The Cohasset Select Board’s August 5 meeting was dominated by a contentious review of the new Public Safety Building project at 135 King Street, with updated cost estimates soaring to nearly $26.9 million from an initial $10.4 million projection. The meeting opened with an apology from Vice Chair Paul Grady regarding the original estimate. "It was done with the best intentions," Grady stated, addressing public criticism. "Was not meant to confuse or mislead... For any role that the board played, it's all in the best of intentions for the safety and wellbeing of Cohasset." Project manager Dan Palato explained the cost escalation, citing necessary structural upgrades to make the former office building hurricane-resistant, code requirements, supply chain costs, and the addition of a sally port and a two-bay fire substation. Member Chris Plecs emphasized the project's value despite the price. "What I want to be able to tell people is this is a good deal. It's expensive, but it's necessary. And for what we need, it's a good deal," he said.

During a tense public comment period, residents voiced frustration over what they termed a "lack of transparency and scope creep." Will Ashton, a design and construction professional, criticized the plan's expansion and inefficiencies, stating, "I can assure you that the increased cost is not due to construction escalation or it being a level four facility." Another resident, Cassandra Buchka, questioned the board's due diligence, asking, "Why was the original $10.4 million figure put forward if the project team lacked the capacity or information to assess what the facility would actually require?" In response, Chair Ellen Maher assured residents of future communication, including an FAQ page and public forums. "I think that's very important for the community to understand," Maher said, noting that the original vote on the project was unanimous among the board members at the time. Member David Farrag suggested a dedicated follow-up meeting to address residents' concerns, stating, "I think that would be a useful public process to go through."

The board also navigated what Maher called a "happy problem" of numerous residents volunteering for town committees. The Zoning Board of Appeals had five applicants for two open seats, prompting a detailed discussion. Clerk Julie Rollins expressed support for one candidate, noting, "I was especially taken with Miss Keller, not only her experience, but also the initiative she took to join the meetings already." Ultimately, the board reappointed its existing members and added a new associate member. Earlier, a motion was made to reappoint Megan Fischer, James Murphy, Elaine Coin, and Richard Hines to the Council on Elder Affairs for a three-year term. Motion Passed 4-0. A motion was also made to appoint Chris McIntyre and William Ashton to the Conservation Commission. Motion Passed 4-0. The board then voted to reappoint Mr. Higginson as a full member and Mr. Chittik as an associate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and to appoint Ms. Fernandez as an associate member. Motion Passed 4-0.

Other town business included a detailed update from Director of Public Works Brian Joyce, who announced that Cohasset would not pursue a connection to the MWRA water system due to prohibitive costs. He also outlined the summer road paving schedule and discussed the town's response to recent flooding. Later, the board reviewed proposed fee increases for the Recycling and Transfer Facility (RTF), including raising the primary all-facility sticker to $150 and increasing the cost of trash bags to better align with disposal costs. The board deferred a vote on the new fees to its next meeting to allow for public review. Finally, a motion was made to approve the employee handbook. Motion Passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 p.m.