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Plympton finance committee flags $741,610.24 in fire‑station work, notes legal and unemployment budget pressures
Summary
During the Feb. 11 Finance Committee meeting Chair Marilyn Browne warned that the Town Properties Committee may discard $741,610.24 of completed fire‑station work; the committee also heard updates on rising legal costs, unemployment payouts and a recommended $5,000 animal control budget reclassification.
Chair Marilyn Browne told the Plympton Finance Committee on Feb. 11 that she is concerned the Town Properties Committee may discard work already completed on fire‑station planning that the minutes list at $741,610.24, and she urged the committee to include members with stronger knowledge of town operations.
"MB expressed concern that the Town Properties Committee may discard work already completed at a cost of $741,610.24 and believes the committee needs additional members with stronger knowledge of town operations," the meeting minutes record. Secretary Kathryn Shepard warned that relocating the fire station off the town campus would add costs for electrical service, land acquisition, site preparation and public water supply.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy outlined other pressures in the draft budget. She said unemployment costs are currently over budget because a former Dennett employee is collecting unemployment. She reported county pension costs are currently unknown and said several towns are petitioning the county to slow the scheduled increases. Dennehy also told the committee the Board of Selectmen recommends moving a $5,000 Animal Control Officer expense out of the Police budget into the "Total Protect Personal Property" section; the Finance Committee agreed to that change.
Dennehy said the Town Accountant's budget is expected to decrease by roughly 5% due to reduced hours and that no COLA is planned for that position in the current draft. She also reported that the legal budget is significantly over budget this fiscal year, citing Board of Health litigation and work related to a 40B project plan.
On school budget matters, Dennehy said the town is awaiting an update from Jason Fraser; she noted two students will enroll in vocational school in September 2026 but the current draft budget included funding for only one student.
A motion to approve the Jan. 26, 2026 meeting minutes was recorded (mover recorded as "ML," seconded by Daniel Cadogan) and approved by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM following a motion by Steve Lewis, seconded by the person recorded as "ML." The Finance Committee's next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2026.
