Cohasset successfully leveraged its top-tier financial standing to secure favorable borrowing terms this week, as the town moves forward with several major infrastructure and planning initiatives. A financial advisor informed the Select Board that the town maintained its AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s, attracting nine competitive bids for a total bond sale of $7,690,000. The advisor noted that the process was extremely competitive, which is great for the town of Cohasset, resulting in a 3.51% blended interest rate across the package.

The borrowing covers a spectrum of long-term town priorities. According to the advisor, the total includes funding to roll over and expand borrowing for the public safety building design to $3 million, as well as the full funding for the Town Hall renovation project and water main work associated with the Route 3A project. In response to a request from D. Farrag to clarify the purpose for residents, the advisor confirmed the funds are designated for these specific capital commitments. Motion Made by P. Grady to adopt the vote prepared by bond counsel in connection with the sale of the town’s April 2026 bonds. Motion Passed 4-0.

The board also tackled the $43,246,567 FY27 operating budget, which seeks to stabilize municipal and school finances after a period of significant fiscal stress. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary presented a budget that allocates $26,031,005 to schools—a 4.83% increase—and $17,215,562 to municipal departments. Leary emphasized a strategy of right-sizing the budget, particularly regarding salary lines for the HR Manager and public safety chiefs. Our intent this year was to right-size everything and make sure everything was accounted for where it should be, Leary explained, noting that stipends and incentives are now being moved directly into base budget lines for better transparency.

During the joint session with the Advisory Committee, some members expressed caution regarding the year-over-year growth. Advisory member Courtney Murphy noted she would abstain from the initial recommendation until receiving a more detailed breakdown of outlier salary increases. However, Select Board members praised the efforts to find a sustainable baseline. D. Farrag stated that the budget’s balanced and thanked the various committees for their work, adding, We’re not running to the middle, we’re running to the Cohasset standard. Chair E. Maher expressed similar confidence in the school district's leadership, noting that Superintendent Shannon has uncovered every rock to ensure the schools are no longer relying on the town to bail us out for structural deficits. Motion Made by P. Grady to recommend Article 4 (Operating Budget) to Town Meeting. Motion Passed 4-0 (Select Board); Motion Passed 6-0-1 (Advisory Committee).

The community's concern over school funding was voiced during public comment by resident Jake Squatrio of Ash Street. While he acknowledged the town's work to bridge the funding chasm identified earlier this year, he warned that there are still a lot of really major cuts that are part of the school's FY27 budget and noted that residents remain anxious about the long-term impact on the district’s value.

A contentious citizen petition regarding the Wheelwright Park cell tower met strong opposition from the board. Article 25 sought to rescind the 2022 vote that authorized the tower, but D. Farrag warned that such a move would be legally and reputationally disastrous. Nobody is going to want to do business with Cohasset ever again if we sign contracts and then breach them, Farrag said, emphasizing that the town would likely face lawsuits for damages. P. Grady reminded the assembly that the original decision was made with high transparency, asking, Prior to Town Meeting, how many walks did we have up there? Advisory member Diane Kennedy agreed, calling the language of the petition unclear. Both boards ultimately declined to support the measure. Motion Made by P. Grady to recommend Article 25 to Town Meeting. Motion Failed 0-4 (Select Board); Motion Failed 0-7 (Advisory Committee).

Sustainability goals also sparked debate as the Alternative Energy Committee (AEC) presented Article 22, a non-binding resolution aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. Tanya Bodell of the AEC explained that the resolution is a prerequisite for Climate Leader status, which could unlock up to $1.15 million in state grants. This warrant article is a non-binding resolution that would allow us to go after funding for grants to do a decarbonization plan, Bodell said. Debbie Cook of the AEC added that the policy would encourage the town to look for non-fossil fuel alternatives first during municipal bidding, provided they are financially effective.

Board members, however, questioned the feasibility of the 2030 target for municipal fleets. D. Farrag asked about the cost of replacing DPW trucks that run on diesel, stating, I don’t see those switching over. P. Grady added that electric heat is still prohibitively expensive for many applications. Advisory member Mike Barklay questioned if the town would be forced to perform exhaustive feasibility studies for every equipment purchase, even when alternatives are clearly non-viable. To allow for better language regarding the committing nature of the resolution, both boards opted to hold their recommendations. Motion Made by P. Grady to defer recommendation on Article 22 until Town Meeting. Motion Passed 4-0 (Select Board); Motion Passed 7-0 (Advisory Committee).

In other business, the board dismissed a citizen petition to amend the noise control bylaw (Article 24) after C. Plecs questioned the legal appropriateness of the aspirational language. Motion Made by P. Grady to recommend Article 24 to Town Meeting. Motion Failed 0-4 (Select Board); Motion Failed 0-7 (Advisory Committee). The board also ratified a new three-year contract with AFSCME Unit A facilities staff. Motion Made by P. Grady to approve the AFSCME Council 93 local 1395 unit A facility contract. Motion Passed 4-0.

The board sanctioned several upcoming community events, including the Healing Field on May 23 and the Memorial Day parade. Police Chief William Quigley supported both, noting the Healing Field has been a staple for over a decade. Two one-day liquor licenses were also granted to Stellwagen Beer Company for Crafts on the Common events in April and May. Quigley noted the company is very responsible and would utilize a fenced area on the south side of the Common. Motion Made by P. Grady to approve 1-day liquor licenses for Stellwagen Beer Company on April 11 and May 9. Motion Passed 4-0.