Duxbury Considers First Override in 36 Years Amid Budget Challenges
Town officials grapple with potential tax increase to address shortfalls
DUXBURY - December 16 - Duxbury officials are discussing the possibility of the town's first override in 36 years to address budget shortfalls and ensure sustainable funding for town services. The Selectboard and Town Manager are working to determine the size of a possible override and its impact on taxpayers.
Town Manager René Read presented a bleak scenario for the fiscal year 2026 budget at a recent Selectboard meeting. The discussion centered on preparing two budget articles for the upcoming town meeting: a balanced budget (Article 5A) and a contingency budget that would require an override (Article 5B).
"Preparing for an override is a multifaceted process," Read said. "We're in the midst of doing the calculations for the cost of the compensation classification study. We're also looking at the calculation of the collective bargaining agreements and what those costs might be."
The town is facing pressure to address staffing needs and maintain services while working within the constraints of Proposition 2½, which limits annual property tax increases to 2.5% without voter approval.
Selectboard member Fernando Guitart expressed concern about the transparency of the process. "I'm concerned that if the Sustainable Budget Task Force meets in this room here, you know, only five or six people and comes up with 5B, I don't feel that's the right way to get it done," he said.
Guitart called for open meetings where the Selectboard, Finance Committee, and School Committee could discuss what a sustainable budget looks like.
The potential override has sparked debate about the town's priorities and the impact on taxpayers. Selectboard member Amy MacNab voiced concerns about the cumulative effect of various projects on residents' tax bills.
"We have to also recognize that we have $100 million PFAS mitigation. The DPW construction hasn't even hit our tax roll. This is all going to hit, along with water rates going up, to the taxpayer all at once," MacNab said.
Town officials are working to refine the budget numbers and determine the size of a potential override. Read emphasized the importance of making the budget sustainable for future years.
"It isn't just the dollar amount for one year. It's being able to afford to pay people where they should be and what they bargained for," Read said.
The discussion highlighted the need for better communication with residents about the budget process. Matt Gambino, a School Committee member speaking as a resident, called for greater transparency in sharing budget information.
"Reasonable people understand that a contingency budget depends largely on analyzing the real needs budgets. The issue is that these real needs budgets, along with their presentations and narratives, are nowhere to be found," Gambino said.
Selectboard Chair Michael McGee stressed the importance of presenting the potential override's impact in terms residents can understand. "What is this going to cost the average taxpayer over this sustainable period? And I think that's, you know, and that's something that people are going to want to know going forward," McGee said.
The town plans to hold joint meetings with the Finance Committee and Selectboard in January to review the work of the Sustainable Budget Task Force and discuss the potential override.
Read emphasized the importance of providing clear information to residents. "If I can tell you what it will cost you, then you can make a decision as to whether or not you want to support it. I don't care how old you are, 18 or 88. That will determine what the individual can afford," he said.
The potential override will be a significant topic of discussion in the coming months as Duxbury prepares for its annual town meeting in March.