Cohasset officials are bracing for a challenging fiscal landscape as initial projections for the 2027 fiscal year reveal a combined $2.4 million funding gap between municipal and school operations. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary presented a sobering financial outlook to the Select Board, noting that simply maintaining current service levels would require a 6% budget increase. Leary detailed that the town side faces a $1.1 million deficit while the school department anticipates a $1.3 million shortfall. In order to have a level service funded budget, we need 6% over that number, Leary explained, pointing to a 14% spike in health insurance costs and a $670,000 decline in "new growth" revenue as primary drivers of the crunch. Chair Ellen Maher noted that Cohasset is not alone in these struggles, highlighting that neighboring towns are facing similar crises, though she credited local officials for mitigating some long-term costs. I'd like to publicly thank Katie Dugan and Linda Cole who went to Norfolk County and negotiated the pension payout... to extend it so our pension payouts are leveled out, Maher said.

To address immediate enforcement issues in the village and at Sandy Beach, the board sanctioned a new "ticket stacking" policy requested by Police Chief William Quigley. The update allows officers to issue up to three citations for the same parking violation within a 24-hour period, specifically targeting those who treat a single fine as a permit for all-day illegal parking. This would allow us to issue up to three citations within 24 hours and hopefully deter some of this behavior, Chief Quigley told the board, noting that some violators currently look at it as an all-day pass to park illegally. Fines for these violations can range from $50 for standard infractions to $250 for blocking hydrants. Motion Made by C. Plecs to update the parking regulations and implement ticket stacking as defined in the Chief's memo. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The board also formalized the Public Safety Facilities Committee, a move intended to bring the working group into full compliance with open meeting laws as the town pursues modern facilities for emergency services. Chief Quigley emphasized the urgency of the project, revealing that state health officials have expressed displeasure with the current police detention area for a decade. As a heads up, we've been written up by the state for the 10th year in a row, Quigley warned. Member Chris Plecs successfully advocated for broadening the committee's mission statement beyond simple accessibility. If there is an opportunity for word-smithing by striking ADA-dash, we would be inclusive of ADA issues and that would also expand the charge to include other relevant compliance issues, Plecs suggested, specifically referencing state regulations for holding cells. Motion Made by C. Plecs to approve the formation of the Town of Cohasset Public Safety Facilities Committee with the proposed change to strike "ADA" before "compliant." Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Tensions regarding the harbor resurfaced as resident Tim Davis, representing the Friends of Bassing Beach, requested a public forum to scrutinize the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Scituate. Davis argued the agreement regarding oyster farming and harbor usage was a travesty that could potentially put the sailing club out of business by interfering with junior sailing areas. Vice Chair Paul Grady defended the agreement, suggesting the opposition was based on misinformation. I think there's been a lot of blowing things out of proportion, Grady said, adding that without the IMA, the town risks losing control of moorings entirely. While Member Julie Rollins supported a forum for the sake of transparency, she clarified it should be to educate the public... about how the agreement came to be rather than a venue to cancel the contract. Member Chris Plecs expressed reservations, noting, I worry that hosting this forum presents us as looking for ways out of the agreement. And I am not looking for ways out of the agreement. The board ultimately directed Chair Maher to discuss the possibility of a joint informational session with Scituate leadership.

A proposal by the MBTA to convert a "flag stop" on Hull Street into a permanent fixed stop was deferred following resident concerns regarding the MBTA Communities Act. Resident Mr. Tarpie, speaking via Zoom, warned that allowing a bus stop anywhere in Cohasset triggers the law of unintended consequences, suggesting it could lead to further state mandates. While Interim Town Manager Leary noted that a simple sign change likely wouldn't trigger new housing mandates, the board opted to table the matter to seek written clarification from the MBTA. In other business, the board moved forward with the search for a permanent Town Manager, setting a January 31 deadline for residents to volunteer for the search committee. Motion Made by C. Plecs to approve Gabriella Casto as an election worker. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Finally, Town Planner Cassandra Thayer secured the board's signature on a Local Action Unit application for One Pleasant Street, converting previously planned ownership units into four rental units for the town's subsidized housing inventory. Thayer noted that rental units are actually more beneficial for the town's state-mandated housing goals. Motion Made by C. Plecs to sign the local action unit (LAU) application for four rental units at One Pleasant Street, Cohasset. Motion Passed (5-0-0).