Town Manager Derek Brindisi presented a sobering FY27 budget recommendation to the Select Board, describing the current financial landscape as the most difficult in recent memory. Driven by a 13% spike in health insurance premiums and a $1.7 million increase in pension obligations, the town faces a $14.7 million spending surge. Brindisi warned that our revenues cannot keep pace with our expenses, noting that the town’s excess levy capacity is projected to dwindle to just $1 million. To balance the $342 million budget, the manager proposed deep cuts, including the elimination of eight requested firefighter positions and a reduction in police cruiser replacements. Richard J. Quintal Jr. expressed frustration with the board's recent focus, stating, Tuesday nights should be reserved right here, taking care of business, rather than on-the-road listening sessions.

Public safety and environmental concerns dominated the earlier portions of the meeting. Paul Gregory of the DCR detailed plans for a 200-foot fuel reduction buffer in Mile Standish State Forest to mitigate wildfire risks. Our primary goal is to reduce the fuel load thereby increasing public safety, Gregory explained, highlighting the threat of "crown fires" that can leap through the forest canopy. Katherine Harelson of the Community Land and Water Coalition urged caution, arguing that projects on this scale... should be continually reviewed in light of our climate crisis. In the realm of public works, Water Superintendent Peter Gordon briefed the board on new EPA lead and copper rules. Gordon noted that while Plymouth is in compliance, the town must inventory roughly 2,300 service lines of unknown material, warning that the reaction is generally not very good when residents receive notification letters regarding potential lead presence. Regarding the commercial landscape, Motion Made by Richard J. Quintal Jr. to approve the underground storage license for Two Commerce Way as presented. Vote Passed 5-0. Engineer Hussein Seinsk assured the board that the tanks are constantly monitored for any issues that might arise using double-wall fiberglass technology.

The board engaged in a lengthy debate over proposed special legislation to regulate electric bicycles. Deborah Iaquinto suggested several modifications to make the rules less restrictive, noting that 20 miles an hour is pretty fast... it is a motorized bicycle in my opinion. While Kevin B. Canty supported the move to address bad actors, stating, This board has spent more time on this article than I've ever seen any board spend on any town meeting article in the 12 years that I've been involved, other members remained skeptical. David M. Golden Jr. voiced opposition, saying, I have reservations about this special legislation... I don't think the community wants this, frankly. Residents like Lori DS argued for the rules, believing parents are not aware... that they are basically providing a motorcycle to children, while Dale Bryant of the Climate Action Net Zero Committee stated the committee... has voted unanimously to not support them as currently written. Ultimately, Motion Made by Deborah Iaquinto to submit the special legislation to the 2026 spring annual town meeting warrant with proposed modifications. Vote Failed 2-3, with William Keohan, Richard J. Quintal Jr., and David M. Golden Jr. voting in opposition.

Internal town policies and employee benefits were also scrutinized. William Keohan advocated for expanding the Historical Commission to include indigenous voices, asserting it's important that we have representation of the native people on our town. The board also considered a proposal to reform retiree healthcare to curb the growing OPED liability. Deborah Iaquinto proposed ending a "special act" that allows retirees to revert to their original hire-date cost-sharing rates. However, the motion was defeated by the majority who favored protecting existing collective bargaining promises. On a supportive note for service members, Motion Made by David M. Golden Jr. to submit a proposed article that would adopt Massachusetts General Law Chapter 33 section 59E to the 2026 spring annual town meeting warrant. Vote Passed 5-0. Additionally, the board formalized harbor safety measures, as Motion Made by Kevin B. Canty to approve the proposed waterway regulations as presented. Vote Passed 5-0. Harbormaster Chad Hunter emphasized that we wanted to incorporate that into a new comprehensive mooring specification to handle increasingly frequent and severe coastal storms.

The meeting concluded with an update on the long-awaited demolition of the Berts property and a call for a community bias response plan. Meg Ash asked the board to acknowledge that Islamophobia exists here and causes real harm. The Select Board plans to revisit the budget in depth on January 6th as they prepare for the spring town meeting. The meeting was adjourned at the conclusion of business.