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Medford facilities director outlines window, lighting and building repairs amid rising utility costs
Summary
Facilities presented proposed FY26 budget increases to cover inflationary vendor costs and utility price spikes; plans include LED conversions, window restoration, bathroom renovations and potential in‑house handyman positions to reduce contractor costs.
The Medford Facilities Department told the City Council Committee of the Whole on May 6 that its proposed fiscal 2026 budget would rise from $1,838,745 to $1,933,393 — a $94,648 increase driven by cost-of-living adjustments, higher fuel and utility prices, and increased HVAC and cleaning contract costs.
Director Jason Brett (identified in the meeting) said some vendor contracts include annual increases and that a recent natural-gas price spike caused an unexpected run-up in utility bills. “Natural gas exploded with what National Grid did,” Brett said, adding that usage was similar but costs…
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