Image of the Lincoln, MA public library.

What's the Story? Library HVAC

The Library has commissioned multiple studies to explore options to address its 35-year-old heating and cooling systems. In recognition of the Town's goal to decarbonize our infrastructure, those options fall into three categories:

Replace the current gas boilers and air conditioning units with new, conventional versions.
Install an air-sourced heat pump system.
Install a ground-source heat pump system.

Based on life-cycle cost analysis from their studies (paid for by a grant courtesy of the Green Energy Committee), the Library Board decided that of the two carbon-free options, the ground-source system is the most cost effective over time. Members of multiple town boards joined the Select Board at its Jan. 12th meeting to discuss this analysis. Together we decided to move forward with further cost estimating and funding strategy development to implement a geothermal solution in preparation for a vote at Annual Town Meeting. There will be opportunities for residents to learn more about the proposal in the coming weeks.

Calendar of meetings leading up to Town Meeting.

Click on the calendar to see key meeting dates leading up to the March 28th Annual Town Meeting.

Find info about Annual Town Meeting here.

Lincoln Green Energy Choice Electricity Prices Dropped on Jan. 1st!

The Town’s electricity aggregation program, Lincoln Green Energy Choice (LGEC), just began a new two-year contract for electricity supply. The program gives residents three rate options; pricing for all three came in lower than under the prior contract.

LGEC Standard Green: This is the Town's default rate, used by about 80% of residents. It provides 77% renewable electricity and is 15.409¢/kWh, which is a fraction of a penny less than the current Eversource semi-annual basic rate. Significantly, carbon emissions from this plan are about one-third of emissions from the Eversource semi-annual basic rate.
Lincoln Basic: 13.731¢/kWh and 32% electricity from renewable sources. This rate is cheaper than Eversource Basic and has about the same carbon emissions.
Lincoln 100% Green: 16.119¢/kWh and 100% electricity from renewable sources. This rate is only a fraction of a penny more than the current Eversource semi-annual basic rate, and has no carbon emissions.

A quick overview of the program and how to read your phone bill can be found here. Visit the Lincoln Green Energy Choice website here.

January 15th - Dark Skies Subcommittee Hosts Public Forum

The Dark Skies Committee, a subcommittee of the Lincoln Planning Board will hold a public information forum on Thursday, January 15th at 7:30 in the Donaldson Room at the Town Offices Building. This meeting will also be available via Zoom. The discussion will center on the effects of nocturnal lighting on wildlife, insects, and humans and on what can be done to mitigate its negative effects while promoting safe lighting practices. The Dark Skies Committee will also address possible bylaw changes that could move the Town of Lincoln towards Dark Skies Compliance. The Zoom link is here.

Select Board Meeting Recap

At the January 12th Select Board meeting, the Board:

Voted to open the Warrant for the Saturday, March 28, 2026 Annual Town Meeting.
Heard an update from the Dark Skies Subcommittee.
Held a multi-board session to discuss Library HVAC.
Appointed a Public Safety dispatcher and two Special Police Officers.
Voted to convert "alternate" Agriculture Commission members to full voting members.

Next Meeting: Monday, January 26 at 9:00AM, hybrid format. Note the different time!

Lincoln Winter Carnival January 29 - February 1!

Regional & State Links

The state Legislature is in session. See proposed bills here.
11 Ballot Questions clear initial threshold. Here's a rundown from WCVB news.