The Plymouth Select Board faced a sobering financial reality during its final meeting of 2025 as Town Manager Derek Brindisi revealed a $1.1 million budget shortfall driven by surging health insurance premiums. Brindisi announced an immediate hiring freeze for administrative and clerical positions to mitigate the deficit, noting that health insurance costs have risen over 14 percent. At this point, health insurance is my number one priority, Brindisi told the board, explaining that the town must also reduce its roads budget by $400,000 to balance the books. Kevin B. Canty emphasized the need for long-term solutions, stating, I think that the way out is not by layoffs... I think the way out is through economic development to relieve the burden on residential taxpayers.

The evening began on a celebratory note with a proclamation honoring Roberta Bobby Clark for her 25 years of local news coverage with WATD. Former select board member Charlie Bletzer praised her integrity, saying, The word trust comes to mind when I think of Bobby Clark. Responding to the accolades, Clark reflected on her career and the community’s growth, telling the board, It’s so heartening to have done your best and have people notice it. Motion Made by William Keohan to approve the proclamation as presented. Vote Passed 5-0. Richard J. Quintal Jr. added his personal thanks, noting, I have the highest respect for you and I wish others would follow you.

In substantive policy discussions, DPW Director Derek Coyle presented a draft road acceptance policy that would require abutters to pay 100% of the costs to bring private ways up to town standards via betterments. One of the options would be that 100% of the responsibility would be the abutters along the roadway, Coyle explained. Public speaker Michael Herz questioned the equity of the plan, asking, whether the select board believes that expectation is fair and equitable as a matter of policy given that those same property owners pay the full municipal real estate tax rate. Deborah Iaquinto noted the complexity of the issue, stating, Every road tells a story, while the board generally supported a low-interest repayment period for residents.

The board also heard from new Planning Director Lauren Lind, who introduced a shift toward a Comprehensive Plan and highlighted the need for a zoning bylaw audit. I want to thank the select board and town management for instilling the confidence in me in order to fulfill the role of director, Lind said. Following her presentation, the board moved to finalize its own updated Policies and Procedures manual. A point of contention arose regarding the timeline for adding items to the agenda, with David M. Golden Jr. arguing for more board control. I’d rather give the board the decision. If an agenda item needs to be delayed, let the board make that decision, Golden argued. Motion Made by David M. Golden Jr. to adopt the alternative language for this section of the policies and procedures. Vote Passed 4-1. Following that decision, Motion Made by William Keohan to adopt the select board policies and procedures with the amendments in 2.6, 2.7, and 2.5. Vote Passed 5-0.

Closing the meeting, William Keohan proposed a new tradition of ringing the town bell 76 times on New Year’s Eve to kick off the nation’s 250th anniversary, saying, I think it would be a fitting thing to do if the board is so inclined. The board concluded with reflections on the difficult fiscal year ahead, with Richard J. Quintal Jr. warning, The taxpayers are suffering. So, it's time to move and stay concentrated. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.