Infrastructure failures took center stage at Wednesday night’s Advisory and Finance Committee meeting, as members confronted a $6 million looming cost to replace the heating and cooling systems at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. The committee learned that a chemical breakdown within the 25-year-old system has caused catastrophic damage to essential equipment, leading to an urgent request for design funding.

Mr. Bernard of the Wastewater Treatment Plant explained that glycol used in the HVAC system had turned into acid, causing systemic degradation. The glycol became acid, which destroyed the two boilers at the treatment plant and multiple heating units, Bernard told the committee. We've been patching that up, but it's gotten to the point where we can't fix it anymore. We are just putting good money after bad. The current failure has left the facility without efficient heat, leading to frozen pipes and a lack of required cooling for laboratory areas during summer months. Member Mark Snyder questioned the severity of the situation, asking, How seriously bad is this? If this doesn't pass, are there serious consequences? This is a huge bite of $6 million. Chair Joseph Lalley focused on future prevention, asking if a maintenance program was now in place to regularly change the heating fluid. Bernard confirmed a contractor now performs bi-annual checks. Member Maria Reitman inquired if the $318,000 design fee signaled a shift in technology, which Bernard confirmed would involve modern, energy-efficient upgrades. Motion Made by B. Dunn to approve Article 1 for $318,000 for wastewater HVAC design (9-0-0).

The committee also grappled with a $300,000 supplemental request for the police station HVAC project, which has seen costs climb 20% since its original 2022 appropriation. Facilities Manager Carl Anderson noted that the lowest bid left almost no contingency, and myriad change orders totaling $200,000 have since been identified. The request drew sharp criticism from Member Everett Malaguti, who compared the delay to previous issues with the library roof. I see this as another repeat of the failure for these projects, Malaguti said, arguing for better vetting before funds are appropriated. Member Christine Richards, who cast the lone dissenting vote, expressed frustration that the project had sat for four years. If we don't have the manpower to do these projects at that time, then we should not be requesting them, Richards said. Motion Made by B. Keating to appropriate $300,000 for additional police station HVAC replacement funding (8-1-0).

Economic and community benefits drove the discussion regarding Plymouth’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. Matt Tavares of July 4th Plymouth Inc. warned that a significant decline in fundraising—with only 52 individual donations last year—threatens the town’s signature events. Tavares noted that the committee has exhausted its reserves and faces a June 15th deadline to raise $150,000. If we haven't reached that, one of those two shoes is going to drop: either the fireworks or the parade, Tavares warned. Member Molly O'Connor inquired about rising public safety costs, which have increased by $20,000. Member Brian Dunn spoke strongly in favor of town support, noting, I would vote yes on giving them $50,000 every year. There's a lot of communities who pay for these events out of taxpayer money. Member Myles Ramey provided the second for the funding motion. Motion Made by M. O'Connor to approve Article 3 for $50,000 in July 4th funding (8-0-0).

The committee also approved $50,000 for America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration, though the vote was split. Member Mark Snyder argued that as America's Hometown, the investment was a win-win for local business visibility. However, Members Briana Keating and Everett Malaguti opposed the expenditure. Motion Made by C. Richards to approve Article 4 for $50,000 for the Thanksgiving celebration (6-2-0).

In a move toward long-term savings, Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Planner Michael Cahill presented a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement for solar credits from an array in Walpole. Cahill estimated the deal would provide a fixed 12% discount on electricity for 20 to 25 large town buildings. Over the 20-year agreement, it will come out to $3.5 million in savings, Cahill said. Motion Made by M. Reitman to authorize the Article 9 solar credit energy contract (8-0-0).

Finally, the committee endorsed a major shift in Plymouth’s political calendar, moving the Spring Town Meeting to May and the local election to the second Saturday in June. Select Board Member Kevin Canty argued the change is necessary to ensure the town has accurate state aid data before finalizing the budget. If we underestimate state aid based on outdated information, it could lead to reductions in services, which is a code word for layoffs, Canty said. While Member Brian Dunn supported the move for its financial clarity, Member Everett Malaguti remained the sole opponent, stating, The town municipality should not be changing how they operate because of the failure of the state legislature to pass a timely budget. Motion Made by T. Jacintho to approve Articles 5, 6, 7, and 8 to adjust town meeting and election dates (8-1-0).