The Capital Budget Committee began its review of Fiscal Year 2027 requests at its Nov. 10 meeting, hearing presentations from the Police Department and the Paul Pratt Memorial Library. The committee also received a significant update from the Public Safety Facility Working Group, which now intends to remove the planned fire substation from the project at 135 King Street.

Cohasset Police Chief William Quigley presented his department’s FY27 capital request, totaling $167,735. "These are the standard things that we fill every year," Quigley explained, detailing the need for two new police cruisers at an estimated $139,000, the fourth year of a five-year Taser lease program for $20,235, and a mobile radio replacement for $8,500. Associate Member Ralph Dormitzer pressed for more detail on the vehicle replacement program to track the town’s total fleet size. In a poignant moment, Member Katie Dugan announced it would be one of her final meetings, stating, "It's with regret that I am going to resign from capital budget," as she has accepted a finance position in Hingham that creates a scheduling conflict.

Library Director Bronwyn Nelson presented a request for approximately $10,000 for a new drive-up book drop to be installed in the upper parking lot. She explained the goal is to improve safety and convenience, especially for elderly patrons or families with small children in bad weather. "We'd like to find a way to help them return their materials without being put at risk," Nelson stated. Member Robert Kasameyer expressed some skepticism, cautioning that, "it sounds great, but it is not as good in practice as it might seem," based on his experience with similar designs.

The most significant news of the night came from the Public Safety Facility Working Group that has shifted its approach. Following input from the Cohasset firefighters' union, which cited insufficient personnel to staff a new substation, the group reached a consensus to remove it from the project design. "It's been pretty much agreed... that it made sense to take the substation out of the design," Forest said, noting this could also eliminate the need for a costly new traffic light. The update sparked a broader conversation, with Ralph Dormitzer suggesting the town should consider starting with a "clean sheet of paper."

Later in the meeting, Dormitzer raised concerns about the committee's pace and process, arguing for a return to past practices. "We're working in the absence of both original and sort of what I call historic knowledge," he said. The committee, including Member Chris Peisch, agreed to his suggestion. "Let's set the table by having a meeting about the operation of the committee and our evaluation criteria so that we're ready," said Chair Susan Franklin, outlining the next steps.

The committee also approved minutes from three prior meetings. A motion made by Member Katie Dugan to approve the Capital Budget Committee minutes of Oct. 6, 2025, passed 6-0. A motion made by Forest to accept the minutes of Oct. 20 passed 6-0. A motion made by Forest to accept the minutes of Oct. 27 passed 6-0.