Cohasset residents face a series of significant financial and environmental decisions heading into Town Meeting, headlined by a proposed multi-year water rate hike and a $58.6 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2027. During a marathon session on March 11, the Advisory Committee grappled with the rising costs of town services while fielding passionate citizen petitions regarding a proposed cell tower at Wheelwright Park and a potential ban on gas-powered landscaping equipment.

Water Department Director Chris Pratt presented a new five-year rate structure that would see water bills increase by approximately 4% annually through 2031. Pratt explained that the average household would see an annual increase between $50 and $65 to offset the rising costs of chemicals and sludge management. The previous five years increased approximately 2.6%... this is an increase to 4%, Pratt noted, adding that the department is also eyeing major capital projects including new sludge lagoons and a future treatment plant. Member Vince Thornton requested more transparency for voters, suggesting that the town add a column to the presentation showing current rates for direct comparison. Motion Made by D. Kennedy to recommend Article 15 with the requested revisions to the presentation. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

The broader financial picture was detailed by town staff member Michelle Leary, who unveiled a $58,664,556 balanced budget. While the budget is balanced, the allocation of $26 million to schools and double-digit increases in some municipal departments sparked debate. Leary noted that regional dispatch costs alone rose by $100,000. Member Courtney Murphy expressed hesitation regarding the pace of spending in certain areas. It just seems like we keep hearing there was a contract signed... these are big budget increases in some areas and they're uncomfortable given the conversations we have with the school budget, Murphy said. Leary countered that this will be the first budget... we have a balanced budget presented this early in the cycle.

The committee deferred action on a contentious citizens petition (Article 27) aiming to block a 160-foot cell tower at Wheelwright Park. Jenny Lair, Chair of the Open Space Committee, argued that the 1917 Wheelwright family deeds require the land to remain in a natural state for passive recreation. Our article is a citizen petition affirmation of the will's intent and restriction of Wheelwright Park, Lair said, citing concerns over the removal of 30 trees and the impact of a large equipment compound. Member Tom Callahan, a former Open Space member, was blunt in his assessment: I've walked every trail in that park... and it's a travesty that this is happening. However, Member Diane Kennedy questioned the procedural path of the petition, asking, I wonder whether the committee worked through the Select Board to get this article or this request onto the warrant outside of a citizen's petition... what is the actual action of Town Meeting going to be?

Further concerns were raised by Member Vince Thornton, who recalled that the tower was kind of sold as being over by their old radio tower rather than in its currently proposed location. Member Courtney Murphy and Chair Jeanne Astino both acknowledged that while cell service is a critical safety gap, the lack of communication regarding the project’s footprint was problematic. Open Space member Maryanne Weatherald suggested that if a tower must proceed, any revenue should be dedicated to park maintenance, while committee member Marissa lamented the loss of the trails' pristine nature. The committee opted to wait for a legal opinion from Town Counsel regarding potential breach of contract before making a recommendation.

A second citizens petition (Article 26) seeking to ban gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by 2027 met with skepticism from the board. Petitioner Fran argued that the machines absolutely destroy any domestic tranquility and produce excessive pollution. The proposal faced immediate pushback from Member Mark Maggi, who defended local landscapers. The idea that landscapers are driving nice trucks means they're all well off and can afford lithium-ion batteries... I think is misplaced, Maggi said, citing the high cost of electric equipment. Member Michael Barclay added that current technology may not be ready for a total mandate, stating, I have an electric lawnmower and it stinks and it doesn't do the job that a gas mower does. I think this is a bridge too far. Member Mike Flaherty also raised concerns regarding the fairness of a total ban and the impact on surrounding towns. The committee took no action, citing a lack of enforcement and phase-in details.

In other financial moves, the committee supported rescinding $3.3 million in borrowing authority for a Water Department project that was redesigned. They authorized a borrowing of $3.6 million... used 300,000 for design and then decided to go with something different, Leary explained. Motion Made by D. Kennedy to recommend Article 14. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

The committee also moved to protect cemetery maintenance funds. Glenn Pratt of the Cemetery Committee explained that burial fees, roughly $35,000 annually, should stay in a dedicated revolving fund rather than the General Fund to ensure landscaping contracts can be met. The reason we want to set up a revolving account... is it's probably only going to be another year or so that our sale of graves account on its own will be able to sustain the landscaping cost, Pratt warned. Motion Made by M. Barclay to recommend Article 18. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

The committee processed several annual housekeeping items as a block, including state-mandated liability indemnification for waterway work, doubling property tax exemptions for veterans and the blind, and increasing the senior property tax work-off maximum to $1,500. Michelle Leary noted these are standard prerequisites for state funds and local relief. Motion Made by D. Kennedy to recommend Articles 11, 12, and 13. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

Finally, the board moved to support the addition of Pembroke to the South Shore Regional Vocational School District. Member Mark Cameron moved the article after Member Thornton noted the expansion would likely dilute Cohasset's future capital contribution requirements. Motion Made by M. Cameron to recommend Article 20. Motion Passed (9-0-0). The committee also backed a "housekeeping" amendment to the town's permitting bylaws for Sandy Beach and other facilities. Motion Made by D. Kennedy to recommend Article 21. Motion Passed (9-0-0).