The Plymouth Select Board faced a stark financial crossroads during a marathon joint session with the School Committee and Advisory & Finance Committee to debate the fiscal year 2027 budget. Superintendent Dr. Chris Campbell opened the education portion by presenting a 3.4% budget increase, warning that a proposed $1.5 million reduction would necessitate cutting roughly 23 teaching positions or 88 part-time paraprofessionals. Campbell asserted that any cuts of this magnitude at this point would come entirely from personnel, emphasizing that the district had already level-funded supplies despite rising costs. Despite concerns from Vice Chair David M. Golden Jr. regarding the town’s dwindling excess levy capacity, the board opted to preserve school funding. William Keohan signaled his support early, stating, I'm prepared to vote on the school budget. Motion Made by Deborah Iaquinto to approve the school committee budget as proposed by Dr. Campbell the original budget as proposed by Dr. Campbell with no cuts. Motion Passed 3-2 (Iaquinto, Canty, Keohan - Yes; Golden, Quintal - No).

Following the school vote, Town Manager Derek Brindisi presented a 1% reduction scenario for municipal departments to address a projected $5 million deficit driven by a 14% hike in health insurance. Brindisi warned the community that we're at a crossroads where costs are rising and revenue is decreasing, noting that historic growth from developments like Pine Hills is beginning to plateau. The board debated whether to apply broad cuts or evaluate departments individually. Deborah Iaquinto advocated for a granular approach, arguing, I really think that we need to look at each of them individually. Conversely, Richard J. Quintal Jr. expressed alarm at the economic climate, stating, The writings on the wall, the economy's turning, as he pushed for more significant savings to avoid a future tax cliff.

In a series of department-by-department votes, the board systematically rejected most cuts to public safety and human services. Fire Chief Foley highlighted that calls for service have doubled over ten years, noting that staffing is definitely something that we need to look at increasing in the near future and that future is now. To provide tax relief without sacrificing safety, the board moved to fund two police cruisers through Free Cash rather than the tax levy. Police Chief Dana Flynn noted the urgency of fleet maintenance, explaining that the overall average is a million and a half miles per year on the vehicles. Motion Made by William Keohan to approve the chief's budget as presented by the town manager, but supplement the two cruises for the free cash account. Motion Passed 4-1 (Keohan, Quintal, Canty, Iaquinto - Yes; Golden - No). Chairperson Kevin B. Canty supported the shifting strategy, remarking, I also believe that this exercise is different than what we have done in the past.

The board finalized the night by approving a budget that reduced the tax levy by approximately $170,000, far short of the original $1 million municipal target. Commissioner Michelle Brady defended her department’s budget, stating that our mission is to provide services to residents, while Town Clerk Kelly Mowith warned that cutting election workers was risky, saying, I compare election work to like snow and ice. You never know what's going to happen until it's happening. David M. Golden Jr. remained the sole dissenter on the final package, stating, I don't think that we did enough here tonight in terms of protecting the taxpayer in town. The meeting concluded with the late approval of a new liquor license for The Himalaya, a family-owned restaurant. Manager Yankee Gale told the board they hope to bring a part of Tibet and Nepal to Plymouth which is our home now. Motion Made by Deborah Iaquinto to approve the budget as amended. Motion Passed 4-1 (Iaquinto, Quintal, Canty, Keohan - Yes; Golden - No).

The meeting was adjourned at 11:42 PM