Editors note: South Shore News is going paid in April, subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss a story. Reach out for group or organizational pricing.

Subscribe now

The Full Story

Principal Michelle Scheufele, accompanied by physical education teachers Marcia Beatty and Mike Leavitt, presented the ongoing success of the Phelps Elementary House System [22:28]. Now in its second year, the program divides the school’s 650 students and 100 staff members into five distinct “houses”—Harmony, Honor, Radiance, Unity, and Valor [23:28]. The goal of the system is to create a smaller, more tight-knit community within the large elementary school, ensuring every student has multiple trusted adults they can turn to across different grade levels [23:14].

The program utilizes healthy competition and community service to engage students. Scheufele highlighted a recent coat drive that collected over 300 items for charity, earning the school $1,500 in prize money for new recess equipment [24:43]. Students shared their personal highlights, noting that “house lunches” allow them to sit with and learn from peers in other grades they wouldn’t normally interact with [33:04].

“We wanted to promote cross-grade level gatherings and also competition—healthy competition—among our students and staff. In addition, we wanted every child to have more than one trusted adult, because in a big school, that’s one of the challenges.” [23:05] — Michelle Scheufele, Principal of Phelps Elementary School

In administrative business, the Committee held the second reading and approval of the 2026-2027 District Calendar [38:12]. A key adjustment was made to November 2026; the Committee voted to remove a scheduled half-day on November 5th and instead designate November 3rd (Election Day) as a full Professional Development day for staff [38:29]. This move is intended to assist parents by streamlining child care needs during the election week [38:42]. Notably, the school year is slated for a September start, which members described as a rare shift providing a longer August break for families [39:11].

The Committee also approved the 2026 Summer Program Handbook, which includes a rate increase to $9.50 per hour—up from $9.00 [41:48]. Members noted that despite the 50-cent increase, the program remains highly competitive and “reachable” for local parents compared to private camp alternatives [42:06].

Finally, the meeting celebrated recent financial wins from student-led fundraisers [37:10]. The Rockland High School (RHS) Boys Basketball team successfully raised over $3,300 through an online campaign, while the Class of 2026 and the Key Club also reported net profits from recent bake sales and tournaments [37:38].

Share

Why It Matters

The expansion of the House System at Phelps represents a significant investment in social-emotional learning and school safety by fostering stronger bonds between older and younger students. For parents, the calendar adjustments and the summer program rate hike have direct financial and scheduling impacts; the Committee’s effort to consolidate “no-school” days during election week demonstrates a responsive approach to the childcare challenges faced by working families.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the minutes for the meeting of March 9th [20:52].

  • Vote: Unanimous ([21:00])

• Motion: To approve 15 Department Head monthly reports [21:33].

  • Vote: Unanimous ([22:08])

• Motion: To approve the 2026-2027 District Calendar with the removal of the November 5th PD day [39:35].

  • Vote: Unanimous ([40:06])

• Motion: To approve the 2026 Summer Program Handbook and rate increase [40:17].

  • Vote: Unanimous ([42:20])

• Motion: To approve new fundraisers for RHS Softball and Rockland Daycare [42:46].

  • Vote: Unanimous ([43:18])

Public Comment

No residents came forward during the “Audience” portion of the meeting [21:00].

What’s Next

• RHS Drama Performance: The high school will perform Guys and Dolls this coming Friday and Saturday [44:18].

• Scholarships: Senior scholarship packets are due to the guidance office no later than April 9th at 3:00 p.m. [43:58].

• Special Education Meeting: The Rockland SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. [44:35].

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Editors note: South Shore News is going paid in April, subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss a story. Reach out for group or organizational pricing.

Subscribe now

The Full Story

Town Administrator Doug Lapp described the FY27 budget cycle as the most challenging in his career, citing four simultaneous financial hits: a massive $1.1 million snow and ice deficit, a “devastating” lack of increased state aid, rising county retirement assessments, and a proposed 20% spike in health insurance premiums. [43:40] To bridge the gap without asking residents for a tax override, the town aggressively sought bids for insurance, securing a deal with United Healthcare at an 11.7% increase—nearly half of the Blue Cross proposal—for identical coverage. [46:47]

“I don’t know if I lost a $9.5 million customer that somebody’s got to answer for that... it appears as it’s just greed on Blue Cross. We have to be responsible with taxpayer money.” [53:57] — Select Board Chair Mike O’Loughlin

The savings from this move are pivotal. Lapp announced the restoration of two personnel cuts previously on the chopping block: one position in the Highway/Tree department and one in the Parks department. [51:42] Additionally, the board approved a $3.95 million bond authorization presented by Treasurer Allison Sullivan to fund the Bicentennial Track project and initial costs for the new fire station. [16:37]

The meeting also featured the annual performance evaluation of Town Administrator Doug Lapp. The board issued a glowing “consensus review,” rating his performance between “achieved” and “exceeded.” Members praised his “steady, ethical leadership” and his ability to navigate complex fiscal challenges while maintaining strong relationships with town staff and the school department. [30:51]

Share

Why It Matters

For Rockland residents, this meeting signals two major victories: the avoidance of a Proposition 2 ½ override (a property tax increase above the legal limit) and the preservation of town services. By switching insurance carriers, the town is protecting its workforce from layoffs while ensuring that the Highway and Parks departments—described as the town’s “unsung heroes”—remain staffed to handle manual labor and maintenance. [01:03:52]

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To authorize the $3,950,000 bond anticipation notes for the Fire Station and Bicentennial Track projects.

  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [[20:32]]

• Motion: To approve the minutes from the meeting of March 3, 2026.

  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [[16:02]]

• Motion: To enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining (AFSCME Council 93) and real property.

  • Vote: Unanimous Roll Call (5-0) [[01:22:24]]

Public Comment

While no residents spoke during a formal public comment period, the board emphasized the importance of a joint meeting with Abington regarding Union Point water requests. Vice Chair Lori Childs urged residents to attend the March 18th meeting at Abington High School, noting that development at Union Point could bring “millions in tax revenue” that the town desperately needs. [01:19:47]

What’s Next

• Health Insurance Transition: Employees will receive information regarding the switch to United Healthcare tonight, with one-on-one enrollment support starting soon for a July 1 effective date. [48:07]

• Town Meeting Warrant: The final warrant will be ready for board signature on April 7, 2026. [01:03:19]

• Bicentennial Track: Having received Conservation Commission approval, the project will soon move to the bidding phase. [01:13:17]

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The Rockland School Committee’s public hearing on Monday night centered on a grim financial reality: despite a collaborative relationship with Town Hall, the district’s costs are outpacing its revenue. Superintendent Alan Cron and Director of Finance Jane Hackett presented a budget that requires the elimination of 25 positions—13 through direct layoffs and 12 through non-backfilled retirements and vacancies. [18:04]

The $1.67 million “cut sheet” was necessitated by several external factors. While state aid increased by only $176,000, the town’s health insurance costs surged by 16%, representing a $1.7 million increase. Additionally, Plymouth County Retirement is accelerating its funding schedule to be fully funded by 2032, adding nearly $500,000 in annual costs to the town. [15:20], [15:43]

“This is not a happy budget. In fact, it’s the third unhappy budget that I’ve presented... perhaps the worst one because we have cut back quite a bit to get here.” [12:12] — Superintendent Alan Cron

The specific cuts include:

• Phelps Elementary: Two classroom teachers (Kindergarten and Grade 2), leading to increased class sizes. [24:48]

• Secondary Schools: One Middle School World Language teacher and one High School Spanish teacher. [25:02]

• Specialized Support: Elimination of the Middle School health teacher (with curriculum absorbed by PE staff), a reading specialist, and several special education (SPED) positions. [25:02], [25:16]

• District-wide: Reductions in building substitutes and a 30% cut to instructional supplies ($110,000). [25:45], [29:05]

Sharon McGonnigal, President of the Rockland Education Association, acknowledged the “uncertainty” the budget creates but praised the “professionalism” and “open lines of communication” between the union and administration during the process. [52:42], [53:23]

Share

Why It Matters

For Rockland residents and parents, this budget means larger class sizes at the elementary level and fewer specialized subject offerings in the middle and high schools. The district is leaning heavily on one-time revenues, including $500,000 in free cash from the town and a $824,000 increase in “circuit breaker” reimbursements from the state to bridge the gap. [19:40], [20:28] Without structural reform to the state’s Chapter 70 funding formula, Cron warned that these “unhappy” cycles may continue. [48:31]

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To open the public hearing for the FY27 budget.

  • Vote: Unanimous [09:36]

• Motion: To approve the proposed FY27 budget of $38,255,446.

  • Vote: Unanimous [01:04:02]

• Motion: To approve the Rockland High School Program of Studies changes, including “student-initiated learning opportunities.”

  • Vote: Unanimous [01:12:31]

Public Comment

• Richard Penny (Building Committee Chair): Clarified that the Phelps Elementary project remains officially open due to pending litigation, which is why the town has not yet assumed full assessed ownership of the building. [57:42]

• Megan Leoncavallo: Inquired about how parents can advocate for the schools. Finance Director Jane Hackett suggested lobbying state legislators to increase the special education circuit breaker reimbursement from 75% to 90%. [58:35], [01:00:02]

What’s Next

• Graduation: Scheduled for May 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM. [01:13:00], [01:18:37]

• FY27 Budget: The approved school budget will now move forward to the Rockland Town Meeting for final appropriation.

• School Calendar: The 2026-2027 school calendar was tabled for a second reading. [01:21:13]

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The primary focus of Tuesday’s meeting was the deteriorating fiscal landscape for the upcoming year. Town Administrator Doug Lapp expressed extreme frustration, using a baseball metaphor to describe the situation as a “full count, bottom of the ninth” struggle. [01:05:30] Despite previous hopes that negotiations would lower a projected 19.7% health insurance increase to 16%, Blue Cross Blue Shield has refused to budge, leaving the town to scramble for a balanced budget before the May Town Meeting. [01:05:10]

To address the gap, Lapp is recommending a series of painful reductions. These include leaving several personnel positions vacant, specifically in the highway, tree, parks, and collector’s departments. [01:09:38] Other significant cuts include:

• $100,000 from highway materials and hired equipment, which will result in less road work being completed. [01:10:57]

• $50,000 from stormwater drainage repairs. [01:11:13]

• Reductions in fire department overtime and police technology initiatives. [01:12:06], [01:12:30]

• Elimination of a proposed $20,000 firefighter health and welfare screening program. [01:14:23]

“I’m very frustrated about it... it’s not just a Rockland issue, it’s a South Shore issue, a Massachusetts issue, a national issue.” — Doug Lapp, Town Administrator [01:05:40]

Proposed “Problem Properties” Bylaw

Amidst the budget concerns, Assistant Town Administrator Courtney Bjorgaard and Town Planner Allyson Quinn presented a draft for a new “Problem Properties” general bylaw. [22:44] The bylaw aims to codify a task force to address properties that are “unsafe, unsanitary, or significant nuisances.” [23:29]

The board held a robust discussion on the potential for government overreach, with Board Member Mike O’Loughlin and others stressing the need to differentiate between residents who “won’t” maintain their property and those who “can’t” due to financial hardship or age. [34:52] Bjorgaard clarified that the intent is not to turn the town into a “homeowners association” but to address extreme cases like chemical waste or rodent infestations. [35:59] The board requested community meetings to gather public input before the bylaw moves to Town Meeting in May. [43:03]

“Rockland’s Best” Award: Ian Davidson

The meeting opened with a heartwarming celebration for Animal Control Officer Ian Davidson, who was named the recipient of the “Rockland’s Best” award. [13:27] Nominations from the Council on Aging and the Food Pantry highlighted Davidson’s work delivering “Meals on Wheels,” performing welfare checks on seniors, and expanding the pet food portion of the local food pantry. [14:44] Board Member Steve O’Donnell praised Davidson for “moving invisible mountains” for the marginalized members of the community. [01:39:41]

Charter Update and Retirements

In a major milestone for town governance, the Governor has officially signed Rockland’s updated Town Charter into law. [01:28:42] The new charter modernizes the appointment process for department heads, moving the responsibility to the Town Administrator with a 20-day veto window for the Select Board. [01:31:59]

This new process will immediately be put to the test following the retirement announcement of long-time Health Agent Delshaune Flipp, who is stepping down after 21 years of service. [01:30:42]

Share

Why It Matters

The 19.7% health insurance hike represents a direct hit to the town’s ability to maintain infrastructure and public safety staffing. Residents will likely see a slowdown in road repairs and a reduction in municipal services as the town prioritizes essential operations. Simultaneously, the “Problem Properties” bylaw signals a more aggressive stance on neighborhood blight, though the board’s insistence on “hardship” protections shows a desire to maintain a supportive community environment rather than a punitive one.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the minutes from February 17, 2026, and February 21, 2026.

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0) [09:46]

• Motion: To approve a one-day liquor license for Trinity Episcopal Church for a wine tasting and food pairing fundraiser.

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0) [11:03]

• Motion: To appoint Select Board Member Steve O’Donnell as a member of the Housing Production Plan committee.

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0) [01:03:34]

Public Comment

Public comments were overwhelmingly supportive of Ian Davidson’s “Rockland’s Best” award, with representatives from the Food Pantry and Council on Aging testifying to his character and volunteerism. [17:33]

What’s Next

• Community Meetings: The town will schedule public sessions to discuss the “Problem Properties” bylaw to address resident concerns regarding property maintenance enforcement. [43:03]

• Budget Finalization: The Town Administrator will return in two weeks with a finalized, balanced budget proposal for the Select Board’s vote. [01:19:36]

• Town Meeting: The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May, where the budget and the new bylaws will face final voter approval. [32:33]

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The meeting served as a stark reality check for Rockland’s fiscal future. Senator John Keenan and Representative David DeCoste provided a legislative update on the FY27 state budget, noting that while state revenues have seen some growth, the financial landscape remains “very, very tight” due to uncertainty in Washington and rising MassHealth costs [02:22:30]. Senator Keenan warned that federal shifts could result in sudden revenue losses, citing a recent $120 million email-based cut to state public health funding [02:31:47].

Town Administrator Doug Lapp presented a visual comparison showing that the town’s entire allowable tax increase, combined with state aid, is completely dwarfed by non-discretionary spending hikes [01:06:12]. “The math just doesn’t work,” Lapp stated, pointing to a $1.7 million increase in health insurance premiums alone [01:07:05].

Incoming School Superintendent Jane Hackett highlighted similar inequities in the Chapter 70 school funding formula [01:08:32]. Despite being a less affluent community, Rockland is slated for a lower percentage increase (1.56%) compared to neighbors like Hingham and Norwell [01:08:50]. Hackett urged the state to increase “circuit breaker” reimbursements for special education from 75% to 90%, arguing this would be a more equitable way to support districts facing high-cost, out-of-district placements [01:12:30].

Board Chair Michael O’Loughlin expressed profound discouragement, suggesting that Beacon Hill has become “tone-deaf” to the needs of suburban communities [01:36:50]. He also criticized the state’s decision to redirect cannabis revenue away from local municipalities, estimating that Rockland has lost over $10 million in potential revenue due to changes in Host Community Agreements (HCAs) [01:43:56].

“I’ve never been this discouraged coming out of a budget discussion... I don’t feel as though there’s any ability at the State House to get any of this stuff done or to even listen to what the real concerns are.” [01:41:54] — Michael O’Loughlin, Select Board Chair

Share

Why It Matters

The current budget gap may force Rockland to make difficult decisions regarding public services, staffing, and school programming. With non-discretionary costs like health insurance and retirement outpacing revenue growth, the town’s ability to maintain its current level of service without significant state intervention or new local revenue streams is increasingly at risk.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To appoint Diane Holding to the Council on Aging.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([19:42])

• Motion: To appoint Patricia Norton as an alternate to the Council on Aging.

  • Vote: Unanimous ([21:21])

• Motion: To approve the meeting minutes from February 3, 2026.

  • Vote: Unanimous (with one recusal) ([17:55])

Public Comment

No formal public comments were made during the session, though the board received a “World Class” commendation from member Tiffanie Needham regarding their advocacy efforts [02:10:16].

What’s Next

• Town Charter: The new Town Charter is currently on the Governor’s desk for signature; the town expects it to become law by late February [01:59:19].

• MWRA Water Study: Rockland continues to study the feasibility of a $130 million expansion to bring MWRA water to the region, starting from Union Point [01:49:27, 01:51:57].

• New Hire: Hillary Waite will begin as the town’s permanent Sewer Superintendent on March 30th [02:01:33].

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The Rockland School Committee moved forward with a significant educational investment during its Monday session, holding a second reading and granting final approval for a new Rockland High School math curriculum. The proposal, which utilizes Pearson materials, replaces a decade-old system that officials described as increasingly “obsolete” in its presentation and utility. [00:53]

Assistant Superintendent Jane Hackett clarified that the curriculum update is being treated as a capital project. The district has already presented the request to the Capital Planning Committee, seeking to fund the purchase using “free cash” at the upcoming Town Meeting in May. [01:06] While the committee unanimously approved the proposal, Chair Jill Maroney noted that the implementation remains “fingers crossed” pending the town’s financial approval this spring. [01:15]

The fiscal reality of the district took center stage during Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron’s report. Following the release of the Governor’s budget, Dr. Cron informed the committee that Rockland is facing another difficult financial cycle. He noted that while the specific “number” for the school’s allocation is not yet finalized, the administration has already begun communicating with principals, department heads, and teachers to prepare for a lean year. [02:43]

“We are a delicate ecosystem... It’s very difficult when you build a team and you build a system to think of ways to trim it without hurting it.” [03:46] — Dr. Alan Cron, Superintendent

Dr. Cron expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Town Hall, specifically Town Administrator Doug Lapp, but did not sugarcoat the difficulty of the task ahead. He emphasized that after several years of “reallocation and adjustment,” further cuts become increasingly risky for the district’s operations. [03:31]

The meeting also served as a bittersweet farewell to Mark Shom, Rockland’s Head of Maintenance and Facilities, who is retiring after 10 years. Dr. Cron credited Shom with saving the town “millions of dollars” by acting as an internal project manager during major school building projects. [04:46] Assistant Superintendent Hackett added that Shom viewed his role as a form of “service to Rockland,” often performing critical maintenance tasks without seeking recognition. [06:10]

In other business, the committee approved two new fundraisers: a Domino’s “Dining for a Cause” event for the Middle School PAC and a Hilliard’s Chocolates sale to support the 8th-grade trip to Philadelphia. [01:54]

Share

Why It Matters

For Rockland residents and taxpayers, the meeting highlights a dual challenge: the necessity of maintaining modern educational standards—such as the new math curriculum—while navigating a structural budget deficit. The decision to fund the $100,000+ curriculum via free cash is an attempt to modernize classrooms without further straining the operating budget. However, Dr. Cron’s warning of a “tight budget year” suggests that the district may face difficult decisions regarding staffing or programs when the final budget is presented to Town Meeting in May.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the Rockland High School math curriculum proposal. [01:44]

  • Vote: Unanimous ([01:50])

• Motion: To approve the request for Middle School PAC and 8th-grade fundraisers. [02:14]

  • Vote: Unanimous ([02:20])

Public Comment

No formal public comments were made during this session, though the committee recognized the upcoming “Rockland’s Got Talent” fundraiser as a major point of community engagement. [10:02]

What’s Next

• February 11, 2026: “Rockland’s Got Talent” fundraiser at 7:00 PM to support the music and WRPS scholarship funds. [10:08]

• February 16-20, 2026: February Vacation; schools closed. [08:31]

• March 2, 2026: Phelps Elementary Family Night. [09:38]

• March 3-4, 2026: Kindergarten pre-registration nights (A-L on March 3rd; M-Z on March 4th). [10:35]

• May 2026: Annual Town Meeting, where the math curriculum funding and overall school budget will be decided. [01:06]

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The Rockland Select Board meeting opened with a heavy heart as Chair Michael O’Loughlin called for a moment of silence to honor the passing of retired Fire Lieutenant David Patry, who served the town for 31 years. [13:39] However, the somber mood quickly shifted to one of fiscal urgency as the board delved into a series of reports detailing the town’s deteriorating infrastructure and its tightening financial belt.

The centerpiece of the evening was Town Administrator Doug Lapp’s FY27 budget presentation, which he characterized as a “difficult” topic. [47:12] According to Lapp, the Governor’s proposed budget—the “Cherry Sheet”—provides Rockland with a net state aid increase of only 0.87%. [50:39] This marginal gain is almost entirely offset by rising assessments for charter schools and school choice sending tuitions. [52:14]

Lapp identified three “major pillars” driving the $2 million gap:

1. Stagnant State Aid: The increase in Chapter 70 school aid is significantly below what is needed to cover inflation. [51:31]

2. Health Insurance: Projections suggest a double-digit increase, potentially as high as 19%, which alone would exceed the entire revenue gain allowed under Proposition 2½. [53:55]

3. County Retirement: The Plymouth County retirement assessment is climbing toward $7 million annually as the county attempts to reach fully funded status by 2032. [01:13:20]

“Municipal finance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a broken financial model, unfortunately. [55:23]” — Town Administrator Doug Lapp

While Lapp is not currently recommending an operational override—noting that residents are already adjusting to debt exclusions for the Phelps School and the new fire station—he warned that the town must now focus on “level funding” and non-personnel reductions. [58:40, 59:45] Select Board member Steven O’Donnell urged residents to contact their state representatives, noting that “your voice is magnified with every call and email.” [01:11:33]

Union Street “Slum and Blight” Designation In a move to unlock federal funding, the board voted unanimously to designate a portion of the Union Street corridor as a “slum and blight” area. [32:41] A report by R&D Consultants revealed that 15 of the 48 parcels in the study area are in “fair” condition, while seven are “poor.” [23:00] More critically, 50% of the area’s infrastructure—including sidewalks and curbing—was rated fair or poor. [23:14] This formal designation allows the town to apply for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund facade improvements and infrastructure repairs. [25:38]

Housing Rehab and Environmental Policy Wayne Darragh from the Community Opportunities Group led a public hearing for the FY26 CDBG application, seeking the maximum $950,000 to continue the town’s housing rehabilitation program. [33:36, 37:01] The program currently has 24 families on a waitlist, and the new funds would help approximately 10 to 12 low-to-moderate-income households repair their homes through 15-year deferred payment loans. [37:19, 40:27]

Additionally, the board updated its “Buy Recycle” policy to a broader “Sustainable Purchasing Policy.” [43:40] While Member Lori Childs questioned if recycled products are more expensive, Lapp explained that the policy is a prerequisite for receiving state grants that have funded major improvements at the town’s recycling center. [45:07, 44:43]

Share

Why It Matters

The projected $2 million deficit signals a period of austerity for Rockland residents. With an immediate hiring freeze in place, municipal services may become leaner. The town’s reliance on state aid (Chapter 70) and the rigid constraints of Proposition 2½ mean that without significant legislative change at the state level, Rockland—and many of its South Shore neighbors—will continue to face structural deficits that outpace local tax growth.

Official Minutes & Data

Key Motions & Votes

• Motion: To approve the minutes from the December 26 meeting. [14:25]

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously [14:38]

• Motion: To appoint Maureen Sutherland to the Council on Aging. [15:23]

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously [15:29]

• Motion: To approve the one-day liquor license for Fourth Floor Artists (Feb 13, 2026). [15:33]

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously [16:12]

• Motion: To certify the Union Street Business District as a “decadent and substandard area” under MGL Chapter 121B. [32:34]

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously [32:41]

• Motion: To authorize the FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for $950,000. [01:03:05]

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously [01:03:15]

• Motion: To adopt the updated Sustainable Purchasing Policy (Buy Recycle Policy). [01:05:47]

  • Outcome: Passed Unanimously [45:53]

Public Comment

Public comments were primarily integrated into the CDBG hearing, where no objections were raised regarding the focus on housing rehabilitation. [42:44] Vice Chair Lori Childs used her closing comments to criticize the current Board of Health leadership, alleging that “permits go unsigned” and calling for more residents to step up and run for local office. [01:21:07]

What’s Next

• Hiring Freeze: Effective immediately for general government departments. [59:45]

• State Advocacy: The Select Board plans to meet with State Senators and Representatives to advocate for increased local aid before the final state budget is locked. [01:02:41]

• Local Elections: Nomination papers are currently available for several town positions, including Planning Board and Water/Sewer Commissioners. [01:19:11]

Source Video: WRPS Rockland

Read more

Read more

Read more

Read more

The Select Board interviewed representatives from Clean Fields LLC…

Read more

Read more

Read more

Subscribe now

The Full Story

Rockland High S…

Read more

Read more

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The new contract, which begins July 8, 2026, upon expiration of Lapp’s current ag…

Read more

Subscribe now

The Full Story

Health Agent Delshaune Flipp cancelled t…

Read more

Read more

Subscribe now

The Full Story

The proposal, presented by travel club advisor…

Read more