Duxbury municipal employees and retirees will see a 12 percent jump in health insurance premiums this June, a spike town officials described as crushing to an already strained budget. The Selectboard moved to accept the new rates on April 13 after hearing from consultants that specialized pharmacy claims, specifically for GLP-1 weight loss medications, have significantly altered the town’s financial landscape. Danielle Chaplick of the Hill Group told the board that while only 7 percent of members used these drugs in 2025, they accounted for a staggering 25 percent of total pharmacy costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield is removing these from the formulary effective July 1, which will provide financial relief, Chaplick explained, noting that Duxbury’s increase would have hit 20 percent had the town chosen to keep the coverage as an optional rider.

The increase comes as a significant blow to the town’s fiscal planning. Member Michael McGee noted that a 12% increase is crushing to our razor-thin budget, requesting further exploration into fully insured models or joint purchasing groups for future years to see if the town can find better stability. Despite the high number, Mariana Gil of the Hill Group pointed out that Duxbury has historically outperformed its peers, with a five-year average increase of 4.9 percent compared to higher state-wide trends. Member Fernando Guitart questioned the discrepancy for the upcoming year, asking, Our track record has been fantastic, but why are we at 12% when competitors are at 8% for FY27? Gil attributed the difference to plan design and individual risk within the town’s self-insured pool. Human Resources Director Jeannie Horn confirmed that the town is utilizing trust fund reserves to buffer the impact for employees, though the 12 percent figure still represents a substantial climb. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to accept the proposed group health, life, and dental insurance rates effective June 1, 2026. Motion Passed (4-0-1, with A. MacNab abstaining).

In a separate matter that could shape the town's coastline for decades, the board cleared the way for an independent engineering study of the Powder Point Bridge. Alicia Babcock, representing the group Save the Powder Point Bridge, presented a $48,000 gift to fund a non-destructive timber inspection by expert Dr. Robert Tingley. The study aims to determine if an all-wood reconstruction is viable, despite MassDOT’s current preference for a more modern replacement funded by $170 million in state money. We are very happy the town is open to hearing what a wood expert has to say, Babcock said. Town Manager René Read explained that the work would proceed under a temporary access license to protect the town’s liability rather than a standard gift process. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon noted the town would still spend $10,000 for a peer review of the findings. We need to determine if funding a wooden bridge locally is advisable within our capital program, MacKinnon cautioned. Member Cynthia Ladd Fiorini expressed concern regarding the timeline, noting the town is expected to provide a final decision to the state by mid-June, which coincides with the expected delivery of Dr. Tingley’s report. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to approve the temporary access license and non-destructive testing of the Powder Point Bridge. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Infrastructure updates also headlined the meeting, with Chair Brian Glennon announcing that the long-awaited East Street overpass is now expected to open by June 1. Glennon noted that he and other town officials recently met with contractors to address utility conduit delays involving Eversource. We expect the road to open by June 1st, Glennon stated, adding that a remote public meeting regarding the Route 3 bridge replacement project is set for April 15. Additionally, the board fulfilled a legal requirement by designating the Duxbury Beach Reservation lease as a unique property. Town Manager René Read explained this finding is necessary under state law for leases exceeding $25,000. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to determine the Duxbury Beach Reservation property as unique for leasing purposes. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The board also reflected on significant personnel shifts and regional challenges. Town Manager René Read announced the passing of John Madden, Duxbury’s first Finance Director, who served the town from 2006 to 2018. Read also noted the recent retirement of longtime staffer Nancy O’Connor and asked the board to limit their upcoming goals to one per person while his office remains short-staffed. Regarding regional coordination, the board discussed a Plymouth County outreach survey. Member McGee suggested the town push for regionalized data storage for public safety, while Town Manager Read urged the county to address the negative financial impact of accelerated retirement assessments on municipal budgets. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to proclaim April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the town of Duxbury. Motion Passed (5-0-0).