Melinda Barnsley

The Select Board Work Session was dedicated to discussing budget proposals for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, covering departments including Town Clerk/Elections, Highway & Mechanic, Land Use, Fire & Ambulance, Recycling, Cemetery, and Library, along with Capital Items. Discussions included the Chamber of Commerce funding request, where some members questioned the value received versus the cost of membership, although others supported continued involvement. The Board reviewed mechanic expenses, requesting a chart of projected departmental savings. A member planned to attend a Library Trustees meeting to discuss their solar project's potential energy cost savings. Additionally, recycling costs and disposal challenges due to low market value for certain items were discussed.

Key discussions included the recognition of the retiring Plymouth Police Chief and a pinning ceremony for new Police Department personnel, including the new Chief. The Town Manager's Report covered updates on the 2026-2027 Budget Process, completion of watermain installation on Reservoir Road and Highland Street, and ongoing discussions with PSU Administration regarding the Town taking over Police Services on Campus. The Board also moved to place proposed amendments to the Refuse Container Ordinance, concerning wildlife proof containers, on the Town Meeting Warrant. Further topics included the filing period for upcoming Town Board elections and the re-appointment of David Kent to the Zoning Board. Committee reports summarized budget discussions for the School District and noted that the Energy Commission received federal funding for a Solar Array.

The Select Board convened a work session specifically to discuss the 2026/2027 budget proposals across various departments, including Police, Dispatch, SRO, Parking, Recreation, Planning, Selectmen's Office, Debt Service, and Capital Items. The Board also set the start times for the upcoming meetings scheduled for December 15th and December 22nd.

The Town of Plymouth Select Board held a work session to discuss and finalize budgets for the upcoming 1st Public Hearing scheduled for January 26, 2026, pertaining to the 2026/2027 budgets. Discussions included overall budget increases related to operating departmental budgets and planned capital items, noting savings from having an in-house mechanic. The board discussed the land purchase plan associated with the $1.6M bond and planned to meet with Franklin Savings Bank regarding repayment strategies. A policing agreement between the Town and PSU was discussed, where PSU would pay the Town $672,234.27 over two years to handle campus policing, covering 2.25 officers, equipment, and office space. The Board recommended the budget move forward to the public hearing after last-minute adjustments. One member mentioned a forthcoming meeting with Library Trustees regarding their solar project and potential energy cost savings.

The meeting was held jointly with the Plymouth Select Board. The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) Chair provided an overview of the ZBA's function as a quasi-judicial body responsible for interpreting and applying the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance. Key discussion points included the legal appeal process for ZBA decisions and concerns regarding recent settlement agreements entered into by the Select Board following court appeals, which were perceived by the ZBA to potentially undermine public confidence in the zoning process. The Town Manager responded by explaining that settlements were made to comply with judicial direction and mitigate legal risk, committing to improved future coordination with the ZBA regarding appeals and settlements. The discussion also touched upon the rights of aggrieved parties to appeal decisions and the role of the Planning Board in proposing zoning amendments.