Plymouth’s Advisory & Finance Subcommittee E met this week to evaluate fiscal year 2027 budget requests, identifying significant savings in the Department of Planning and Development. Planning Director Lauren Lind presented a budget of $1,032,459, an 8.5% decrease from the previous year, which she attributed to staff transitions and hiring new personnel at lower salary rates. Member Christine Richards expressed appreciation for the fiscal restraint, noting, anybody who comes in here with a budget that's smaller than last year is one of my favorite people. **Motion Made by Member Dennis Carl Friedman to approve the planning and development budget. Motion Passed 4-0.**

The subcommittee also scrutinized the Public Health and Animal Control budgets, both managed by Director Karen Keane. While Animal Control remains largely level with a minor $1,510 increase, the Public Health division is currently bolstered by a $1.5 million state excellence grant. Keane warned that this funding, which supports a nurse and an epidemiologist, will expire in June 2027. The state of Massachusetts has been very honest with us that once that money runs out, they don't think there's going to be anything else, Keane said, adding that the department is seeking creative shared-service models to maintain staff. Vice Chair Emily Tompkins praised the department's clarity, stating, first just thank you to all the health and human services departments; you have great budget narratives. **Motion Made by Member Scott M. Vecchi to approve the public health budget as presented. Motion Passed 4-0.**

Recreation Director Ann Sleser presented a plan to bring White Horse Beach patrolling in-house, a move projected to save the town $28,000 compared to using third-party contractors. Sleser explained that the division is also expanding digital ticketing through handheld devices to eliminate cash handling at beach gates. We are going to take over in recreation the patrolling of White Horse Beach Parking District and we'll be issuing the tickets to that district, Sleser noted. During the discussion, Member Scott M. Vecchi questioned the departmental oversight of Animal Control, asking if the rationale for having it under public health was more of just they needed to find somebody to be in charge of it. **Motion Made by Member Scott M. Vecchi to approve the recreation budget as presented. Motion Passed 4-0.**

Other departments highlighted both community needs and external funding successes. Paul Navelli of the Redevelopment Authority discussed a $50,000 operational shortfall despite their work on affordable housing lotteries, stating, the town of Plymouth is helping us get halfway there at the moment. Veterans Services Director Roxanne Whitbeck reported that federal VA benefits coming into Plymouth rose to $3.6 million in 2025, remarking that Massachusetts is head and shoulders above I think any other state in the union for taking care of our veterans. Meanwhile, new Library Director Manny Lee cautioned that state accreditation requires maintaining specific spending levels, noting that if you level fund us, our budget's going to be lower than the current year. So that would have serious implications with our literacy program. Member Dennis Carl Friedman questioned the one-time nature of previous consulting spikes, observing that current reductions were a reduction from a one-time extraordinary high. **Motion Made by Member Dennis Carl Friedman to approve the library budget as presented. Motion Passed 4-0.**

Finally, the Center for Active Living (CAL) and the Commission on Disabilities presented their requests. Emily Wilson explained that the Commission receives 50% of accessible parking fines, stating, we receive them on a quarterly basis from Park Plymouth to fund scholarships and grants. CAL Director Cheryl Jones emphasized the heavy reliance on volunteers and state formula grants, which cover 85% of their salaries. Every thought, every action, every conversation, every decision that we make is intended to support the health and well-being of the older adults that we serve, Jones said. The meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m.