Facing a nearly $1 million surge in health insurance costs, the Select Board and Advisory Committee took decisive action Tuesday night to stabilize the FY27 budget. Town Administrator James Boudreau informed the joint session that while the proposed budget remains balanced, it requires strategic maneuvering to absorb a 10-percent increase in insurance premiums, which significantly outpaced the 7.5-percent growth originally projected. The budget is balanced without using free cash or other one-time revenues, Boudreau noted, adding that departmental growth is constrained by lower-than-expected new growth projections and a lack of new personnel positions. However, the rising costs of benefits and pensions—up over $600,000 this year—continue to strain municipal resources.

To address the insurance shortfall, Finance Director Nancy Holt presented a plan endorsed by the Financial Forecast Committee to reallocate $176,286 originally slated for the town’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability. Holt explained that the recommendation voted unanimously was to move 2% from the OPEB line to the contributory health insurance line and deal with the OPEB funding at the Special Town Meeting in the fall using free cash. Board members noted that while the pension system is on track to be fully funded by 2031, the recurring spike in healthcare costs is becoming a structural challenge. Chair Andrew Goodrich sounded a cautionary note regarding the long-term fiscal outlook, stating, I've said this now in public meetings many times; at some point, we have to start looking at an operational override. Motion Made by S. Harrison to defer the 2% funding of the OPEB liability in the FY27 general fund operational budget and allocate $176,286 to the contributory group insurance line. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also moved to protect enterprise funds from global economic volatility. Holt proposed moving reserve funds into the town's five enterprise accounts to provide a buffer against fluctuating fuel and lubricant costs. If we take a 30% fuel increase, we won't be able to accommodate it with what we have left in the budgets, she warned, noting that these funds are strictly controlled and only accessible for emergency or unforeseen costs. Motion Made by A. Goodrich to recommend Special Town Meeting Article 2 as amended. Motion Passed (5-0).

Beyond the budget, a contentious debate erupted over Article 23, a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would mandate setbacks for decks higher than 30 inches. Town Planner Karen Joseph argued the change is a matter of public safety and fire protection, particularly in dense neighborhoods. Zoning is designed to protect health, safety, and privacy, Joseph said, adding that the rule is intended for new construction rather than existing structures. Planning Board member Patty agreed, noting that when you buy a house and fill that space, it's not fair to everyone around who is compacting that neighborhood.

However, the proposal met stiff resistance from residents and board members concerned about property rights in the R3 coastal district. Resident Linda Ferguson argued that one size does not fit all, citing areas like Sand Hills where property lines are notoriously tight. Member Nico Afanasenko voiced strong opposition, stating, I understand the idea of neighbor privacy, but in R3, 4 feet versus 1 foot doesn't eliminate the privacy issue. You pretty much don't have privacy anyway. I don't think it solves the problem, it just takes rights away. Despite the pushback, the board narrowly moved the article forward to Town Meeting. Motion Made by A. Goodrich to recommend Article 23 to the Annual Town Meeting as written. Motion Passed (3-2), with N. Afanasenko and F. Schlegel dissenting.

The board showed more unity regarding the Stormwater Bylaw, specifically rejecting a provision that would have required expensive "staking plans" for smaller projects. Member James Gilmore led the push to remove Section C of the article, which would have impacted homeowners reaching 80% of the disturbance threshold. It puts a threshold on top of a threshold, Afanasenko noted. Ferguson compared the strictness of the proposed rule to traffic enforcement, saying, if the limit is 65, don't give me a ticket for going 55 just because I might go 70. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to recommend Article 24 with the exception of Section C. Motion Passed (5-0).

The town’s recovery from "Storm Hernando" also took center stage. Boudreau reported that the emergency response has cost $168,448 to date, contributing to a total snow and ice deficit of $83,000. During public comment, resident Jerry Kelly offered praise for the administration's performance during the blizzard, stating, I want to compliment Jim on his handling of Storm Hernando and finding the money to keep the town operating. The heavy snowfall also forced the board to retroactively approve a $53,000 snowplow contract that exceeded the Town Administrator's standard $50,000 signing authority. Motion Made by S. Harrison to approve a snowplow removal contract in excess of $50,000 with Unit for LLC. Motion Passed (5-0).

In other business, the Scituate Historical Society began the process of returning care and custody of the Massachusetts Humane Boat House and the Wampatuck Gates to the town. Boudreau noted the Boat House is already primarily utilized by the Recreation Department, making the transfer a practical move. Motion Made by S. Harrison to amend the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding between the Select Board and the Scituate Historical Society to remove the care and custody of the Massachusetts Humane Boat House as of July 1, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also approved a new seasonal on-premise liquor license for Mullaney’s Fish Market at 8 Allen Place. Manager Joby Norton explained that the seasonal license would streamline the market's event operations, which typically host between 30 and 50 guests. We've been pulling one-day permits for events, Norton said, so the seasonal makes sense for us. Advisory Chair Dan McGwigan offered high praise for the venue, calling it truly a Scituate gem. Motion Made by S. Harrison to approve a new seasonal general on-premise Section 12 license for Mullaney’s Beverage Corp at 8 Allen Place. Motion Passed (5-0).

Finally, the board moved to preserve the current seven-day notice standard for Town Meeting, rejecting a citizen-led proposal for a 30-day notice period that staff described as administratively unfeasible. Member Freya Schlegel noted, I do not agree with the 30-day town meeting notice change. It's not state law and the amount of work for employees is too much. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to recommend Article 27 with the exception of the 30-day notice change. Motion Passed (5-0).