Duxbury leaders moved to solidify the town’s workforce stability Friday morning, approving three-year collective bargaining agreements for library, fire, and police personnel. The agreements, which arrive amid a period of significant fiscal constraint and an upcoming $1.89 million operational override vote, aim to bring municipal wages in line with a recent classification and compensation study that found several departments trailing behind peer communities.

The morning session began with a report on a major infrastructure setback. Town Manager René Read informed the board that the reopening of the Powder Point Bridge has been delayed following the discovery of new structural damage. While the $294,000 Phase 4 repair project was nearing completion, contractors discovered a broken "sister pile" sheared at the mudline, likely caused by harbor ice during the recent winter season. The Powder Point Bridge will remain closed to the public until such time that the Phase 4 repairs, including the forthcoming 51A sister pile repair, are completed and fully inspected, Read said, adding that the town is working with engineering consultant SGH and MassDOT to ensure safety standards are met before the bridge can carry traffic again.

Chair Brian Glennon emphasized the public safety implications of the delay. What this boils down to is a delay in the reopening of the bridge, Glennon noted. If MassDOT conducts their inspection, we have to be ready for whatever they're going to recommend as well. Member Fernando Guitart highlighted the potential for escalating costs, noting, There is a risk that additional work will be carried out to ensure the safety and integrity of the bridge, which will further reduce the opening.

The board then turned to the labor agreements, starting with the Duxbury Free Library employees (SEIU Local 888). Human Resources Director Jeannie Horn explained that the three-year deal includes a 2% annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and updates to the wage schedule. The agreement includes a 2% COLA increase every year to base wages. It includes a change in the library associate pay in conformance with the recommendations from the classification and compensation study, Horn said. The contract also modernizes operations by requiring electronic timekeeping and mandatory cybersecurity training. Motion Made by F. Guitart to accept the settlement agreement between the Town of Duxbury and the Duxbury Free Library employees SEIU Local 888 beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Motion Passed 3-0.

The settlement with the Duxbury Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 2167) addressed more significant pay disparities identified in the town-wide study. Horn reported that the firefighter EMT and paramedic positions were found to be below the 60th percentile of comparable communities, while the Captain position was nearly 12% below the minimum. To rectify this, the agreement includes the standard 2% COLA plus targeted increases, including a 10% boost for Captains. Stipends for specialized roles like mechanics and EMS managers were also increased to reflect the high level of skill required. Stipends relate to duties that need to be completed as part of the service to the public but are outside of their regular job description, Horn clarified. Motion Made by F. Guitart to accept the settlement agreement between the Town of Duxbury and the Duxbury Firefighters Association Local 2167 IAFF beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Motion Passed 3-0.

Negotiations with the Duxbury Police Union (Mass COP Local 376B) resulted in a similar 2% annual COLA, supplemented by step adjustments to bring officers and sergeants closer to market rates. Notably, the town and union agreed to hold off on implementing body-worn or vehicle cameras for the duration of this contract. Horn explained that the town agreed not to implement body or vehicle camera requirements unless required by law during this contractual period due to significant costs. The board also approved removing gendered references in the contract, replacing "patrolman" with "police officer." Motion Made by F. Guitart to accept the settlement agreement between the Town of Duxbury and the Duxbury Police Union Mass COP Local 376B beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Motion Passed 3-0.

To fund these agreements, the Selectboard cast two pivotal votes to recommend approval of specific articles for the March 14 Town Meeting. Article 8 of the Annual Town Meeting warrant covers the funding for the upcoming fiscal year (FY27), while Article 7 of the Special Town Meeting warrant addresses retroactive payments for the current year. Motion Made by F. Guitart to support and recommend the approval of the March 14, 2026, Annual Town Meeting Article 8 regarding Union Contracts. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by F. Guitart to support and recommend the approval of the March 14, 2026, Special Town Meeting Article 7 regarding Union Contracts. Motion Passed 3-0.

Reflecting on the negotiations, Member Cynthia Ladd Fiorini expressed gratitude for the town's staff, stating, How much we do appreciate the folks that do work for our town. Guitart added that the compensation study provided a necessary framework for these decisions, ensuring the town remains mindful of the funding provided by our residents while remaining a competitive employer. During a brief open forum, Executive Assistant Nancy O'Connor noted that only one member of the public, Susanna Sheehan, was in attendance for the remote session. Chair Glennon concluded by thanking the unions for coming to the table for fair and sustainable contracts.