Personnel costs will drive a $21,000 increase in the Cohasset Elder Affairs budget for fiscal year 2027, bringing the total request to $473,396. Treasurer Elaine Coyne reported that while operating expenses remain nearly flat with only a $250 increase, salary adjustments and shifting roles represent the bulk of the growth. Director Tana Carlson explained that the department is working to meet the Town Manager’s directive for 5% cuts by utilizing state Formula Grant funds to cover minor salary overages rather than increasing the general fund request. Within the current fiscal year, Coyne noted that the general fund is 53% expended through eight months, while the department recently transferred $6,960 in gift donations to cover social worker payroll after the Service League concluded its funding for that position.

Motion Made by [Member] to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion Passed (Unanimous).

Director Carlson announced that Nicole Roach began her tenure as the town's new full-time social worker on Monday, stepping into a 31-hour role previously categorized as outreach. This transition follows the departure of long-time staff member Sue, whose resignation has sparked significant community conversation. Carlson noted Roach was the regional social worker for Cohasset and two other towns, so she already has familiarity with the community. To address the loss of health insurance counseling services provided by the previous staff, Carlson has coordinated with the Health and Social Services Consortium (HESCO) to bring in volunteer Jim Burke, who will assist residents with SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) appointments every other Wednesday.

Member Paul Kierce voiced concerns about maintaining the center’s identity and operational standards during what he described as a rebuilding year. Kierce stated, I'm hoping that in the efforts to coalesce this little family of ours, there's some attention paid to how it's really going. It seems like the light touch is missing. We are a nationally accredited certified senior center and I'm afraid that nobody knows that on a daily basis here. He urged the staff and board to revisit the national accreditation binder to ensure policies remain aligned with federal standards, noting that accreditation provides a leg up when applying for state and federal grants.

Discussion also turned to the transportation budget, where Kierce questioned why the fuel line item was reduced from $3,000 to $2,000 given the town now operates four vehicles, including a new electric car. More transportation means more gas, Kierce argued, noting that rising fuel prices could impact the department's goal of moving more people. Coyne countered that the account was not fully expended in previous years, potentially due to the higher mileage efficiency of newer vehicles. Carlson agreed to double-check the figures to ensure the reduction would not hinder local van services or required state maintenance for the wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Regarding local housing developments, Elizabeth Tarpey informed the board that Cohasset remains in a safe harbor position through 2030 regarding state affordable housing mandates. She highlighted a strategic shift at the One Pleasant Street development, which has moved from a condominium plan back to 14 rental apartments. Tarpey explained that this allows the town to count every unit toward its state inventory goals, rather than only the four deed-restricted affordable units. When it's a rental, we get to count all of them. With condos, you can only count ones that are affordable, Tarpey said. She also noted that the Housing Trust is investigating 40R cluster housing options, which could provide smaller-scale options for residents looking to downsize within the community.

The board also addressed program feedback, with Carlson reporting high demand for ballroom dancing and canasta, though yoga attendance has unexpectedly dipped. Member Tarpey raised concerns about the clarity of excursion costs, noting that while bus trips are often advertised as all-inclusive, they pass around an envelope on the bus for driver tips, which creates awkward situations for residents. Carlson promised to clarify tipping policies in future advertisements in the Vista newsletter.