Gardner City Council Meeting May 18, 2026

The Gardner City Council held a meeting on May 18, 2026, focusing primarily on financial and capital improvement matters. The council approved an order to reappropriate over $1 million in unexpended bond proceeds to various capital projects, including a middle school roof repair, city hall entrance upgrades, and community center sidewalk improvements. Additionally, the council discussed and voted to send to first printing an ordinance proposing a 15% water rate increase for fiscal year 2027, a reduction from the mayor's original 20% proposal, with plans for further review and a second vote at a future meeting. The council emphasized the need for a long-term water rate policy to ensure financial stability and infrastructure maintenance. Other procurement-related items included the official closeout of the Mackie Park project following compliance with the architectural access board and approval of updated job descriptions for the city clerk and assistant city clerk positions. The meeting concluded with councilor remarks and adjournment.