The Plymouth Select Board held a pivotal joint session with the Planning Board and the Plymouth Economic Foundation to address a looming fiscal "cliff" as the town’s primary residential tax drivers approach full capacity. Planning Board Chair Steven Bolotin delivered a sobering forecast, noting that tax revenue growth has been consistent at approximately one percent, but that pace is at risk. Bolotin warned the assembly that we are looking at a cliff and it's not a theoretical one, explaining that once developments like Pine Hills and Redbrook reach build-out, the town's new growth revenue could plummet by 50 percent. Director of Planning and Development Lauren Lind emphasized that the solution lies in smarter, compact development rather than sprawl, asserting that economy and housing are inextricably linked for our long-term financial stability.

During the public comment period, residents expressed a mixture of urgency and skepticism regarding current development practices. Stevie Keith, a local business owner, urged officials to adopt modern tools, stating that Plymouth doesn't have a lack of potential; it has a lack of action. Environmental concerns were also prominent, as Katherine Harelson of the Community Land and Water Coalition criticized past land decisions, suggesting that this foundation plays a key role in providing developers insider access to information about public land while bypassing typical public oversight. Addressing the town's environmental goals, Dale Bryan of the Climate Action Net Zero committee argued that the CAP also should be a document that every decision maker has at their side at every meeting. Further critiques of spending came from Steve Leiden, who suggested fiscal belt-tightening, saying, I think schools should give back their 10,000 and give that back to the town since they don't like to give away any of their own money. Heather Philibbrron added that the comprehensive plan doesn't matter if government officials and developers have a stronghold.

The board shifted to legislative business, reviewing several articles for the upcoming Town Meeting. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the creation of a $5 million facility maintenance stabilization fund using certified free cash. Finance Director Lynn Barrett explained that the fund is intended for long-term needs, noting we just felt that it was really important to set aside a significant amount of that free cash into the facility capital maintenance stabilization fund. Motion Made by Kevin B. Canty to include article 13 in the town meeting warrant and recommend that town meeting approve it. Vote Passed 4-0. The board also moved to preserve approximately 27 acres of town-owned land. Open Space Committee member Bruce Howard detailed the benefits of the move, stating it will provide public access to the Bloody Pond Conservation and Grassy Pond non-game areas. Motion Made by William Keohan to include article 23 on the town meeting warrant and recommend the town meeting approve it. Vote Passed 4-0.

Disagreement surfaced regarding Article 14, which proposes adding $500,000 to the nuclear mitigation stabilization fund. While Member William Keohan supported the investment, arguing it's important to pay attention to this account and this fund and I think $500,000 is something that is affordable, Vice Chair David M. Golden Jr. expressed concerns over the tax burden. Voting against the measure, Golden Jr. noted, I do however think that we did not do enough last week to reduce the tax burden that's being raised and appropriated through cuts. Despite the dissent, the majority favored the long-term strategy. Deborah Iaquinto initially questioned the timing but concluded that it makes good fiscal sense to do that as the money would earn interest in a dedicated account. Motion Made by Kevin B. Canty that the funding source be and the amount be $500,000 from free cash and that we include that in article 14 and include that in the town meeting warrant and recommend that town meeting approve. Vote Passed 3-1. Richard J. Quintal Jr., participating remotely, signaled his support earlier in the session, responding Excellent during the board’s initial procedural votes.

The meeting concluded with a forward-looking discussion on litigation against the federal government concerning the continued storage of nuclear waste at the Holtech site. Chair Kevin B. Canty advocated for a proactive stance, suggesting that the best time to improve those types of decisions would have been 25 years ago, but the second best time would be now. Bill Haly of the Plymouth Economic Foundation also praised the collaborative effort between the boards, remarking that the collaboration between Steven Cole and Lauren and Steve Bulletin, I think is dynamic. Steven Cole defended the Foundation's record on recruitment and projects like Hedges Pond Road, telling the board that you can achieve economic growth without cutting down a single tree. Finally, the board agreed to revisit the topic of elected official salaries, with a potential plan to eliminate stipends for the coming fiscal year to help close budget gaps.

The meeting was adjourned at 01:44:03