In a move reflecting the town’s tight fiscal constraints, voters at the Special Town Meeting approved a $150,000 transfer from free cash to the stabilization fund. While the amount was lower than initially planned, town officials emphasized the importance of maintaining reserves to protect Duxbury’s high credit standing. Finance Director Mary MacKinnon informed the meeting that the town had originally intended to replenish the fund with $400,000, but was forced to scale back after addressing a $73,969 deficit in the FY26 snow and ice budget.

The transfer sparked a debate over the appropriate level of town reserves. One resident questioned if the current fund balance, which sits at over $7 million, could be utilized for immediate expenditures while still maintaining a AAA bond rating. MacKinnon cautioned against such a move, stating, The AAA rating is dependent on S&P's opinion. They weigh reserves significantly. I would be very concerned if we took additional funding out of stabilization today. She noted that the fund is currently at 6.6%, which remains within the town's policy guidelines.

The town's certified free cash for the year was reported at $5.4 million. MacKinnon explained that free cash is recalculated annually and starts from zero, necessitating careful management of the stabilization fund to handle unforeseen emergencies. Despite the smaller-than-planned contribution, the measure passed with significant majority support.

Motion: I move that the town appropriate the sum of $150,000 to the stabilization fund from free cash.

Vote: Passed 160-11