The Cohasset Advisory Committee set a firm tone for the upcoming budget season at its Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, meeting, signaling a demand for greater transparency and an “outcomes-based” justification for spending from the school department. The meeting also included a discussion on Open Meeting Law and an update on the search for a new town manager.

Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary confirmed that the Select Board will outline the hiring process and timeline for a permanent town manager at its Dec. 16 meeting. “Based on our bylaws, they have to create a search committee,” Leary explained.

The primary conversation was driven by a request from Member Thomas Callahan to begin school budget discussions early. While Chair Jeanne Astino felt the move was premature, it opened a broader debate on process. Callahan expressed a desire to avoid a last-minute crunch, stating, “I just don't want to be either inundated with information at the last minute before town meeting or not getting the information and having to fight to get it.”

This sentiment was echoed by Member Michael Barclay, who recalled a prior agreement for a mid-year financial update from the schools, a request Leary agreed to facilitate. Member Mark Cameron emphasized that meaningful progress required direct engagement. “These are really deep school issues that… need to incorporate the school committee,” he noted.

Member Courtney Murphy framed the committee’s future approach as one focused on results. “I am an outcome-based person and I'm going to beat the crap out of everybody about that for the foreseeable future,” Murphy stated. “For all this money that we're spending… what are we trying to do for our students?”

The need for a cohesive, town-wide financial strategy was highlighted by Member Diane Kennedy, who advocated for a joint budget message with the Select Board “sooner rather than later.” Following a recap of the recent Special Town Meeting, members praised the moderator. “He’s very good at his job,” noted Member Mark Maggi, with Callahan agreeing.

Chair Jeanne Astino also addressed committee conduct, explaining her policy of not accepting social media friend requests from fellow members to avoid potential Open Meeting Law violations. “It can lead to conversations that shouldn't be happening outside of an open meeting,” she said. Leary confirmed that formal training on the matter would be initiated in the spring. Member Mike Flaherty offered a simpler solution, joking, “I'll do you one better and just say that I'm not on Facebook entirely. That's even easier.”

Before adjourning, the committee approved minutes from its Oct. 6 and Oct. 22, 2025, meetings. Both motions passed 8-0, with one member absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.