Budget Sub-Committee D approves FY27 public-works budgets; members flag staffing vacancies

Plymouth — Budget Sub-Committee D of the Advisory & Finance Committee unanimously approved the FY27 Select Board proposed budgets for Public Works divisions during a Jan. 20 meeting at the Great Hall. The three committee members present approved each division’s recommendation by a 3–0 vote.

The committee, chaired by Emily Tompkins, heard presentations from Public Works leaders on budgets for Engineering; Highway; Administration; Building Maintenance; Snow & Ice; Fleet Maintenance; Solid Waste Operations; the Crematory; Cemetery; and Parks & Forestry. Presenters emphasized that personnel costs make up the majority of spending in most divisions and flagged ongoing vacancies as a continuing operational concern.

Why it matters: The approved budgets set spending levels for core public services that affect road maintenance, building upkeep, waste disposal, park operations and cemetery services. Several divisions reported personnel shortfalls or planned staffing changes that could affect service delivery and maintenance schedules.

Key takeaways

- Engineering: Town Engineer Richard Bosse noted long-term staff vacancies since 2020 and outlined the division’s responsibilities, including pavement management, sidewalk and drainage planning, MS4 permit compliance, and GIS upkeep. The Engineering budget is 89% personnel expense; personal services increased 2.93% and the overall FY27 change is +2.6%. The committee approved the Engineering budget 3–0.

- Highway: DPW Director William Coyle said the Highway Division is responsible for about 400 miles of roadway across 103 square miles. Personnel accounts for 90% of the division’s budget; personal services rose 2.4%. Coyle reported vacancies have fallen to four from eight last year. The committee approved the Highway budget 3–0.

- Administration: The DPW Administration budget, covering four administrative positions including the DPW director and an OSHA officer, is largely personnel-driven (96%); the FY27 proposal shows a 0.3% decrease in personal services and a −0.3% overall change. The committee approved the Administration budget 3–0.

- Building Maintenance: Facilities Manager Karl Anderson and Mr. Coyle described responsibilities for 30+ municipal properties, including seven fire stations and two libraries. The budget splits roughly into Personal Services 27%, Facilities & Utilities 46%, and Other 27%; two vacancies were removed from the Personal Services line, producing a 9.6% reduction. Committee approved 3–0 after discussion about recent HVAC work and painting needs.

- Snow & Ice: Presented as a fixed-cost item and level-funded from FY26; committee confirmed the line includes contracted services, staff time, salt and related costs and approved it 3–0.

- Fleet Maintenance: The division maintains 310 pieces of equipment (excluding fire and school apparatus). The FY27 proposal allocates 47% to Fuel & Utilities, 27% to Other Expenses and 26% to Personnel. The vehicle fuel line was reduced 22.5% due to historical underspending; two mechanic vacancies remain. Committee approved 3–0.

- Solid Waste Operations: Assistant DPW Director James Downey said the budget covers municipal and school waste disposal and contracts with SEMASS to convert waste to energy (the Manomet Transfer Station enterprise is excluded). Personal Services account for 46% of the budget and rose 7.8% because of contractual obligations and overtime; the committee approved 3–0. Downey and members discussed improved recycling communication and exploring food-waste composting to reduce tipping fees.

- Crematory and Cemetery: Diane Maguire presented both divisions. The Crematory’s personal services account for 85% of its budget and show a 23.3% increase tied to contractual obligations and filling an administrative assistant role (salary split with the Cemetery). The Cemetery Division maintains 22 town-owned cemeteries, seven active; its personal services increase is 2.4%. Both budgets were approved 3–0.

- Parks & Forestry: Superintendent Nick Faiella presented a budget covering 35 areas including parks, beaches and sports complexes. Personal services are 83% of the budget with a 3.3% increase due to contractual raises and attendance bonuses; Faiella reported one Parks vacancy and two Forestry vacancies. Committee approved 3–0.

Votes at a glance: Each division’s FY27 Select Board proposed budget was approved by roll call vote of 3 Yes, 0 No, 0 abstentions (members present: Chair Emily Tompkins, Joe Lalley, Everett Malaguti). The meeting adjourned at 9:08 a.m.

Next steps: The minutes and the committee’s approvals were recorded in the meeting packet; no formal amendments to the Select Board proposal were made during the session.

(Reporting based on the Budget Sub-Committee D meeting packet and presentations.)