The Scituate Select Board navigated a complex fiscal landscape during its December 16 meeting, ultimately deciding to move the Economic Development Commission’s (EDC) funding to a stabilization fund to protect the general budget. Town Administrator James Boudreau explained that the move was part of an "art of the possible" budget strategy, noting that for the first time in 31 years, the town had to adjust revenue projections upward to avoid a structural deficit. "Which line item is it? We’ll fix it," Chair Andrew Goodrich said regarding the EDC’s $46,000 allocation. "But I just want to make sure that year by year we can get the funding that we need for all the different parts." Public support for the EDC was vocal, with resident Aaron Cutler warning that it would be "shortsighted to remove funding" given the commission's "potential to expand the commercial tax base." Local business owner Chris Kennedy added that the EDC has created a "momentum in the town" that makes doing business easier than in the past.

The EDC itself presented a strategic realignment, moving away from pandemic-era local support toward a long-term marketing and branding cycle. Barry Kurland, Chair of the EDC, argued that continued investment is a necessity for the town’s financial health. "If Scituate fails to invest because economic development does seem optional, we are cutting one of the only revenue-generating levers available to us," Kurland said. "We can’t reduce our way into growth." While the Board largely supported the mission, Susan Harrison raised concerns about the "Visit Scituate" website potentially competing with town-run services like the harbor. "If we’re going to fund a website, the businesses should not be competing with [the town]," Harrison noted, pointing out discrepancies in how transient slips are advertised. Freya Schlegel expressed her support for the commission's long-term vision, stating, "This is a long-term investment. And I think we all understand that that’s how that type of market access will be successful."

Infrastructure dominated the second half of the meeting as the Board reviewed a feasibility study for a new Harbor Master facility. Chris, an architect from Olsson Lewis, presented a design that would require the building to be elevated 10 feet above current grade to comply with FEMA flood codes. "We're about 10 feet up in the air from the existing grade of the site," the architect explained, showing a modular "wharf-style" design that separates the Harbor Master, Coast Guard, and public facilities. James Boudreau cautioned that while the design is impressive, the town faces a backlog of other waterfront priorities, including dredging. Motion made by James Gilmore to award a contract to Commonwealth Waste Transportation LLC for the transportation of municipal solid waste at the rate of $34 per ton if mutually agreed upon. Motion Passed (5-0).

The Waterways Commission also proposed a staggered five-year fee increase to fund upcoming dredging and debt service. Brian Kelly of the Waterways Commission noted that the town has limited options to cover a projected $250,000 funding gap. "We only have three levers we can pull: slips, moorings, and waterway use," Kelly said. The proposal includes alternating increases for residents and non-residents to keep Scituate competitive but solvent. Nico Afanasenko emphasized that the goal of these adjustments is "to try and help our businesses in town grow... and to balance bringing in dollars from outside of town." The Board chose to table a specific vote on the fee hikes to review additional data on utilization.

The Board also interviewed six candidates for the Cushing School Land Reuse Committee, hearing proposals ranging from athletic fields and maker spaces to a "third space" community center. Participant John suggested a small business incubator, noting, "You’re bringing jobs to Scituate, you’re bringing a lot of attention." The meeting concluded with the formal closing of the warrants for the upcoming Town Meeting. Motion made by Susan Harrison to close the warrants for the annual and special town meetings of April 13, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0). The Board then addressed a minor mission statement update for another local group. Motion made by James Gilmore to approve the language as the Beautification Commission mission statement. Motion Passed (5-0). The Board also moved to executive session to discuss litigation strategy related to Sunset Road. Motion made by Susan Harrison to move into executive session and not reconvene in open session. Motion Passed (5-0).

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.