Cohasset officials are grappling with a significant fiscal gap as departmental requests for the upcoming year outpace available funding by nearly $2 million. During Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary revealed that while departments have requested $4.2 million for fiscal year 2027 capital projects, the town only has $2.3 million available to allocate. Among the largest looming expenses is a $1.7 million feasibility study for the Middle/High School. Leary noted that the "General fund capital requests equal $4.2 million. Unfortunately, that is going to be faced with a lot of scrutiny since there's only $2.3 million to allocate."

The Police Department is requesting a $4,115,027 budget, a 10.51% increase driven largely by a surge in emergency calls and rising regional dispatch costs. Chief William Quigley reported that calls for service have skyrocketed by 161% over the last nine years. In 2017, we answered about 9,300 calls. This last year we answered 21,495 calls, Quigley said, adding that the town's assessment for the South Shore Regional Emergency Communication Center is climbing by 20% to $589,000. Member David Farrag expressed concern over the rising cost of regionalized services, noting that the enticement is that it's going to save the town money, but once you're in the boat, you're in for the ride. Chair Ellen Maher credited the department for managing overtime despite staffing shortages, stating, I think we should give props to the management of overtime and the hiring strategies of the police department to reduce it.

The Fire Department presented a $3,694,656 budget request, which includes a $1.2 million capital item to replace a 25-year-old fire engine. Chief John Dockray explained that the replacement is a matter of safety and industry standards. Engine 3 has met its life expectancy and it's time to replace. They're not cheap; the cost is $1.2 million and lead time is about three years, Dockray told the board. When Vice Chair Paul Grady asked if the current engine still had useful life, Dockray responded that the replacement follows the national standard for safety for the members and the service we provide to the community.

The town’s infrastructure woes extend to the sewer system, where systemic failures in filtration membranes are forcing a $1 million capital request. Sewer Commission Vice Chair Paul Kierce reported that while the commission achieved a balanced $2.8 million operating budget, the aging plant equipment is failing. We've had a problem that is systemic with membranes, Kierce said. We are at the point where we're going to have to purchase another side, so that's something we're putting forward for the capital budget this year. Kierce also noted that the town has approximately 26 months to negotiate a new wastewater agreement with Hull before the current contract expires in 2028.

Climate resilience remains a primary concern for the Harbor Committee. Chair George Baumgarten warned that modeling shows the current Elm Street public safety building could be cut off by floodwaters within 15 to 25 years. The police/fire building as it currently is on Elm Street is not flooded itself, but it's marooned on both sides, Baumgarten said, emphasizing the need for a new facility on Route 3A. He also prioritized a new conveyor belt at Government Island to assist the commercial fishing fleet. Chair Maher voiced frustration over the slow pace of harbor projects, noting, I think when people work so hard to get money from capital and the town agrees, we ought to take action.

In public comment, resident Fran Collins informed the board he is moving forward with a citizen’s petition to ban leaf blowers and weed whackers. I've only got until the 18th of February to get this citizen's petition put together, Collins said, citing eight other Massachusetts towns with similar bans. I think it's something that's long overdue. Maher wished Collins well in his recovery from pneumonia but noted the board had not yet deliberated on the matter.

The board also addressed a request from Harry Jud and Attorney Mark Tacio to lift a deed restriction at 121 Jerusalem Road to allow for a garage. Tacio argued that the restriction's origin was unclear, stating, Frankly, we couldn't find anybody that had information as to why it was placed on the land. The board deferred action, seeking input from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. In other business, the board formalized the Public Safety Facilities Committee. Motion Made by P. Grady to approve Will Ashton, Donald Stasco, Melissa Brown, Dan Tarpy, Glenn Pratt, Doug McGregor, Richard Kinsherf, and Nathan Speda to the Public Safety Facilities Committee. Motion Passed (5-0). Remote member Chris Plecs participated in the unanimous vote via roll call.

The community's signature spring event was also solidified. Motion Made by P. Grady to approve the event permit for the Cohasset Rotary Club Road Race by the Sea and Safe Harbor Walk on Sunday, April 12. Motion Passed (5-0). Lorraine Tarpy of the Rotary Club and Chief Quigley confirmed safety plans are set for the race's 50th anniversary. Additionally, Motion Made by P. Grady for a one-day entertainment license for the Cohasset Rotary Club Road Race by the Sea and Safe Harbor Walk for Sunday, April 12th, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0). Clerk Julie Rollins seconded the motions as part of the board's unanimous consensus.

Finally, Maher invited residents to a public forum on February 5th to meet with the firm searching for a permanent Town Manager. What are those qualities and characteristics that you think are important to take Cohasset into the next 10, 15, or 50 years? Maher asked.