benefits as a Percentage of Wages & Salaries
Health Insurance Benefits as a % of Wages & Salaries Pension Assessment as a % of Wages & Salaries Total Benefits as % of Wages
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 10-year Change
Health Insurance Benefits 22,758$ 24,223$ 24,646$ 25,404$ 27,079$ 28,362$ 29,568$ 30,864$ 32,347$ 36,048$ 58.4%
Pension Assessment 5,199$ 5,457$ 5,713$ 5,955$ 6,350$ 6,695$ 7,426$ 9,219$ 9,985$ 10,743$ 106.6%
Wages & Salaries - Municipal 23,001$ 23,290$ 25,141$ 25,133$ 25,703$ 27,461$ 28,038$ 29,677$ 31,533$ 32,682$ 42.1%
Wages & Salaries - Schools 76,126$ 81,058$ 85,201$ 90,272$ 94,476$ 96,807$ 101,248$ 106,157$ 114,299$ 123,343$ 62.0%
Wages & Salaries - Public Facilities 4,768$ 5,139$ 5,200$ 5,348$ 5,673$ 5,588$ 5,967$ 5,976$ 6,451$ 6,771$ 42.0%
Total Wages & Salaries 103,895$ 109,488$ 115,542$ 120,752$ 125,852$ 129,857$ 135,253$ 141,810$ 152,284$ 162,797$ 56.7%
Health Insurance Benefits as a %
of Wages & Salaries 21.9%22.1%21.3%21.0%21.5%21.8%21.9%21.8%21.2%22.1%
Pension Assessment as a % of
Wages & Salaries 5.0%5.0%4.9%4.9%5.0%5.2%5.5%6.5%6.6%6.6%
Benefits as % of Wages 26.9%27.1%26.3%26.0%26.6%27.0%27.4%28.3%27.8%28.7%
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – – November 20, 2025
Lexington has an aggressive approach to funding its pension liabilities and has implemented a plan to
begin to slowly fund its post-employment health liabilities. The increasing number of active participants
and retirees places pressure on the health insurance budget and retirement funds. This data set
should be read together with those in Indicators 10A and 10B.
Indicator 9: Retirement Participants
An increase in retirement system participants, without fully funding the associated post-retirement health costs, is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
705 723 734 750 763 755 744 761 758 795
419 440 455 456 458 465 462 467 467 476
792 811 838 862 921 876 930 832 914 830
541 553 554 550 563 572 593 584 578 582
2457 2527 2581 2618 2705 2668 2729 2644 2717 2683
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Participants in Lexington & Teachers Retirement Systems
Active Participants Number of Retirees Active Teachers Number of Retired Teachers Total
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
In 2021 the Lexington Retirement Board lowered the discount rate from 7.5% to 7.25%, resulting in an increase in
the total actuarial liability. Further lowering the discount rate will increase the unfunded liability and have a
negative impact on the Systems funded percentage.
As of January 1, 2025, the actuarial valuation of assets of the Lexington Retirement System was $262.3 million
and the System was 88.52% funded. At the current level of annual appropriations, Lexington is projected to fully fund its pension system in 2030.
Indicator 10a: Pension Liability
An unfunded pension liability or increase in the unfunded liability is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
88.40%90.80%88.84%
78.33%82.32%85.34%87.16%
80.45%76.61%82.27%
88.52%
50.00%
55.00%
60.00%
65.00%
70.00%
75.00%
80.00%
85.00%
90.00%
95.00%
100.00%
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
1/1/2006 7/1/2008 1/1/2010 1/1/2012 1/1/2014 1/1/2016 1/1/2018 1/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2023 1/1/2025
Percent of Pension Liability Funded
Pension Assets Pension Liability (unfunded)Percent Funded
Actuarial Date 1/1/2006 7/1/2008 1/1/2010 1/1/2012 1/1/2014 1/1/2016 1/1/2018 1/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2023 1/1/2025
Total Liability 111,724$ 125,412$ 133,456$ 154,907$ 158,135$ 169,564$ 188,161$ 222,082$ 253,300$ 269,155$ 296,288$
Pension Assets 98,759$ 113,880$ 118,559$ 121,340$ 130,169$ 144,700$ 164,000$ 178,655$ 194,047$ 221,429$ 262,274$
Pension Liability (unfunded)12,965$ 11,532$ 14,897$ 33,567$ 27,966$ 24,865$ 24,162$ 43,427$ 59,253$ 47,726$ 34,014$
Percent Funded 88.40%90.80%88.84%78.33%82.32%85.34%87.16%80.45%76.61%82.27%88.52%
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Since 2011, Lexington has made consistent contributions towards its Other Post-Employment Benefits
(OPEB) liability, primarily consisting of retiree healthcare premiums.
In 2021 the assumption for the discount rate was decreased from 7.5% to 6.25%, resulting in an increase
in the total OPEB Liability. There are no further reductions anticipated in this assumption. In long-term
financial planning, the Town begins funding this obligation more aggressively once the pension obligation has been fully funded.
Indicator 10b: OPEB Liability
An unfunded OPEB liability or increase in the unfunded liability is considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
Actuarial Date (Dollars in ,000's)6/30/2006 6/30/2009 6/30/2011 6/30/2013 6/30/2015 6/30/2017 6/30/2019 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 6/30/2022 6/30/2023 6/30/2024
OPEB Liability 255,440$ 266,099$ 306,301$ 131,406$ 195,460$ 143,680$ 137,586$ 145,831$ 266,296$ 246,534$ 268,218$ 265,620$
Plan Assets/Net Position -$ 840$ 2,000$ 3,069$ 5,799$ 9,870$ 15,774$ 18,466$ 24,058$ 23,554$ 27,826$ 34,129$
Net OPEB Liability 255,440$ 265,259$ 304,301$ 128,337$ 189,662$ 133,810$ 121,812$ 127,365$ 242,238$ 222,980$ 240,392$ 231,491$
Percent Funded 0.00%0.32%0.65%2.34%2.97%6.87%11.46%12.66%9.03%9.55%10.37%12.85%
0.00%0.32%0.65%2.34%2.97%6.87%11.46%12.66%9.03%9.55%10.37%12.85%
0.00%
20.00%
40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
100.00%
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
6/30/2006 6/30/2009 6/30/2011 6/30/2013 6/30/2015 6/30/2017 6/30/2019 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 6/30/2022 6/30/2023 6/30/2024
Lexington OPEB Fund - Assets and Percent Funded
Plan Assets/Net Position Net OPEB Liability Percent Funded
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
Over the last 20 years, Lexington has invested extensively in capital projects, including reconstruction and renovations at all 9 schools, municipal buildings such as Public Works and the Fire
Headquarters, and continuing programs for street reconstruction, storm water management, recreational facilities and equipment replacement. Many of these projects were funded through the successful passage of debt exclusion votes by residents (see Indicator 12). In the last 5 years the Town has favored the investment of available cash into ongoing capital programs, and has
used debt financing sparingly for within-levy capital projects. Net within-levy debt (Row G) will continue to fluctuate depending upon the short-term capital needs of the community.
Indicator 11: Debt Service
Debt Service exceeding 10 percent of operating revenues is considered a warning indicator by credit rating agencies.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 10-yr Change
A. Gross Exempt Debt Service 8,540$ 8,330$ 10,793$ 13,860$ 16,328$ 17,285$ 16,748$ 16,008$ 16,812$ 16,592$ 94.3%
B. Mitigation - Exempt Debt 215$ 2,500$ 4,500$ 5,200$ 4,600$ 2,800$ 800$ 500$ -$ -100.0%
C. Net Exempt Debt Service (A - B)8,325$ 8,330$ 8,293$ 9,360$ 11,128$ 12,685$ 13,948$ 15,208$ 16,312$ 16,592$ 99.3%
D. Within Levy Debt Service 6,730$ 7,038$ 9,378$ 10,838$ 9,557$ 10,372$ 10,360$ 7,163$ 6,526$ 5,508$ -18.2%
E. Mitigation - Within Levy Debt 621$ 710$ 325$ 574$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
F. Land Purchase Note Pay-Down -$ -$ 2,351$ 3,050$ 2,235$ 2,403$ 2,339$ -$ -$ -$
G. Net Within Levy Debt (D - E - F)6,109$ 6,328$ 6,702$ 7,214$ 7,322$ 7,969$ 8,021$ 7,163$ 6,526$ 5,508$ -9.8%
Total Net Debt Service (C + G)14,434$ 14,658$ 14,995$ 16,574$ 18,450$ 20,654$ 21,969$ 22,371$ 22,838$ 22,100$ 53.1%
Commercial/Industrial Share of Net Debt Service 2,981$ 2,975$ 2,980$ 3,289$ 3,686$ 4,238$ 4,983$ 5,221$ 5,282$ 5,253$ 76.2%
Residential Share of Total Net Debt Service 11,453$ 11,683$ 12,015$ 13,285$ 14,764$ 16,416$ 16,986$ 17,151$ 17,555$ 16,847$ 47.1%
General Fund Revenue 193,583$ 203,261$ 214,544$ 223,563$ 232,588$ 241,503$ 255,071$ 273,437$ 287,575$ 303,502$ 56.8%
Net Debt Service as % of Revenue 5.92%5.75%5.60%5.94%6.35%6.80%6.66%6.27%6.10%5.55%-6.2%
Households 10,195 10,227 10,285 10,323 10,339 10,373 10,394 10,422 10,428 10,425 2.3%
Total Net Debt Service per Household 1,123$ 1,142$ 1,168$ 1,287$ 1,428$ 1,583$ 1,634$ 1,646$ 1,683$ 1,616$ 43.9%
5.92%5.75%5.60%
5.94%
6.35%
6.80%6.66%
6.27%6.10%
5.55%
4.50%
5.00%
5.50%
6.00%
6.50%
7.00%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Net Debt Service as % of General Fund Revenue
$1,123
$1,142
$1,168
$1,287
$1,428
$1,583
$1,634
$1,646
$1,683
$1,616
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
$2,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Residential Share: Total Net Debt Service per Household
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
These financial indicators are evaluated by the credit rating agencies as measures of a
community's debt burden as well as its level of investment in capital assets. On both measures, Lexington has a strong profile.
Note that the increases in long-term debt per household from FY2016-20 and FY2023 are the result of voter-approved exempt debt which financed the renovation, construction and
reconstruction of several school buildings and the Town’s Fire Station and Police Station.
Indicator 12: Long-Term Debt
Overall debt exceeding 10 percent of assessed valuation is considered a warning indicator by credit rating agencies.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
$10,998
$13,759 $16,465
$19,864 $20,489 $18,795 $18,529 $20,092 $19,126 $17,349
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Long-Term Debt per Household
1.12%1.33%1.51%
1.72%1.68%1.51%1.37%1.33%1.13%0.98%
0.00%
0.50%
1.00%
1.50%
2.00%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Long-Term Debt as % of Assessed Valuation
Fiscal Year (Dollars in ,000s)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
10-year
Change
Outstanding Principal (all funds)112,128$ 140,718$ 169,343$ 205,053$ 211,832$ 194,961$ 192,588$ 209,399$ 199,446$ 180,863$ 61%
Assessed Valuation 10,048,548$ 10,589,457$ 11,227,301$ 11,922,400$ 12,598,348$ 12,952,769$ 14,044,935$ 15,745,187$ 17,618,170$ 18,487,763$ 84%
Long-Term Debt as a % of Assessed Valuation 1.12%1.33%1.51%1.72%1.68%1.51%1.37%1.33%1.13%0.98%-12%
Households 10,195 10,227 10,285 10,323 10,339 10,373 10,394 10,422 10,428 10,425 2%
Long-Term Debt per Household $10,998 $13,759 $16,465 $19,864 $20,489 $18,795 $18,529 $20,092 $19,126 $17,349 58%
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
The Town of Lexington has several types of reserves, and has strengthened its reserve position by transferring free cash into the General and Capital Stabilization Funds. This adds financial
flexibility to the Town's operations and provides a buffer against economic downturns. The Capital Stabilization Fund has declined in recent years in accordance with a long-term plan to mitigate Exempt Debt Service, but a new Capital Stabilization Framework was developed to rebuild this increase this fund going forward.
Indicator 13: Reserve and Fund Balance
Declining reserves as a percentage of operating revenues is a warning indicator. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends an undesignated fund balance totaling 2 months of operating revenues (16.67%).
Lexington
Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
22.55%24.29%26.04%24.51%24.92%21.61%21.52%21.98%25.95%26.92%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Reserves as % of Net Operating Revenue
Free Cash as % of Net Operating Revenues General Stab Fund as % of Net Operating Rev Capital Stab Fund as % of Net Operating Rev
All Other Stab Funds as % of Net Oper Rev Total Reserves as % of Net Operating Revenues
As of June 30th (Dollars in ,000's)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 10-yr Change
Undesignated Fund Balance 17,633$ 16,295$ 18,646$ 16,531$ 22,006$ 21,131$ 22,029$ 23,029$ 29,498$ 27,867$ 58.0%
Certified Free Cash 14,088$ 13,062$ 13,401$ 12,717$ 17,338$ 16,384$ 17,119$ 17,032$ 24,097$ 20,500$ 45.5%
General Stabilization Fund 9,252$ 9,448$ 9,650$ 9,800$ 9,921$ 10,038$ 10,155$ 10,373$ 10,653$ 10,924$ 18.1%
Capital Stabilization Fund 16,726$ 23,203$ 28,598$ 27,728$ 25,229$ 20,674$ 21,731$ 27,331$ 32,770$ 42,671$ 155.1%
All Other Stabilization Funds 1,711$ 1,635$ 2,049$ 2,266$ 2,689$ 2,362$ 2,880$ 2,026$ 2,880$ 3,154$ 84.3%
Net Operating Revenues 185,258$ 194,931$ 206,251$ 214,203$ 221,460$ 228,818$ 241,123$ 258,229$ 271,264$ 286,910$ 54.9%
Free Cash as % of Net Operating Revenues 7.60%6.70%6.50%5.94%7.83%7.16%7.10%6.60%8.88%7.15%-6.0%
General Stab Fund as % of Net Operating Rev 4.99%4.85%4.68%4.58%4.48%4.39%4.21%4.02%3.93%3.81%-23.8%
Capital Stab Fund as % of Net Operating Rev 9.03%11.90%13.87%12.94%11.39%9.04%9.01%10.58%12.08%14.87%64.7%
All Other Stab Funds as % of Net Oper Rev 0.92%0.84%0.99%1.06%1.21%1.03%1.19%0.78%1.06%1.10%19.0%
Total Reserves as % of Net Operating Revenues 22.55%24.29%26.04%24.51%24.92%21.61%21.52%21.98%25.95%26.92%19.4%
Reserves
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
After years of steady enrollment, Lexington Public Schools experienced marked increases from 2010-2017, and peak in 2018-2019. A decline began in 2020 due to the pandemic and
enrollments have continued to decline since then. Future increases in enrollment may translate into a need for additional teachers and support staff, as well as additional classrooms and
expanded school buildings. The Town has taken steps to build fiscal reserves in anticipation of increase enrollment.
Indicator 14a: School Enrollment
Rapid changes in school enrollment may affect service levels and may be considered a warning indicator.
Lexington Trend
Favorable
Marginal
Unfavorable
Uncertain
School Year 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
Elementary 3,066 3,150 3,094 3,019 2,790 2,702 2,702 2734 2546 2425
Middle 1,743 1,813 1,833 1,828 1,793 1,748 1,765 1769 1737 1695
LHS 2,185 2,212 2,263 2,275 2,261 2,273 2,303 2354 2419 2367
Total Enrollment 6,994 7,175 7,190 7,122 6,844 6,723 6,770 6,857 6,702 6,487
Annual Change 145 181 15 -68 -278 -121 47 87 -155 -215
Rolling 5-Year Average 124 139 122 78 -1 -54 -81 -67 -84 -71
3,066 3,150 3,094 3,019 2,790 2,702 2,702 2674 2541 2425
1,743 1,813 1,833 1,828 1,793 1,748 1,765 1737 1732 1695
2,185 2,212 2,263 2,275 2,261 2,273 2,303 2318 2405 2367
6,994 7,175 7,190 7,122 6,844 6,723 6,770 6,729 6,678 6,487
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
Lexington K-12 School Enrollment Breakdown Year-by-Year
Elementary Middle LHS Total Enrollment -400
-300
-200
-100
0
100
200
300
400
4,000
4,500
5,000
5,500
6,000
6,500
7,000
7,500
8,000
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
Lexington K-12 School Enrollment and Annual Changes
Total Enrollment Annual Change Rolling 5-Year Average
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I
Indicator Appendices:
November 20, 2025
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025 Appendix A: Chapter 70 Comparative Data
$2,281
$2,428
$2,437
$2,469
$2,512
$2,550
$2,599
$2,627
$2,674
$2,706
$2,711
$3,318
$0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Weston
Brookline
Newton
Winchester
Wellesley
Westwood
Average
Lincoln-Sudbury
Lexington
Concord-Carlisle
Belmont
Acton-Boxborough
Chapter 70 Aid Per Pupil
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025 Appendix A2: Per Pupil Spending
$14,794
$15,346
$19,641
$19,836
$20,509
$21,678
$22,118
$23,061
$23,299
$23,882
$25,185
$30,786
$0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 $35,000
Belmont
Winchester
Westwood
Brookline
Lexington
Average
Wellesley
Acton-Boxborough
Weston
Newton
Lincoln-Sudbury
Concord-Carlisle
Average Per Pupil Spending
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025
This chart shows the ratio of students as a percentage of the total population of a municipality (or in the case of joint school districts, municipalities).
Compared to the average for similar communities & school systems, Lexington has more students as a percentage of the population.
Appendix B: Per Pupil Population Comparative Data
5.34%
5.87%
10.92%
13.22%
13.94%
14.24%
16.56%
16.80%
17.22%
17.77%
18.92%
20.11%
0.00%5.00%10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%
Concord-Carlisle
Lincoln-Sudbury
Brookline
Newton
Wellesley
Average
Belmont
Acton-Boxborough
Weston
Westwood
Winchester
Lexington
Pupils as % of Population
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – September 19, 2024 Appendix D: Average Residential Tax Bill
Municipality as of FY2025 Single Family Parcels
Average Single Family Parcel
Value Residential Tax Rate Average Single Family Tax Bill
Weston 3,375 $2,294,016 11.1 $25,464Brookline4,584 $2,505,452 9.87 $24,729
Lincoln 1,535 $1,597,397 12.81 $20,462
Wellesley 7,315 $1,925,282 10.28 $19,792Concord4,628 $1,477,028 13.26 $19,585
Lexington 9,065 $1,578,591 12.23 $19,306
Belmont 4,540 $1,648,400 11.39 $18,775Average$5,544 $1,516,777 12.53 $18,172
Winchester 5,684 $1,595,586 11.09 $17,695
Carlisle 1,765 $1,269,939 13.18 $16,738
Sudbury 5,451 $1,116,350 14.64 $16,343Newton16,928 $1,664,692 9.8 $16,314
Acton 5,013 $869,869 17.15 $14,918
Boxborough 1,219 $895,688 15.14 $13,561Westford6,510 $796,584 13.47 $10,730
$10,730
$13,561
$14,918
$16,314
$16,343
$16,738
$17,695
$18,172
$18,775
$19,306
$19,585
$19,792
$20,462
$24,729
$25,464
$5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000
Westford
Boxborough
Acton
Newton
Sudbury
Carlisle
Winchester
Average
Belmont
Lexington
Concord
Wellesley
Lincoln
Brookline
Weston
Average Residential Tax Bill - FY2025
Town of Lexington
Financial Summit I – November 20, 2025 Appendix E: Comparative Pension Liability Funding
57.5%67.8%70.7%74.4%76.1%86.5%93.0%93.3%95.8%
7.15%6.90%7.63%6.90%7.00%7.25%
6.50%6.00%7.00%
0.00%
1.00%
2.00%
3.00%
4.00%
5.00%
6.00%
7.00%
8.00%
9.00%
0.0%
20.0%
40.0%
60.0%
80.0%
100.0%
120.0%
Middlesex*Newton Norfolk Brookline Belmont Lexington Concord Wellesley Winchester
Funded Pension Level vs Assumed Rate of Return - Comparable Communities
Funded Ratio Assumed Rate of Return
Municipality Funded Ratio Assumed Rate of Return Year Fully Funded Last Actuarial Study
Middlesex*57.5%7.15%2036 1/1/2024
Newton 67.8%6.90%2032 1/1/2025
Norfolk 70.7%7.63%2032 1/1/2024
Brookline 74.4%6.90%2030 1/1/2024
Belmont 76.1%7.00%2031 1/1/2024
Lexington 86.5%7.25%2031 1/1/2025
Concord 93.0%6.50%2031 1/1/2024
Wellesley 93.3%6.00%2029 1/1/2025
Winchester 95.8%7.00%2028 1/1/2025