Select Board approves amended Article 9; town debates sanitation staffing and private contract risks

The Brookline Select Board on Tuesday accepted the advisory committee’s revised motion on Warrant Article 9 — a budget item affecting sanitation and related services — after a sustained public comment period and a lengthy staff presentation of options.

Nut graf: The meeting featured sustained debate about whether to preserve in-house sanitation collection or proceed with a competitive contract for hauling and related services. Residents, advisory committee members and sanitation employees described operational strain and urged restoring an “early release” practice that had been used previously by sanitation crews. Town officials described chronic hiring shortages, operational breakdowns, and the town’s need for a reliable service model.

What the Select Board voted The Select Board moved and approved the advisory committee’s motion on Article 9 (the board’s vote recorded as: John Vascojak — aye; Paul…