City Council approves amended high school project loan order
City Council approves amended high school loan with 9-1 vote. The motion, which reduces project management, architectural fees, and contingency amounts, will trigger a 1.6 percent property tax increase estimated at $2.8 million. Councilor Descoteaux noted the absence of cost concessions from lead
City Council · Meeting of January 20, 2026
LOWELL — City Council approves amended high school loan with 9-1 vote. The motion, which reduces project management, architectural fees, and contingency amounts, will trigger a 1.6 percent property tax increase estimated at $2.8 million. Councilor Descoteaux noted the absence of cost concessions from lead contractor Suffolk Construction and signaled no appetite for further increases.
Councilor Robinson questioned proceeding before Phase 4 structural reviews conclude. Multiple council members expressed deep reservations about continued cost escalations but voted to move the project forward. City Manager Golden Jr. outlined required cash flows, while Skanska representative Kevin Kane addressed contingency management and oversight protocols.
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Source: the City Council meeting of January 20, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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