Duxbury’s executive leaders are narrowing their focus for the coming year as the town prepares for a fiscal cycle defined by a lean operational override and persistent municipal staffing shortages. Meeting on April 27, the Selectboard initiated the process of finalizing its 2026 goals, a task complicated by the recent decision to cap the FY27 override at $1,891,916—a figure intentionally kept low by the board to ensure voter passage despite higher "restoration" requests from the School and Finance Committees.

Vice Chair Amy MacNab convened the session, which included participation from Planning Board members and town staff. MacNab opened the meeting by reading the remote participation notice, stating, Pursuant to chapter 2 of the acts of 2023 and as amended as of March 2025, the board would conduct its business via recorded remote access. The board immediately transitioned into a high-level review of its strategic objectives. Town Manager René Read has requested that each board member limit themselves to one primary goal for 2026 to accommodate a town staff currently operating 10 percent below required levels in departments like Public Works.

Chair Brian Glennon has previously signaled that his priorities involve leveraging the town’s AAA bond rating to mitigate the "debt shadow" of looming PFAS treatment costs, which are projected to reach between $43 million and $100 million by 2030. His focus remains on regionalizing municipal costs to offset the 12 percent spike in employee insurance rates. This fiscal conservatism was echoed by the board’s recent rejection of a larger override buffer, a move intended to stabilize the tax rate even as department heads warn of "staffing dilution" in local schools and infrastructure maintenance.

Fernando Guitart and Cynthia Ladd Fiorini were present to weigh in on the prioritization of town resources, with Fiorini continuing her advocacy for aggressive grant pursuit to address environmental mandates. Planning Director Matthew Heins and Planning Board Chair Kristen Rappe joined the discussion to align Selectboard goals with ongoing zoning initiatives, including the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) bylaw and climate resilience planning. The board also noted the continuing review of the NSET waste disposal contract, as the town seeks to manage a 30 percent increase in transfer station fees implemented earlier this year.

The session concluded with the board moving into a non-public session to address sensitive personnel and contractual matters. Motion Made by A. MacNab to enter Executive Session for strategy regarding the Town Manager and the Police Commanders Association (MCOP Local 376). Motion Passed 4-0.