The Plymouth Advisory & Finance Sub-Committee A convened on Jan. 21 to evaluate key departmental budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on administrative efficiencies and revenue growth. Human Resources Director Jackie Gurney presented a $634,942 budget, highlighting a strategic shift toward internal file digitization. Gurney explained, That $3,000 will allow the HR generalist we have to do some overtime to help with that project, which actually will save the town a significant amount of money by not having an outside company digitize the records for us. During the review of employee health testing, Vice Chair Gail Butler questioned the results of environmental safety checks, asking, Is it testing positive? regarding asbestos monitoring for staff. Member Thomas Jacintho, Jr. examined the frequency of these mandates, inquiring, Was it done in '26? to ensure consistent compliance. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to approve this budget as presented**. **Motion Passed 4-0**.

Town Manager Derek Brindisi outlined a 14.8% salary increase driven by new positions approved at the October Town Meeting, though he noted a $40,000 reduction in legal costs due to the transition to in-house counsel. Brindisi emphasized that the move would free up leadership for strategic initiatives, stating, this will allow Silio to focus one of the day-to-day operations of you know meeting constituents or they have a complaint about their neighbor or something. The committee also discussed potential cuts to town celebrations, such as the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving parades. Member Molly Elizabeth O'Connor suggested seeking private support for these events, noting, just a thought could be something that maybe if you're allowed to um ask for town businesses to sponsor um people could be interested. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to move as presented**. **Motion Passed 4-0**.

The Town Clerk’s office prepared for a busy cycle, budgeting for three major elections in FY27. The Clerk remarked on the unpredictable nature of administrative costs, stating, I consider postage almost to be like snow and ice. You never know if you need it until the event happens. **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to approve the town clerk budget as presented**. **Motion Passed 4-0**. Meanwhile, Inspectional Services Director Jason Silva reported a robust financial outlook, with department revenues nearing $4 million. Silva highlighted the success of safety programs, asserting, We're literally firefighters before the fire shows up, right? So, if we do our job correctly, it doesn't burn. Chair Joseph Lalley questioned how the town would capitalize on specialized services, asking, How do you market that after hours inspection opportunity? regarding a new $420 fee for developers. **Motion Made by Gail Butler to approve the inspectional services budget**. **Motion Passed 4-0**.

Finally, the committee addressed member benefits and town insurance. Finance Director Lyn noted a shift in retiree preferences, observing that Manage blue is becoming a much more popular product with a lot of the newer retirees that I'm seeing. The discussion touched on the historical 2003 Home Rule petition that governs health insurance contribution splits for long-term employees. Following the approval of the insurance and benefits budgets, **Motion Made by Thomas Jacintho, Jr. to approve as presented**. **Motion Passed 4-0**. **Motion Made by Joseph Lalley to vote on the town insurance budget as presented**. **Motion Passed 4-0**. The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 PM.