The Plymouth Advisory and Finance Committee signaled a major shift toward renewable energy this week, greenlighting a series of solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) projected to save the town millions. Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Planner Michael Cahill detailed the plan to install solar arrays across six locations, including several schools and the library, noting that over the 20-year time span that will come out to basically $4.9 million saved by the town in electricity costs. While the committee moved swiftly on most solar articles, Article 33 for the DPW Headquarters rooftop was met with skepticism by member Joe Lai, who stated, I'm concerned about the wisdom of moving ahead with this project in the spring because of that planned construction at the site. Committee member Chris Dunn questioned the urgency, asking, Is there a rush to do this before we get the information? ultimately leading the board to defer that specific item. Reflecting on the broader impact, Kevin Snider remarked that the solar initiative sounds like a win-win. Motion Made by Richards to recommend Town Meeting approve Article 30. Motion Passed 15-0. Motion Made by Lai to defer Article 33 to February 25. Motion Passed 15-0.

The evening took a sharper turn during the review of the $21.5 million Article 18 capital requests, as members wrestled with Plymouth’s fiscal future. Finance Director Lynn Barrett defended the spending as necessary maintenance, warning, I would caution you on delaying any capital projects because you are pushing the can down the road. However, Everett Veky voiced the concerns of many taxpayers, arguing that we as a town are driving at a financial cliff and we seem very reluctant to tap the brakes. Town Meeting member Al DiNardo echoed this sentiment during public comment, suggesting that the town needs to know what are we looking at in two years before committing to new spending. Stephen Freeman sought clarity on the funding, asking if the payback model includes the fact that the solar panels degrade over time. Motion Made by Veky to table Article 18 to a future meeting. Motion Failed 4-11.

Department heads pleaded their cases for essential equipment, ranging from cybersecurity to public safety. IT Director Christopher Young warned that failing to digitize one-of-a-kind records could be disastrous if that site burns down, while Town Clerk Kelly Mau insisted that original vital records will always stay with the town clerk's office under lock and key. In the schools, Facilities Director Matthew Durkee demonstrated a liquid roof restoration technique, explaining this can be done in temperatures 45 degrees and above without disrupting classes. Marc Garrett asked for a specific breakdown of the rankings, while John Dinto suggested a hard cut, stating, I would not be approving any of the ones on the bottom of the rankings. Concerns about local aesthetics also resurfaced when Parks Superintendent Nick Filla admitted that without irrigation at the Training Green, every summer that that grass turns white. Motion Made by Lai to approve Article 18 items for the Fire Department. Motion Passed 15-0.

The committee ultimately proved they were willing to slash the budget where they saw nice-to-haves rather than need-to-haves. A proposal for Training Green lighting and irrigation was rejected after Katherine Keating noted that town meeting members did not want to spend funds on lighting in previous sessions. Public safety was prioritized, however, as the committee supported a new police gym. Deputy Chief Jamie LeBretton argued the gym was vital for mental health and stress, while Chief Flynn noted that internal cameras in the evidence room would reduce liability and false claims. Molly O’Connor urged her colleagues to be precise, saying, Let's understand what the impact of that cut is. Roadwork also remained a priority, with Town Engineer Rick Bossy explaining that wicking wells were needed because water can hit that clay layer and break out of the bank. Toward the end of the long night, Harbormaster Chad Hunter reminded the board that Town Wharf is the original wharf built in 1952 and requires urgent repair. Motion Made by Malaguti to approve the Veterans Memorial Park design. Motion Passed 11-4. Motion Made by Lai to approve Article 18 Engineering requests. Motion Passed 13-1.

As the clock neared 10:30 PM, the committee finished wading through enterprise funds for the airport, sewer, and water departments. Cemetery Superintendent Diane Maguire confirmed that the funds for this is actually coming from the cemetery perpetual care fund, ensuring no impact on the general tax levy. Harry Remy remained cautious throughout, admitting, I'm hesitant to start supporting everything at the beginning because I'm worried... we're going to just slash all of DPW's items. Despite the long hours, Chair Gail Butler kept the group focused, observing at the start that a quorum is present to tackle the heavy agenda. Members Donna Wrightman and Betty Tompkins cast their final votes as the meeting concluded. Motion Made by Malaguti to approve the Recreation pay stations. Motion Passed 15-0. Motion Made by Trudell to approve the Water Enterprise requests. Motion Passed 15-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 PM