Duxbury residential property values have surged to an average of $1.3 million, a 4.7% increase that anchored a busy Selectboard session dominated by tax hearings and shifting strategies for the Powder Point Bridge. Director of Assessing Scott Timulty presented the FY26 valuation data, noting that the town’s total real and personal property value now stands at approximately $7.6 billion. The average total payment home assessed value for FY26 is going to be roughly 1 million 301 thousand 500, Timulty reported, explaining that material costs and market trends have kept assessments on an upward trajectory. Selectboard Chair Brian Glennon observed that values have roughly doubled in 10 years, prompting the board to maintain a single tax rate to avoid placing a disproportionate burden on the town's small commercial base. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon clarified that the classification hearing is strictly for the tax rate on the base tax bill, following questions from member Michael McGee, who asked, How are tax levies created as compared to the decrease in the tax rate? Motion Made by Brian Glennon to open the public hearing regarding tax classification. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by Brian Glennon to adopt a single tax rate for FY26 by setting a residential factor of one and to also authorize and allow Scott Timulty, director of assessing, to sign the LA-5 online in the gateway system on the Selectboard's behalf. Motion Passed 3-0-1. (Amy MacNab abstained). Motion Made by Brian Glennon to close the public hearing regarding tax classification. Motion Passed 4-0.

The debate over the Powder Point Bridge took an unexpected turn when Christine Hill, founder of the "Save Our Bridge" group, announced she was shifting her support toward the state’s proposal provided certain waivers are secured. I changed my mind as the founder of the group, Hill stated, arguing that MassDOT’s willingness to grant design waivers could yield a bridge that maintains the town's aesthetic without experimental risks. However, other residents remained steadfast in their desire for a traditional timber restoration. Ocean engineer Frank Geel compared the bridge to the USS Constitution, noting, We call her the USS Constitution... it's our bridge, and urged the town to proceed slowly. Resident Alicia Babcock echoed this sentiment, cautioning that when it's gone, it's gone forever, while requesting that the town hear from a timber bridge expert. Selectboard member Cindy Ladd Fiorini inquired about the progress of the coastal resiliency task force, noting, I'd like to be able to put it on the agenda for a presentation from them on the 17th.

Progress on community health and accessibility was highlighted by the Livable Duxbury team, which presented its Phase 2 accomplishments and a new "Age Strong" rebranding for the Senior Center. Kevin Mullins reported that one of the most impactful things that happened all year was the signing of Care Solace, a new mental health coordination service available to all residents. Council on Aging Director Joanne Moore unveiled a fresh logo for "The Center," explaining that our goal is for older adults to age well in our community. Amy MacNab expressed interest in using the group’s volunteer network to fill municipal gaps, asking if the initiative would include maybe feeders into municipal boards and committees. Motion Made by Amy MacNab to authorize the order to install 510 feet plus or minus of 2 to 4 inch conduit and three new pole boxes via existing pole 7/18 and 55 feet of 1 to 4 inch conduit to new handhole 10196/30C and 88 feet plus or minus of 1 to 4 inch conduit to new handhole 10196/050C via new pullbox 10196/40 on Powderpoint Avenue and Russell Road as presented. Motion Passed 4-0.

Development and administrative hurdles closed out the evening, including a tabled discussion on the Parkside development. Grant DeGiacomo of AW Perry noted that there was no monitoring requirement by the planning board discussed, leading the Selectboard to seek further legal counsel regarding the long-term oversight of the project's affordable units. Heidi Carrera of Delphic Associates explained that the regulatory agreement will also include a deed rider for the affordable units to be held in perpetuity. The board also reviewed a proposal to move the Annual Town Meeting to May, a move Town Clerk Susan Kelly cautioned against due to staffing and turnout risks. Turnout for an election or a town meeting is issue-driven regardless of the time of year, Kelly said. Motion Made by Brian Glennon to appoint Katherine Redmond to the conservation commission and to reappoint Thomas Daily and Nancy Johnson to the sidewalk and bike path committee. Motion Passed 4-0.