Duxbury Grapples with MBTA Zoning Compliance, Budget Override
Town faces state mandates, financial challenges as deadlines loom
DUXBURY - February 3 - Duxbury officials are navigating a complex landscape of state mandates and local financial pressures as they work to comply with MBTA zoning requirements and address budget shortfalls.
The Selectboard discussed strategies to meet MBTA zoning compliance during their recent meeting, following a Supreme Judicial Court decision upholding the law's constitutionality.
Town Counsel Amy Kwesell informed the board that Duxbury must submit an action plan by February 13, 2025, and enact zoning changes by July 14, 2025.
"The emergency regulations require that for any non-compliant town or city, that an action plan be filed by February 13th of 2025, and that zoning be enacted by July 14th of 2025," Kwesell said.
The board voted to direct the town manager to draft a memorandum stating the town's intention to bring zoning changes to a Town Meeting vote and submit a compliance application by the deadline.
However, some board members expressed concerns about the process and its impact on the community.
"We are elected by the residents of the town. That's our job, to represent the wishes of the residents of this town. And the residents of the town made a very big showing at Town Meeting and made their wishes clear," said member Amy MacNab.
The board also discussed the possibility of seeking additional state funding to assist with the compliance process, as previous technical assistance funds have been exhausted.
In a separate pressing matter, the town is preparing for two public information sessions on a proposed Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget override.
Town Manager René Read announced the sessions will be held on Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Duxbury High School Middle School Presentation Hall.
"The proposed override corrects a structural budget deficit, maintains and restores critical services, and adds strategic investments across the following: General Government Services, education, public safety, public works, lands and natural resources, library and recreation, beach operations, and facilities management," Read said.
The override would allow the town to assess an additional $5.8 million in real estate and personal property taxes for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. However, the actual appropriation being sought is $4.7 million, with the remainder providing flexibility for future years.
Finance Director Mary MacKinnon clarified the two-step process for the override vote.
"The Town Meeting vote is for the appropriation, and the ballot vote is for the authorization," MacKinnon explained. "If it passes at the ballot, then in theory, the town would have the ability in the following year to increase the levy."
The Selectboard voted to place the override question on the March 22 Annual Town Election ballot. They also approved in-person early voting for the election, to be held at the town clerk's office from March 10 through March 19, excluding weekends.
In other business, the board approved $250,000 in matching grant funds for two projects: $125,000 for the Temple Street dam removal project and $125,000 for Washington Street sidewalks.
The dam removal project aims to restore natural hydrology and fish passage, while the sidewalk project will construct 2,260 linear feet of ADA-compliant sidewalks along Washington Street.
As Duxbury faces these challenges, officials are urging residents to stay informed and participate in upcoming public meetings. Information about the proposed override and its potential impact can be found on the town's website.
The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for March 8 at 9 a.m. at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center, followed by the Annual Town Election on March 22 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lieutenant Timothy Steele Athletic Building.