The Duxbury Selectboard convened Monday night to confront a widening gap between municipal revenue and rising operational costs, beginning with a memorial for former public safety dispatcher Jack Schuststead and a celebration of the Duxbury Thrift and Consignment Shop’s 75th anniversary. Board member Michael Reed requested a moment of silence for Schuststead, noting he was just a great guy and his son is a friend, too. During the recognition for the Thrift Shop, volunteer Martha Schaer accepted a formal resolution, remarking that it takes a village, while highlighting the $160,000 in scholarships awarded last year alone. Community member Stan Wheatley also addressed the board during open forum, stating I filed a citizens petition to lower the speed limit on Tremont Street, challenging previous committee findings regarding speed limit statutes.

A lengthy public hearing regarding proposed fee increases for the Transfer Station and Duxbury Beach dominated the early session. Finance Director Mary McKinnon presented two options, emphasizing that these fees had were woefully overdue for a fresh review as tipping fees have surged 70% since 2020. Finance Committee member Betsy Sullivan noted that the finance committee did support option two, which proposed a 30% hike for stickers and bag fees. Public commenter Bri warned that residents leave the Transfer Station because of the attitude of the people that they've run into, suggesting staff interactions be addressed alongside costs. Board member Cindy Ladd-Fiorini expressed hesitation, saying too big of a jump... would be seen poorly by our residents, but the board ultimately prioritized cost recovery. Motion Made by Michael Reed to recommend the revised transfer station related fees as shown in option two set fees to take effect as of March 1st, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0.

The debate shifted to beach fees, where McKinnon noted revenues have plummeted since 2018. Finance Committee member Jack Kent Jr. supported the higher increase, asking Where you going to get your deficit money? while Board member Fernando Guitart analyzed the behavior of users, noting that the choice of use it or not use it... that would be relatively inelastic. Following the 30% increase approval for beach stickers, Harbor Master Jake Emerson and Town Clerk Susan Kelly presented adjustments for their respective departments. Emerson noted we evaluate our fees fairly regularly, while Kelly, proposing dog tag and marriage intention increases, quipped we are in the clerk's office, not the money makers in the building. Motion Made by Michael Reed to recommend the revised beach related fees as shown in option two above set fees to take effect as of March 1st, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0.

Town Manager René Read presented the FY27 budget recommendations, warning that the human toll does come with a price and that the current service delivery model is reaching critical mass. The proposed Article 5B override budget includes critical restorations and new staffing, such as a town engineer and additional public safety officers. DPW Director Sheila Sgarzi explained that the mechanic would be our number one priority to maintain town vehicles, while Facilities Director Katie pleaded for administrative help, stating You're not paying me to do what I'm good at. I am pushing papers. Police Chief Carbone noted that having only three officers on patrol is unheard of in this town, and Fire Chief Reed added we are grossly understaffed, but we also understand that we have to come up with something that's palatable. Motion Made by Michael Reed that the select board approves the recommended fees for the harbor master department effective the 1st of January 2026 as presented. Motion Passed 5-0.

School Superintendent Dr. Danielle Klingaman defended a 4.83% budget increase and the inclusion of full-day kindergarten funding, noting the $3,000 tuition has been a burden for a number of our families. School Committee Chair Kelly Brezenhan clarified the committee’s vote, saying now everybody because we're a board supports the 4.83 despite previous split opinions. Additional requests included increasing hours for the Council on Aging’s home-delivered meals manager, a position Joanne from the COA said is really at the breaking point staffing wise. Selectboard member Amy MacNab concluded the fiscal discussion by noting the costs are what they are and we need to increase the fees to cover the costs. Chairman Brian Glennon agreed, stating I think that kind of puts things in perspective for the average family. The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 PM.