The Duxbury Finance Committee progressed through several Community Preservation Act (CPA) articles during their recent session, beginning with a $90,860 request for investigative testing at the Brooks Athletic Fields. Holly Morris explained the necessity of the study, noting that CPA funds cannot be used for the installation of artificial turf, and emphasized the need to determine what lies beneath the compacted soil. Drew Thie, representing local youth sports, highlighted the strain on town infrastructure, stating, Our youth programs are hopeful that this will be a natural turf solution and that’s what we’re looking for. Board member Al Hoban questioned the funding structure of the sports organizations, asking, Your organization, how how are you funded? Do you funded to the other underlying sports groups? Motion Made by Jackson S. Kent., Jr. to approve article 28 as presented Motion Passed 7-0

The committee also addressed a $137,962 request for rubber surfacing at the Ellison Playground to ensure ADA compliance. Recreation Director Steve Studley detailed the maintenance benefits, noting that the new material will eventually get more worn than a general area, but what they do is, and it's kind of cool, our paths are green with black speckle to allow for creative patching. While the playground passed unanimously, the committee was divided on a $60,000 restoration project for antique murals at the King Caesar House. Sabrina Castlin argued for the project’s urgency, saying, These murals are among the most valuable articles in our collection. However, Charles J. Weilbrenner voiced his opposition during the vote, stating, I have a hard time spending money on things in the past, so I'm going to vote no. Motion Made by Jackson S. Kent., Jr. to approve article 26 CPC King Caesar House wallpaper restoration Motion Passed 6-1

The discovery of a $5 million balance in the CPA fund sparked a broader policy discussion regarding the town’s current 3% surcharge. Chair Betsy Sullivan expressed concern for taxpayers, remarking, We understand that things are difficult, especially those who may have seen their utility bills these past few months. Ashley Maher noted the relatively small impact a reduction might have on individual bills, suggesting that if the average person is paying $20 and something dollars a year... they're not going to see a big savings. Kathleen Glynn sought to clarify the committee's progress, asking, Does that close out all the CPC articles? as the group weighed whether to recommend a surcharge reduction to the Selectboard. Brie Ling added that the funds remain vital for future housing projects, noting that truly the community needs have changed, right?

Finally, the committee prepared for the Special Town Meeting by approving several financial transfers, including $200,000 for snow and ice deficits. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon reported on the town's long-term obligations, stating, We are reinstating that $300,000 funding threshold for the OPEB trust. Town Manager René Read updated the committee on the upcoming Selectboard agenda, saying, I appreciate the offer, but we should be good regarding committee attendance at the next executive session. During the roll call for the supplemental snow funds, Theodore J. Flynn signaled his support by responding, I to the call for votes. Motion Made by Jackson S. Kent., Jr. to approve article one supplemental appropriations the amount of $200,000 Motion Passed 7-0