Bourne Select Board and Planning Board Joint Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Bourne Select Board held a joint meeting with the Planning Board on January 6, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:00 PM. The meeting included appointments to the Planning Board, public comments, a detailed FY2027 budget proposal from the Town Administrator, a hearing on ambulance rate increases, appointment of the Library Building Committee, approval of the consent agenda, and other routine business. The Select Board continued its regular meeting after adjourning the joint session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melissa Murner (Picassett resident) asked whether the Board plans to leverage state and federal bridge construction funding to secure long-term benefits for Bourne (e.g., treatment plants, sewerage), given the heavy burden on police, fire, and schools. She expressed concern that Bourne does not receive taxes from Maritime, the tech school, or the base, and requested a tariff on anything entering town. She was directed to the bridge committee meetings and the Town Administrator for follow-up.
• A retired resident thanked the Board for a New Year's card but complained about a $600 increase in his tax bill. He pleaded for better budget control to reduce taxes, stating that his income does not increase and that costs are "getting out of hand." The Board acknowledged his comments but noted they could not respond due to Open Meeting Law.

Discussion Items

• Joint Meeting with Planning Board – Appointments: The Planning Board and Select Board jointly considered two candidates for an unexpired term on the Planning Board ending May 2026: Mandy J. Hallway and Rob Frangier. After a nomination process, each board member voted for their preference. Mandy Hallway received 9 votes (including all Select Board members and a majority of Planning Board members) and Rob Frangier received 4 votes. Frangier was then unanimously appointed to the alternate seat. The Planning Board meeting was adjourned.
• FY2027 Budget Proposal (Town Administrator Marlene): The Town Administrator presented the proposed FY2027 operating budget of just over $92 million, a 3.57% increase over FY2026. Key points:
  • The budget is structurally balanced without using free cash, but debt service continues to be funded through the capital stabilization fund. The goal is to eventually bring debt service back under the tax levy.
  • Revenues are estimated conservatively; new growth was increased from $300,000 to $475,000 to balance, and local receipts were increased from motor vehicle excise, licenses, fees, and investment income.
  • One position – the Assistant Town Administrator – is recommended to be defunded for FY27 (not deleted) to save costs. No other layoffs are proposed.
  • The town's M&V (Measurement and Verification) program contract with Train has a 5% annual escalator; the Town Administrator expressed operational concerns about overriding temperature setpoints and recommended cutting the $60,000+ annual cost for FY27.
  • Shared costs (health insurance, retirement) are growing at over 4.3%, pressuring the town side of the budget. Town municipal services represent only 28% of the total budget.
  • Capital investment of $17.45 million is recommended, including $13.5 million for the transfer station (ISWIM borrowing), $1.345 million from free cash, and CPA funds. The full capital request was $19.465 million, so some projects are deferred.
  • The town's bond rating was affirmed at AA+ and stable.
  • No new initiatives beyond two DPW promotional opportunities were included. Items not funded include an EMS officer, firefighter medical exams (pilot via free cash article), a full-time recreation position, a watershed permitting coordinator, and a safety officer.
  • The Finance Committee member Carla Emmons asked about revenue strategy; the Town Administrator noted a town-wide review of fees (ambulance, planning board, etc.) and that local receipts are the primary controllable revenue source.
• Ambulance Rate Increase Hearing: Fire Chief proposed increasing ambulance billing rates by approximately 8-9% to bring them in line with regional averages. Rates were last updated in 2020. The Chief recommended an annual review process to avoid large jumps. The increase is expected to help cover rising EMS costs (equipment, calls). The board unanimously approved the rates effective March 1, 2026, with an annual review each January.
• Library Building Committee Appointment: The Select Board appointed Anne Marie Seren (board representative), Carla Emmons, Todd Benedict, Ira Finn, Michael McGurrigal, Tyler Butler, and Elizabeth Balashek to the Library Building Committee, noting their expertise in facilities, construction/masonry, and legal matters. The appointment was unanimous.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Town Administrator's Report: Updates included: website migration to Civic Plus (this month); dog registration reminder; Queen School parking lot project substantially complete; Fire Station 3 roof completed under budget ($52,971.71 vs. authorized $165,000); ISWIM food waste diversion increased from 8.5 tons (2023) to 23.25 tons (2025).
• Minutes Approval: Minutes of December 2, 16, and 17, 2025 were approved with a minor typo noted but not corrected.
• Committee Reports: South Side Fire Station Committee reviewed materials; new drawings expected soon. Upcoming Canal Waters Protection Fund meeting on January 8 (or Monday) to discuss Bourne's share of watershed capital.
• Correspondence: Multiple items noted, including road acceptance letters, resignations, and seasonal community designation.
• Future Agenda Items: Board discussed need for a discussion on bridges (DEIS comments) and a report from the pedestrian/bike path committee.

Key Outcomes

• Planning Board Appointment: Mandy J. Hallway appointed to the unexpired term ending May 2026 (9-4 vote). Rob Frangier appointed to the alternate seat (unanimous).
• Ambulance Rate Increase: Approved unanimously, effective March 1, 2026, with annual review each January.
• Library Building Committee: Appointed unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Minutes Approval: Approved unanimously (minutes of 12/2/25, 12/16/25, 12/17/25).
• Next Steps: The Select Board will continue budget discussions on January 13, 2026 (operating and capital), January 20, 2026 (sewer enterprise fund), and January 27, 2026 (final budget adjustments before transmitting to Finance Committee).