COHASSET - Dec 16 - Facing sticker shock over the proposed Public Safety building at 135 King Street, the Public Facilities Working Group revealed a significant strategic shift Tuesday night: they are proceeding with plans that eliminate the fire substation from the site.
The Full Story
In a major update regarding the town’s most significant capital project, Glenn Pratt, Chair of the Public Facilities Working Group, told the Select Board that the committee has decided to “take a fresh look” at the project scope to address ballooning cost estimates.
The working group has directed architects and project engineers to redesign the 135 King Street facility without the previously planned fire substation. Pratt described the removal of the substation as “low-hanging fruit” in the effort to bring the project’s budget back down to reality.
“One of the things that we knew going into town meeting was that the price tag was way higher than anybody had thought... We felt that it’s time to take a fresh look without that being there.” — Glenn Pratt [00:46:25]
While the substation is being cut from the immediate construction plan, Pratt emphasized that the site design would not preclude adding it in the future if needed. Simultaneously, the group will launch a study of the existing Elm Street Fire Headquarters on January 8 to determine what improvements are necessary there, including housing a second ambulance [00:43:52].
Select Board member David Farrag pressed Pratt on the timing of this decision, questioning why the Firefighters Union provided information leading to this change at the “11th hour” despite a two-year planning process [00:47:07]. Pratt noted he could not answer for the union’s timing but confirmed their input regarding staffing effectiveness was a factor.
The Board also grappled with a leadership vacuum at Town Hall. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary reported that while two search firms have bid to help find a permanent Town Manager, the search for a new Finance Director has hit a wall. The position was posted, but received zero applicants [01:09:15]. Consequently, the Board agreed to seek a professional search firm to fill the crucial finance role as well.
Why It Matters
For taxpayers, the removal of the substation is a direct attempt to lower the tax burden of the upcoming debt exclusion vote. However, Chair Ellen Maher challenged the committee to ensure the savings are worth the potential service trade-off. “If the tax impact is $75, is it really worth it?” she asked, urging the committee to balance cost-cutting with long-term public safety needs [00:59:07].
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Liquor License Expansion (House Bill 4561)
Motion: To approve modified language for the Home Rule Petition granting five additional all-alcohol licenses.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (4-0)
Audit Services Contract
Motion: To award the town audit contract to Roselli, Clark & Associates (lowest bidder).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [00:19:47]
Cemetery Fee Increase
Motion: To approve a new cemetery price list effective January 1, 2026. This raises burial lot prices for the first time since 2001 and service fees (last raised in 2023) to cover rising maintenance costs.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [00:37:29]
2026 Town Meeting & Election
Motion: To set Annual Town Meeting for May 4, 2026, and the Annual Town Election for May 16, 2026.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: [00:38:36]
Public Comment
Tim Davis (Atlantic Ave) delivered a prepared statement expressing deep disappointment regarding the Board’s actions on the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Scituate.
He argued the agreement “abdicates the use of Cohasset Harbor” and was formed through a process that rejected consultation with affected organizations by using Executive Session.
Davis warned the deal creates “potential liability for all Cohasset Taxpayers” and formally requested a public forum to discuss how the town arrived at this “travesty”.
Dan Tarpy expressed concern about the Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF), asking if it was in danger of closing or if fees would double following the failure of the Enterprise Fund vote. The Board clarified there is no intent to close the RTF or double fees at this time [00:02:12].
What’s Next
Town Manager Search: The Board will interview two search firms (the UMass Boston Collins Center and MRI) at the next meeting to select a vendor.
Public Safety Forums: Four public forums regarding the Public Safety building project are scheduled for January.
Next Meeting: January 6, 2026.