The Duxbury Finance Committee met to finalize recommendations for the upcoming Town Meeting warrant, focusing heavily on a $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 override and a major feasibility study for the Alden School. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon opened the session by detailing Article 7, which covers capital requests under $25,000 totaling $155,102. MacKinnon noted that while the article is often called capital, this article is sort of a misnomer; it's really small equipment one-time purchases. Member Charles J. Weilbrenner scrutinized some items, asking, Isn't that maintenance? regarding painting and carpet requests for the library. MacKinnon clarified that these are non-recurring, one-time expenses funded via free cash, prompting the committee to advance the article. Motion Made by Charles J. Weilbrenner to approve article seven as presented. Vote Passed 8-0

The most contentious debate centered on the proposed $2,798,451 tax override. Town Manager René Read explained that while $1.89 million is needed to fund the FY27 budget, the remaining $900,000 is built-in excess levy capacity to ensure sustainability for roughly three years. René Read emphasized that the sustainability factor hasn't gone away; we don't want to do this for just one year. However, some members expressed concern about public trust. Theodore J. Flynn stated, I think we're making a mistake; I think we ought to go for the override and not ask for additional monies to put into the future. Kathleen Glynn added that the committee needs to craft a easily understood response to this, which I don't think I'm hearing yet. Mark Hokanson pointed out that mandatory costs like pensions and insurance are not optional, noting, Those are benefits that our town employees have earned that we have to buy. Despite the reservations from Ashley Maher, who said she was coming tonight expecting to see 1.9 million, the committee prepared to move forward with the total figure to avoid annual override requests.

Infrastructure remained at the forefront as the committee reviewed Article 13, a $1.75 million feasibility study for the Alden School. Chair Betsy Sullivan noted the difficulty of the request, stating it puts the town in a conundrum where exempt debt might exceed recommended guidelines. Friend S. Weiler, Sr. shared his internal conflict, admitting, My gut wants to resist it but I'm thinking it would be unwise so I'm going to support it. Al Hoban urged the committee to use strategic thinking to reassure neighbors that they have thought this through and are working for the best of the community. Following the discussion on the school’s deteriorating condition, the committee voted to recommend the study, which carries an estimated tax impact of $52 for the average household. Motion Made by Charles J. Weilbrenner to approve article thirteen Alden School feasibility study as presented in the warrant. Vote Passed 8-0

The committee also processed several non-financial and administrative articles, including Article 19, which seeks to dissolve the long-standing Beach Committee. René Read explained that with professional staff and engineering firms now managing the beach, the committee no longer serves its original purpose. Motion Made by Charles J. Weilbrenner to approve article nineteen proposed amendment to the general bylaw section 6.6, dissolution of the beach committee. Vote Passed 8-0 Additionally, the committee supported changes to animal control bylaws to allow the Selectboard more flexibility in setting fees. Motion Made by Charles J. Weilbrenner to approve article sixteen proposed amendment to the general bylaw section 7.1 animal control as presented in the warrant. Vote Passed 8-0 The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.