Duxbury Select Board Eyes Spending Freeze to Head Off 2026 Budget Gap

DUXBURY -- August 22, 2023, Duxbury Select Board hears warning that town spending will exceed revenue by fiscal year 2026. Finance Director Mary McKinnon presented a budget overview Monday identifying two primary pressures: declining beach revenues driven by growing piping plover populations forcing coastal closures, and a competitive labor market leaving multiple town positions vacant. The board opted against pursuing a Proposition 2 1/2 override, instead directing staff to maintain level services and scheduling meetings with department heads to analyze operating costs. The board's next meeting is set for August 28.