COHASSET - January 20, 2026 - Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary warned the Select Board on Tuesday that Cohasset is staring down a projected $2.4 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, driven by a 14% spike in healthcare costs and a sharp decline in new growth revenue. To close the gap, officials are exploring significant health insurance plan design changes, including the introduction of deductibles for town employees, while departments have been asked to trim expenses by 5% across the board.
The Full Story
The fiscal year 2027 (FY27) draft budget presentation served as a wake-up call for the community. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary detailed a “level service” budget that requires a 6% increase for both the town and school sides to maintain current operations. [01:14:49] This request creates an immediate $1.1 million deficit for the town and a $1.3 million deficit for the schools.
“Healthcare continues to be the fastest growing and largest cost center for the budget ... We’re looking at a town deficit of about $1.1 million and on the school side of about $1.3 million.” [01:15:05] — Michelle Leary, Interim Town Manager
The primary culprit is healthcare, which is rising by 14% over the previous year. [01:15:23] Compounding the issue, “new growth” revenue from building permits is projected to drop by $670,000. [01:15:52] Other cost drivers include a $100,000 assessment increase for the South Shore Regional Emergency Dispatch Center and a 38% increase in South Shore Vocational Technical School costs due to higher enrollment. [01:15:32, 01:16:10]
To mitigate the shortfall, Leary proposed a health insurance shift that would introduce deductibles of $250 for individuals and $750 for families. [01:18:17] This move alone could save the town over $400,000 annually if approved by unions. [01:18:24]
The meeting also featured a heated debate over the harbor’s future. Resident Tim Davis requested a community forum to discuss the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Scituate. [24:05] Davis alleged that key stakeholders, including the harbor master and sailing clubs, were never consulted on the deal, which he claims threatens local navigation and junior sailing programs due to expanding oyster farms. [27:10, 30:01]
While Select Board member Paul Grady expressed a willingness to “lay it on the line” in a forum, Vice Chair Chris Plecs voiced concern that a forum might look like an attempt to break a signed contract. [28:27, 40:43] The board ultimately agreed to have Chair Ellen Maher reach out to the Scituate Select Board to gauge interest in a joint informational session. [48:44]
In other business, the board approved a new “ticket stacking” policy for parking violations. [01:12:31] Police Chief William Quigley explained that the policy allows officers to issue up to three tickets per day (one every two hours) for the same vehicle to deter drivers from treating a single $50 fine as an “all-day pass” to park illegally in the village. [01:08:35, 01:09:40]
Why It Matters
For Cohasset residents, the budget deficit signals a period of fiscal tightening that could lead to reduced town services or staff hour reductions if alternative savings aren’t found. Additionally, the new parking enforcement strategy is a direct attempt to improve turnover and accessibility in the village business district, though it will significantly increase the financial penalty for those who ignore time limits.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the formation of the Town of Cohasset Public Safety Facilities Committee. [06:44]
Vote: Unanimous ([06:50])
Motion: To sign the Local Action Unit (LAU) application for four rental units at One Pleasant Street. [23:10]
Vote: Unanimous ([23:27])
Motion: To update parking regulations and implement ticket stacking. [01:12:24]
Vote: Unanimous ([01:12:31])
Public Comment
Harbor IMA: Tim Davis criticized the board for a lack of transparency regarding the Scituate harbor agreement, specifically noting potential impacts on the Cohasset Sailing Club. [25:21]
MBTA Bus Stop: Resident Dan Tarpey voiced opposition to converting a flag stop on Hull Street to a fixed stop, warning of “unintended consequences” related to the MBTA Communities Act and state housing mandates. [01:03:06, 01:04:37]
What’s Next
Town Manager Search: The board is seeking 7–9 volunteers for a search committee; applications are due to the Town Manager’s office by Friday, January 31. [08:40, 11:14]
MBTA Bus Stop: Tabled until the next meeting; the board plans to invite an MBTA representative to address concerns. [01:06:19, 01:07:29]
Budget Night: A joint budget presentation with the School Committee is scheduled for February 10. [01:20:19]
Next Meeting: January 27 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. [01:31:30]
Source Video: Town of Cohasset (Select Board January 20, 2026)