Town Meeting gave the green light to a $1,891,916 contingency budget, Article 5B, which now moves to a town-wide ballot vote. If approved by voters at the polls, the override will fund a variety of service restorations, most notably universal full-day kindergarten.

Assistant Superintendent Beth Wilcox noted that Duxbury is one of only 15 towns in the state without universal full-day kindergarten, arguing that it provides additional instructional time leading to higher academic achievement. Resident Kip Dooley spoke in support, stating that for roughly a buck a week, the town could ensure all children start on equal footing.

The budget also includes $83,025 for a new full-time Beach Operations position. An amendment to remove the role was defeated after Recreation Director Steve Studley described the burnout of the current manager, who works 60 to 80 hours a week during the peak season while managing 60 to 70 employees.

Motion: To appropriate $1,891,916 contingent on a Prop 2 1/2 override vote.

Vote: Passed 307-73