Plympton Officials Work to Avoid Budget Override, Consider Social Media Expansion
Town may tap stabilization funds as costs rise; Board explores new ways to engage with residents online
PLYMPTON - February 24 - Plympton officials are working on various budget scenarios for fiscal year 2026 in an effort to avoid a Proposition 2½ override, with the possibility of tapping into the town's stabilization fund to balance the budget.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy reports that rising costs are catching up with the municipality, making it increasingly difficult to maintain services without additional revenue.
"If we're going to avoid an override, I do think we're going to have to tap into general stabilization a little bit," Dennehy says. "I feel like the cost of everything is just catching up with us."
The Board of Selectmen discussed the budget situation at their February 24 meeting, with Dennehy noting that using stabilization funds would require approval from both the Finance Committee and a two-thirds vote at town meeting.
Selectman Mark Russo reminded the board that "tapping into stabilization will need a positive vote from FinCom, from us, and a two-thirds vote from town meeting."
The Highway Department is requesting $250,000 for roadway work in the coming fiscal year, up from the customary $200,000. Dennehy notes this is the only large request that stands out so far in the budget process.
Board Chair John Traynor mentioned the department recently received $111,000 in supplemental Chapter 90 money from the state, suggesting "that should be enough," though the board will discuss the matter further as budget preparations continue.
The board also plans to consider at their March 10 meeting whether to move forward with a ballot question for a debt exclusion related to the fire station project.
"I would imagine that being an appropriate timeline if that gets scheduled then and that would give Tara enough time as far as getting the ballots printed with that," Dennehy says.
Traynor indicates the Town Properties Committee has been working on the fire station project for over a year and believes residents should have the opportunity to vote on it, even if it ultimately doesn't pass.
"We should go ahead even if we decide later to pass over it," Traynor says. "At least we should give the people a chance and to hear what we've been doing."
In addition to budget discussions, the board is exploring ways to update the town's social media policy to better engage with residents, particularly younger residents.
Traynor notes that the current social media policy prevents town officials from discussing business through social media platforms, requiring residents to come in person or write to the board with questions.
"For the people in the 20, 30, 40 age group, social media is the way they do business," Traynor says. "I see it with the Recreation Committee, I see it with PAYS, I see it with C.A.S.A., and I see it with just general people in Plympton Helping Plympton."
Traynor suggests creating a town Facebook page where officials could post answers to questions that arise on social media.
Selectman Dana Smith expresses caution about potential legal issues, particularly regarding open meeting laws.
"I kind of see landmines all over the place," Smith says. "I think we certainly have to check with town council on when we've, how easily we could drift into deliberation through social media."
Dennehy suggests starting with more objective content, such as frequently asked questions from town departments and boards.
"I think putting it up on the website so that that's the official information source, but then putting the link on social media for our quarterly updates from any of these departments," Dennehy says.
The board agreed to workshop the social media policy at a separate meeting after gathering information from legal counsel and other towns.
In other business, the board approved moving forward with finishing a room at the Old Townhouse that previously underwent mold remediation at a cost of around $10,000. The lowest quote to complete the room with insulation, drywall, painting, and trim is $5,380.
The board also addressed lighting concerns at the Old Townhouse, with Dennehy reporting that Eversource has been contacted about a problematic street light and that the town is working to replace a flood light with more appropriate lighting that won't disturb neighbors.
The Board of Selectmen's next meetings are scheduled for March 10 and March 24.