The Cohasset Select Board convened for its final meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, December 16, addressing a full agenda that included a major pivot on the proposed public safety complex, the first steps in a new Town Manager search, and fee increases for town cemeteries. The meeting opened with pointed public commentary, as resident Timothy Davis expressed profound disappointment regarding the recently signed intermunicipal agreement with Scituate. “This agreement, which in many ways negatively impacts the entire town of Cohasset, abdicates the use of Cohasset Harbor that has been a Cohasset resource for hundreds of years,” Davis said, requesting a public forum on the matter. Resident Ann Tarpy also addressed the board, questioning the status of the Recycling and Transfer Facility (RTF) and its pilot program following the failure of the enterprise fund at the special town meeting. “The pilot program, it's my feeling and the feeling of a lot of other people that when the enterprise fund was voted down, the pilot program was included in that,” Tarpy stated.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the public safety building planned for 135 King Street. Glenn Pratt, chairman of the public facilities working group, informed the board that the 17-member group is re-evaluating the project to reduce costs, which includes exploring the elimination of the planned fire substation. “We think that take a fresh new look at what to do with Elm Street, see what the fire needs,” Pratt explained, noting the new plan would not preclude adding a substation in the future. The discussion highlighted the tension between cost-saving measures and project delays. Board member Chris Plex noted the financial reality of the extended analysis, stating, “I'm very conscious of all the analysis and effort that's going into this and while we're doing that the costs are going up.” Board member David Farrag urged a forward-looking perspective, adding, “When you build these things they're not for just tomorrow they're for years in advance and you've got to be thinking long term of how it's all going to fit with the town.”

On the topic of town leadership, the board discussed next steps for hiring a new Town Manager and a Finance Director. Acting Town Manager Michelle, when asked about filling the finance role, advised, “I think you need a secure leadership first. So, town manager first, finance director.” The board agreed to invite two search firms to its next meeting to present proposals for the Town Manager search. In other financial matters, the board approved a new audit firm and addressed cemetery costs for the first time in over two decades. Citing rising maintenance expenses, Glenn Pratt presented the new fee structure. “In the world of today, nothing stays the same price for 25 years,” he said. The board voted to Motion Made by the board to approve the Town of Cohasset cemetery price list effective January 1, 2026. Motion Passed unanimously. Following that, a Motion Made by the board to approve Roselli Clark and Associates to perform Cohasset auditing services. Motion Passed unanimously.

The board also handled a series of administrative approvals, including a long list of annual renewals for alcohol, entertainment, and other business licenses. A specific Motion Made by David Farrag to approve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House Bill 4561, which authorizes the town of Cohasset to grant five additional liquor licenses for the sale of all alcohol beverages to be drunk on premises pursuant to the language filed on September 19th, 2025. Motion Passed 4-0 via a roll call vote. The board also set key dates for the coming year, with a Motion Made by the board to approve annual town meeting on May 4th, 2026. Motion Passed unanimously. and a Motion Made by the board to approve May 16th as the annual town election. Motion Passed unanimously. As the meeting concluded, board members offered holiday wishes, with Paul Grady expressing his hope that “2026 brings good things to Cohasset, including a police and fire station, a new town hall, and maybe a couple new sidewalks.” Board Chair Ellen Mer thanked the town’s many volunteers for their service throughout the year. The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.