Swampscott Finance Committee Defers $3.5 Million Sewer Project, Backs Solar Canopy Design

SWAMPSCOTT -- April 30, 2026, Swampscott's Finance Committee deferred a $3.5 million sewer main rehabilitation project to December Town Meeting and reversed an earlier vote to recommend a $300,000 solar canopy design article at its April 30 meeting. Town Accountant Patrick Cunningham walked the committee through a revised capital plan reflecting changes made at the prior Monday's Select Board session, including removing a $200,000 middle school classroom upgrade line at the superintendent's request. Facilities Director Max presented a three-scenario cost analysis showing a mid-size solar system at the high school could cost the town roughly $650,000 after a $1 million state Green Communities construction grant, with first-year electricity savings estimated at $80,000 and a 4 percent annual rate escalator applied. "We have access as a climate leader through DOER Green Communities to a $150,000 planning grant and a $1 million construction grant within a three-year window," Max told the committee. The sewer deferral followed confirmation from DPW Director Gino that current authorizations are sufficient through the summer and a pending Select Board policy discussion on whether residents whose privately owned sewer laterals were repaired at town expense should face betterment assessments. The committee also unanimously restored $50,000 in paving funds to each of the water and sewer enterprise fund budgets and voted favorable action on a first-year Community Preservation Act appropriation of approximately $841,250.