Lincoln-Sudbury proposes $40.9M FY27 budget with 3.98 percent Sudbury assessment

SUDBURY -- February 9, 2026, Lincoln-Sudbury floats $40.9 million FY27 budget as Sudbury's assessment rises 3.98 percent. Superintendent Andrew Stephens and Finance Director Susan Bottan told the Sudbury Finance Committee on Feb. 9 the plan grows 3.64 percent overall, driven by a 19.77 percent health-insurance assumption, a 3 percent COLA, a 5 percent transportation escalator and out-of-district placements rising from 44 to 49 students. Sudbury's assessment is $31 million; Lincoln's is $4.7 million. Member Hank Sorett pressed for contingency planning, warning he likes to "shorten sail a long time before the wind hits Force 5." Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo separately reported town revenues running roughly $1.2 million ahead of pace on $961,000 in investment income, offset by a $300,000 to $400,000 snow deficit. CPC liaison Andrew Bettinelli previewed 10 warrant articles including $600,000 for the Sudbury Housing Trust and a unanimous CPC vote against a $1.4 million Parkinson Field driveway project.