The Duxbury Fiscal Advisory Committee began the intensive process of reviewing over $20 million in department capital requests for the 2027 fiscal year. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon presented a comprehensive spreadsheet to the committee, explaining that while the total volume of requests was significant, the town manager’s office has worked to identify the most critical needs. MacKinnon noted, there was over $20 million worth of requests for capital for FY27, and of that the town manager has gone through and prioritized based on funding capacity. Chair Alexander Chin moved the committee into a line-by-line review of the budget, stating, I think let's start at the top and we'll walk our way through it to ensure every department head has an opportunity to explain their specific needs.

Technology and software upgrades sparked significant debate, particularly a proposed Human Resources Information System (HRIS) estimated to cost between $160,000 and $200,000. The HR Director explained that the lowest cost estimate is about $160,000 a year and the highest with implementation is a little over $200,000 a year, which would automate currently manual, labor-intensive procedures. Bethann R. Halligan questioned the budget placement of the software, asking, shouldn't this be in the IT budget because it's just in the software subscription realm? Meanwhile, Frank M. Holden expressed a desire for a more structured savings approach for technology, remarking that in some sense this at least it encourages my brain to think that we ought to be setting aside this kind of money in some kind of a fund to avoid massive hardware spikes. Tyler Kelly sought technical clarity on the town's computer refresh plan, inquiring if a proposed lease was set up for a five-year lease or some other period of time to gauge the long-term impact on the town's debt. The IT Director emphasized the necessity of the refresh, warning that the school devices are on their last supported OS historically from Apple, which presents growing security vulnerabilities.

The committee also evaluated several high-ticket infrastructure projects, including water treatment facilities and a new town fuel depot. Water Department Manager Mark Thomas highlighted the urgency of PFAS mitigation, noting, with the increase in PFAS levels at Lakeshore well drive, we will probably need to take that well offline sooner than later, which would require the town to bring other wells with iron and manganese issues back online. Candace Martin voiced concern over the maintenance of the town's existing Performing Arts Center roof, stating, I just want to make sure we are sort of taking care of the assets that the town has given us. Facilities Director Katie explained that moving a proposed fire station HVAC unit could reduce installation costs, noting that the lower end of that, the 435, that is moving the system to stay within the same side of the building with shorter plumbing runs. Vincent Walsh suggested the committee use a placeholder system for these items, commenting, maybe we just highlight this and go back to it once we understand the total impact on the free cash schedule.

Further discussions covered the Powder Point Bridge and the Alden School feasibility study. Town Manager René Read insisted that annual bridge maintenance must continue despite plans for a full replacement, stating, the bridge repairs we have to do those on an annual basis to keep it open, as neglecting them could result in a lengthy closure. School Superintendent Danielle spoke in favor of the $1.75 million feasibility study for Alden School, noting, we need to get the word out in the community about this potential project so voters understand the reimbursement opportunities from the state. Karen E. Barry advocated for addressing HVAC failures at North Hill, noting, I'd like to see the North Hill new heated and AC units go to a B if we were able to come up with money somehow for that. Andrew Marshall inquired about contingency plans for the transfer station, asking, did we also get an answer if we have a fail at the transfer station with the blue bag trash conveyor? Ling Wong concluded the sentiment on fiscal discipline, stating, I'm not against carrying it, but if it's fixing a roof then that should be the priority for our limited free cash.

Motion Made by Alexander Chin to approve the minutes of November 19th. Motion Passed 8-0

Motion Made by Alexander Chin to approve the January 7th minutes as amended. Motion Passed 7-0

The meeting was adjourned.