There were a lot of festivities around town this week around July 4 and the 250th anniversary of the country. If you missed the town fireworks on July 3 or the Horribles Parade on July 4, check out our stories!

There was also a reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, before the Summer Concert Series kicked off on the Town Hall Lawn.

Governmentally, the Select Board met and had a lot to discuss:

• Town officials have told the Swampscott Center for Performing Arts that it cannot charge residents to park in its lot
• With the same property, Select Board decided to move forward with a long-term lease for the former Hawthorne-by-the-Sea property. The Select Board also discussed potential uses for the property, including paid municipal parking, open space and residential development.
• Water and sewer rates are expected to rise in fiscal year 2027 as the town addresses increased operating expenses and prepares for significant infrastructure upgrades. The proposed adjustment would add approximately $52 per year to residents’ bills.
• Finance Director Patrick Luddy presented about $285,000 in transfers between town departments to balance the town’s budget at the close of fiscal 2026.The Swampscott Fire Department recorded the largest budget overrun, largely because of overtime costs. There was no need to transfer for police overtime.

The Massachusetts Legislature enacted a $63.4 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year, including earmarking for local projects in Swampscott.

Swampscott is set to receive $25,000 for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and $35,000 for the maintenance and repair of deteriorating structures at the cemetery. The budget still needs approval by Gov. Maura Healey.

Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton had their first debate on Wednesday as well. The candidates for the Democratic Party’s senate seat met in Chicopee on Wednesday for an hour of questions and rebuttals during a debate hosted by 22News. They fielded questions on their experience, health care, transgender rights and other issues.

A new University of New Hampshire poll that came out last week suggests that Markey’s lead over Moulton is narrowing. Among likely Democratic primary voters, 41% said they support Markey, while 35% back Moulton. An additional 24% are still undecided, and 1% would vote for another candidate.

Markey’s support has fallen from 46% in April. Undecided voters have increased in the last two months as well, rising from 15%.

In other news, longtime breakfast and lunch staple Lincoln’s Landing announced it is facing eviction.

And the Swampscott Police Department announced the arrest of a Dracut resident in connection with the destruction of property at Congregation Shirat Hayam.  Nick Ashtar-Zadeh was charged with:

• Malicious destruction of property, + $1,200
• Destruction or threats to destroy a place of worship, + $5,000
• Property damage to intimidate
• Civil rights violation

Rabbi Michael Ragozin told the Swampscott Tides that “this hateful act is painful, saddening, and infuriating.”

“We applaud and take comfort in the Swampscott Police Department’s rapid response and ongoing investigation,” Ragozin said. “Whoever damaged our sacred space sought only to intimidate and destroy. Our response will be just the opposite. We will answer darkness with light by deepening our commitment to Jewish practices, strengthening the bonds within our congregation, and continuing, in partnership with the broader Swampscott community, to build a society rooted in kindness, dignity, and justice.”