City Council Decisions and Updates
On June 18, the Newburyport City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Below is a summary of what this means for the community:
Capital Improvement Program (CIP): The Council updated the city’s project evaluation process by simplifying the weighting system. New projects are now scored equally across four categories: regulatory compliance, community health and safety, likelihood of failure, and impact on service delivery. As a result, several projects moved higher on the priority list. Top-ranked projects now include:
City Hall upgrades [CIP-7]
Street and sidewalk repairs [CIP-3]
Pump station work at Indian Hill and Storey Avenue [CIP-8]
Some project timelines were also adjusted:
Bartlet Mall restoration deferred to FY30 [CIP-11]
Hale Street Shared Use Path and Dispatch Center renovation accelerated to FY27 [CIP-67]
Multiple water and sewer projects moved to FY27, including Water Treatment Plant PFAS mitigation [CIP-15] and Turkey Hill Farm Land Conservation and Watershed Protection [CIP-68]
The CIP is a non-binding advisory document that outlines project priorities. Final timing depends on feasibility, available funding, and administrative review. Advancing several water infrastructure projects may result in future adjustments to water and sewer rates.
FY26 Budget: The Council approved approximately $400,000 in budget reductions aimed at easing the tax burden. These reductions primarily target administrative and overhead costs, including:
Cuts to travel and training in the Mayor’s Office
Elimination of the Special Projects Manager role
Reduced notetaking support for boards and committees (with the exception of ZBA and Planning Board)
Lowered allocations for stipends, salaries, tree maintenance, and IT services
Shift of parking credit card fees to users
The FY26 budget also reflects a reduction in full-time positions. These staffing adjustments were proposed by the administration and School Committee, not initiated by the Council.
Water and Sewer Rates: An increase in water and sewer rates has been approved for FY26. With several infrastructure projects now moved earlier in the schedule, further rate adjustments may be needed in future years to maintain long-term financial sustainability. (FY26 Water and Sewer Rates)
City Project Updates
Ward 5 sits in the heart of Newburyport’s West End and includes neighborhoods off Storey Avenue, Low Street, Hale Street, Turkey Hill Road, and beyond. It’s a mix of mid-century homes and newer developments, home to both families and longtime residents. Our ward includes several key community spaces like the Francis T. Bresnahan School, Senior Community Center, West End Fire Station, Woodman Park, and Port Plaza.
Here are a few city projects in and near Ward 5 to learn more about:
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Questions or Concerns?
If you have ideas for Ward 5 or concerns in your neighborhood, please reach out and share your thoughts.