State legislators delivered a glimmer of fiscal hope to the Plymouth Select Board on Tuesday, announcing more than $1 million in secured earmarks alongside a projected increase in local aid. Senator Dylan Fernandez and Representatives Michelle Badger and Kathy Linatra detailed a funding package that includes support for Spooner’s Alley, a new veterans center van, and $110,000 dedicated to local tourism. Despite the positive news, Senator Fernandez warned of a tightening state budget cycle following a $600 million reduction in federal funding. Massachusetts per capita gives $4,800 more to the federal government than we get back, Fernandez noted, describing the federal landscape as a clawback situation for many active projects. Chair Kevin Canty opened the session by noting the importance of the update, stating, Quorum being met, I'll call this meeting to order. We are joined here by our legislative delegation.

The legislative update also tackled the perennial challenge of 40B housing developments. Member William Keohan expressed frustration over the law’s impact on local planning, stating that 40B is causing significant drainage of resources in Plymouth. People are scooping up land to build high density in areas not built for it. Senator Fernandez acknowledged the difficulty but urged the town to reach the 10% subsidized housing threshold to regain local control. 40B is a bad law, Fernandez said. My advice is to reach the 10% threshold. Once you are there, you have all the leverage. You aren't that far away—maybe 2%. Representative Badger highlighted efforts to address school transportation costs through House Bill 513, while Representative Linatra discussed a pilot program to protect residents of manufactured home communities who are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums. Many of these residents are on fixed incomes and their insurance is tripling, Linatra said. Member Richard Quintal emphasized the local burden, noting, We have a lot of school buses on these roads. Transportation of students is a struggle.

In a joint session with the Plymouth Housing Authority, the board interviewed five candidates to fill a vacancy left by a recent resignation. The candidates included legal professionals, nurses, and housing experts, all navigating a high-pressure environment defined by the regional housing crisis. Housing Authority Chair Dennis Samson told the applicants, I am looking for someone to help us expand our portfolio and add units. Following a series of presentations, the board and the authority members conducted a joint roll call. Courtney Curran, who works for the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, secured the appointment with near-unanimous support. Curran highlighted her professional background, noting, I have extensive housing experience, specifically in state-aided public housing and voucher programs. Motion Made by K. Canty to appoint Courtney Curran to the Housing Authority; Motion Passed (8-1 with Canty dissenting in favor of George Hurst).

Financial discussions shifted to the town’s infrastructure as Wastewater Manager Doug Bernard presented a dual-edged update on the treatment plant. While the town successfully utilized a GAP 3 Energy Grant to install equipment that will save approximately $38,000 annually, those savings are being overshadowed by volatile operating costs. Motion Made by W. Keohan to include Article 6 on the Town Meeting warrant; Motion Passed (5-0). This article addresses budget amendments necessitated by rising chemical and sludge disposal prices. Bernard explained that most amendments are driven by chemical and sludge disposal costs and hauling... It's been very volatile since COVID. It hasn't flattened; it's always going up. Member Keohan clarified for the public that these cost increases are funded through the Wastewater Enterprise Fund’s retained earnings, meaning they do not directly impact the general property tax levy.

The board also moved to modernize the town’s regulatory framework by recommending funding for the codification of zoning bylaws. Town Clerk Kelly McElrith explained that the project would transform the current PDF-based system into a searchable, digital interface. This allows people to search them easily on a website rather than a PDF, McElrith said, adding that the process would also identify internal legal conflicts. Member David Golden inquired about the editing process, while Member Deborah Iaquinto praised the move, noting, This improves efficiency and the customer experience. Motion Made by W. Keohan to include Article 22 on the warrant; Motion Passed (5-0).

Long-standing administrative oversights were also addressed, specifically regarding a 1973 easement for the White Horse Cemetery that was never properly recorded. For nearly 50 years, the town has accessed the cemetery via a private driveway at 16 Cedar Road without legal title. Town Engineer Rick Bossy explained the need to formalize the 1973 vote to ensure a clean title for the property owners and the town. We are repeating the 1973 action to provide a clean title, Bossy said. Assistant Town Manager Sylvia noted that the administration is looking to prevent future lapses, stating, I will discuss creating a task force with engineering, our archivist, and counsel to review prior town meeting votes and ensure everything is recorded. Motion Made by W. Keohan to include Article 24 on the warrant; Motion Passed (5-0).

Before concluding, the board approved the appointment of two members of the Wampanoag tribe, Mr. Harding and Mrs. Silva, to the newly reorganized Historical Commission. Member Golden noted that they are very qualified, and Member Keohan called the designated seats a positive step. Motion Made by W. Keohan to approve administrative note three; Motion Passed (5-0). The meeting ended with a look toward the future, as Member Quintal proposed allocating $100,000 from free cash toward the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. This town lost its 400th due to COVID, and people are stressed. This would be a good gesture, Quintal said, suggesting the funds be split between the July 4th Committee and America’s Hometown Celebration.