Plymouth holds first budget hearing as residents press board on taxes and nonprofit exemptions

The Plymouth Select Board opened the first public hearing on the town’s FY2026 budget, outlining major cost drivers and answering extended public comment about the local tax burden.

At the hearing the board said the draft budget reflects three principal pressures: personnel cost increases (3% across most departments), higher health and dental premiums, and several warrant articles that show up as gross appropriations (including a FEMA SAFER grant that funds additional fire personnel and a proposed land purchase for a public safety facility). The board emphasized that gross appropriations can overstate the tax impact because of loan proceeds, grants and the town’s use of reserve funds.

During a lengthy public‑comment period, residents repeatedly urged the board to reduce expenditures and reconsider the town’s recurring allocation to local nonprofits. "I would actually like to have that line taken right out of the budget," said Annie Schneider, a resident who criticized the town’s practice of placing nonprofit support into the budget rather than leaving such giving to private donors. Several other speakers echoed concerns that tax‑exempt properties and nonprofit holdings compress the taxable base and are contributing to rising property tax bills.

A number of speakers pressed the board on the sustainability of adding staff and equipment for police and fire. William Bond, a longtime resident, said he feared continued growth in services would make homeownership unaffordable, noting, "I'm anticipating my taxes broaching $45,000 over the next few years" if spending trends continue.

Board members and staff responded by urging commenters to propose concrete, actionable reductions. "If there are specific services that you think we ought to look really closely at, ... bring us suggestions between now and Thursday," one select board member said. Officials noted the board and budget committee have already reduced nonprofit allocations in recent years and recommended that any further changes be brought to the floor at town meeting where voters can amend warrant articles.

On the budget details, presenters highlighted several items: - Police: an increase driven by a negotiated agreement with Plymouth State University to cover campus policing; the town says about $340,000 of the increase will be fully reimbursed by the university. - Fire and EMS: the budget reflects new union wage adjustments and the acceptance of a FEMA SAFER grant intended to staff additional firefighters. Fire officials said the grant (detailed later in the meeting) will phase in personnel but will create ongoing local costs after the grant term. - Highway and capital: investments include a town mechanic position expected to lower outsourced repair costs and capital work for Emerson and Parker streets funded through multi‑year planning and reserves. - Nonprofits: the draft budget’s nonprofit line is roughly $62,000; the board said that amount is lower than in past years and that any changes, including elimination, could be made by voters at town meeting.

Board members encouraged engagement and reminded residents that the final budget is decided at town meeting on March 11, and that the second public hearing will be held the following Thursday. "Show up, vote your conscience," a select board member told attendees.

The hearing closed after the board invited residents to submit specific, prioritized proposals for cuts and indicated staff would meet with residents who want to work on detailed alternatives before the next meeting.