Plymouth County Commissioners Present $95,000 Check to Plympton, Bringing Total Funding to Over $1 Million
PLYMPTON - March 10 - Plymouth County Commissioners present Plympton with a ceremonial check for $95,000, adding to the substantial funding the town has received through federal relief programs.
The funds represent part of over $1 million in combined CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money allocated to Plympton, as announced during the March 10, 2025, Board of Selectmen meeting.
Commissioner Sandra Wright shares that the county has provided Plympton with $512,419.93 in CARES Act funding and $534,707.70 in ARPA funds, totaling just over $1 million in federal assistance.
"We greatly appreciate everything that you have done with us and worked with us," Commissioner Wright tells the Board. "I know it was something new that we've never experienced before and it was just a big learning curve for everybody."
Board Chair John Traynor confirms that part of the funding supports critical infrastructure improvements in the town. "We have new water wells going in that you are helping us with," he notes during the check presentation.
The Commissioners emphasize their commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of funds regardless of community size.
"One of the things that we pride ourselves on, first with CARES and now with ARPA, is that no matter the size of the community, we were giving you all the same level of attention," Commissioner Jared Valanzola states. "Whether it was Brockton or Plympton or the other 25 in between, we made sure that every town got their fair share."
The Commissioners also highlight the efficiency of their administration of the federal funds, noting they managed the distribution while keeping administrative costs to a minimum.
"One of the most significant things that we've done is undertaking the CARES Act and the AFA funds and obviously give twice as much money back to you and only administering that one, less than one and a half percent," Commissioner Wright explains.
The ceremonial check presentation represents the ongoing partnership between Plymouth County and Plympton in utilizing federal relief funds to address local needs.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy and Selectmen Mark Russo and Dana Smith join Traynor in expressing gratitude for the county's support and the positive impact these funds have on town projects.
The meeting also covered several other important town matters:
* Gas leaks at old townhouse: Two gas leaks were detected at the old townhouse, resulting in the building being closed until repairs can be made. The plumbing and gas inspector is involved, and the fire department has visited the site twice. The building currently has no heat or hot water and cannot be used until fixed.
* Bylaw Review Committee update: Alan Wheelock and Dave Alberti presented on the committee's nine years of work updating town bylaws. The committee has submitted over 30 warrant articles since its inception, with all receiving town meeting approval. Key accomplishments include groundwater protection bylaws, earth removal regulations, and creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw.
* Town meeting preparation: Town Administrator Liz Dennehy reports progress on gathering articles for the upcoming town meeting. She expresses cautious optimism about keeping warrant articles to a reasonable level and indicates that an override is unlikely to be needed.
* Fire station debt exclusion: The Board discusses the potential need for a debt exclusion for the fire station. The Finance Committee plans to meet on March 17 to discuss the matter, with the Board expected to decide on March 25 whether to put a ballot question before voters.
* Early vote by mail: The Board discusses the town clerk's recommendation to opt out of early vote by mail for the upcoming local election. They decide to schedule a public hearing on the matter before making a final decision.
* Baseball opening day: The Board approves an application from Plympton PAYS to use the Town Gazebo and the road to Holt Field for Baseball opening day on April 13.
* Old Colony Planning Council: The Board appoints Dana Smith as the town's delegate to the Old Colony Planning Council.
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for March 25 at 12:45 p.m., with a special meeting set for March 17 at noon at the police station to discuss the fire station funding.