The Duxbury Finance Committee convened Tuesday evening to review several Community Preservation Committee (CPC) articles slated for the upcoming Town Meeting. Chair Betsy Sullivan opened the session by ensuring the committee was prepared for the extensive list of proposals, asking, Does everybody have their warrant and have all of the CPC articles listed so we know we get through each of them? CPC Chair Holly Morris presented the financial outlook for fiscal year 2027, noting that the estimated revenue of over $2.4 million is bolstered by the town's current surcharge level. Morris explained, Because we are a 3% town, we had two additional rounds of funding, which added about an extra 51,000 to that number. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon added context to the growing fund balance, which is projected to reach $5.5 million by the end of FY27, noting that the community had been at 1% for quite some time and a few years ago the town meeting approved an increase in that surcharge from 1% to 3%.

The robust fund balance prompted a pointed discussion from Mark Hokanson, who questioned the necessity of the 3 percent surcharge while the town is simultaneously pursuing a budget override. Hokanson asked, How often does the town review what the surcharge is with respect to what the needs are? highlighting concerns about the tax burden on residents. Motion Made by Kathleen Glynn to approve Article 26 CPC operating fund. Vote Passed 7-0. Following this, the committee addressed allocations for open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing. Kathleen Glynn sought clarification on the proceedings, asking, Is Article 26 CPC operating fund? before the committee moved forward. Motion Made by Kathleen Glynn to approve CPC allocations. Vote Passed 8-0.

Affordable housing was a major focus, with representatives Steve Marshall and Dan Schied outlining plans for "odd lots" and the East Street project. Marshall stated, We are working on what we call odd lots, which are individual lots in town that we believe can meet the affordable housing zoning requirements. Schied emphasized the need for administrative funding to prepare these projects, noting, We want to get the essentially the spade work done before asking for that additional funds. Al Hoban spoke in favor of the strategic approach, commenting, I thought it wise and I'm sorry to be going on so long to unpop this and pull it apart because I think this is the kind of approach that is thoughtful. Nancy Rufo clarified the environmental review process for these lots, stating, It basically is having somebody go out to the site and determine exactly what's wetland, what's a resource area, what's upland. Motion Made by Kathleen Glynn to approve CPC affordable housing trust administrative funding. Vote Passed 9-0.

The most contentious debate centered on a $92,000 request for a barn at Delorenzo Farm. Guest speaker Amanda Maximchuk represented the farm, explaining, The actual farmer is not here tonight. He's in a class. So I'm filling in for him. She described the barn as a critical piece of infrastructure for livestock and equipment. However, some committee members were wary of adding more town-owned buildings. Theodore J. Flynn voiced his skepticism, saying, It seems to me we're creeping away again. And and I think a lot of Mark's comments are right. Jackson S. Kent, Jr. also opposed the measure, stating, I'm going to stick to my guns. I'm going to say no. Ashley Maher encouraged the committee to weigh the community impact, noting, I agree with you. I think so. And I think but that's the conversation and it's good to have the conversation here because you might have it at town meeting. Motion Made by Ashley Maher to approve Delorenzo Farm Barn Construction. Vote Passed 5-2-1.

The committee ultimately rejected a restoration project for Paulie’s Pond, with several members describing the site as a "swamp" with little utility. Town Moderator James Hartford joined the opposition, stating, I I I can't go for Paulie. I'm sorry. No. Motion Made by Ashley Maher to approve Pauliey's Pond Restoration. Vote Failed 2-6. Earlier in the evening, Charles J. Weilbrenner faced technical hurdles, asking, Is this available for us to see though on Zoom? despite the difficulties, the committee successfully moved through the remaining articles, including a new accessibility trail at Bay Farm. Motion Made by Ashley Maher to approve Bay Farm accessibility trail benches and parking. Vote Passed 8-0. Motion Made by Ashley Maher to approve Shipyard Beach Park. Vote Passed 8-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.