Lynn Water Commission advances nearly $40 million budget, 4% hike

Water · Meeting of May 18, 2026

Lynn Water and Sewer Commission advances a $39,974,000 fiscal 2027 budget and a 4 percent rate hike. The 10.43 percent budget increase, up $3,775,638 from this year, is driven mainly by the wastewater treatment plant contract, projected at roughly $1 million a month, after last year's contract escalator hit 19.4 percent instead of an anticipated 11.5 percent. Finance presenter Ryan said he'd "rather more than account for it than under account for it, which is what happened last year." Debt service climbs $737,000 as repayment begins on the $74 million treatment plant financing.

The first-tier water rate rises 56 cents, to $14.48. Commissioners also voted 5-0 to award executive director Jim longevity pay and welcomed new commission member Tom and staffer Amy Bowden. Final votes on the budget, rates and capital plan are set for June 15.

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Source: the Water meeting of May 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.