Cohasset Town Meeting Approves $65M Budget, Rejects Recycling Facility Enterprise Fund
Voters express concerns about potential fee increases and expanded operations at RTF
COHASSET - May 12 - Cohasset's Annual Town Meeting approves a $65 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026 but rejects a proposal to create an enterprise fund for the recycling transfer facility. The meeting, held on May 12, 2025, addresses 18 warrant articles covering various town matters.
Town Meeting voters defeat a proposal to create an enterprise fund for Cohasset's Recycling Transfer Facility by a hand count of 102 against to 73 in favor. The measure, which aims to make the facility financially self-sustaining, faces concerns about potential fee increases and expanded operations.
Town Manager Chris Senior explains the enterprise fund would "allow us to match the revenue that actually comes in with the expenses for the actual transfer station."
"The single biggest problem is that tax dollars are now subsidizing the RTF. And there's a fair number of residents who do not use it at all," Senior says.
Select Board Chair Ellen Maher emphasizes the article is just the mechanism to create the fund. "We have not settled on any fees or any structure," she says. "The town will retain all the operating management of the RTF during this time."
Several residents express concerns about the proposal. Jane Goedecke of North Main Street questions whether money collected for the enterprise fund could only be used at the transfer station, potentially diverting funds that currently support schools.
Leonora Jenkins of Jerusalem Road raises concerns about the complexity of enterprise funds compared to revolving funds. "An enterprise fund is so much more complicated. You need a board to direct it," she says.
Residents also voice concerns about plans to potentially accept waste from other communities. Jen Madden of Forest Avenue says, "Hearing tonight that we're going to be taking potentially refuge and garbage from other towns is extremely concerning to me."
Senior clarifies that any acceptance of waste from other communities would be limited. "There will not be trucks operating at any other time than limited days when residents don't use the facility," he says.
Ralph Dormitzer of Atlantic Avenue suggests the proposal needs more development. "Whether this is a good idea or not a good idea, it seems based on the discussions I've heard so far, this needs a business plan," he says.
The meeting approves the town's $65 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026 unanimously. The budget includes $24.8 million for Cohasset schools, representing an increase of about $921,000 over the previous year.
In other significant actions, Town Meeting approves:
- $8.5 million in capital improvements, including $4.1 million for Town Hall renovations
- $715,000 for one-time costs including cemetery maintenance, teacher retirement incentives, and special education expenses
- Removal of the Cohasset Fire Department from civil service, which Town Manager Senior says will provide "vastly more flexibility in hiring and promotional practices"
- Authorization for the Select Board to lease a portion of Town Hall, including the auditorium, to a nonprofit organization for community arts and other programming
- $2.8 million in Community Preservation Committee recommendations, including $1.5 million for Town Hall renovation and $1 million for a conservation restriction at Holly Hill Farm
The meeting rejects a citizen's petition to expand the North Cohasset Sewer District to include properties on Lamberts Lane. The Select Board recommends against the expansion, with Paul Grady noting concerns about unauthorized blasting in the area and questioning the feasibility of septic systems on the ledge.
"The owner of the property came at the select board with motions of altruism how good it is for Lamberts Lane when what it is is trying to put four houses on a ledge in essence and a sewer, two of them, and septic," Grady says.
The meeting also includes recognition of retiring town employees and volunteers, including a proclamation honoring Wayne Sawchuk, who has served in elected, appointed, and volunteer positions since 1970.
Town Moderator Daniel Evans conducts the meeting, which concludes in under two hours. The meeting demonstrates Cohasset's commitment to careful financial management while addressing community concerns about proposed changes to town services.
The town maintains its triple-A credit rating, which Town Manager Senior attributes to "very strong management and fiscal practices." The budget continues to support major infrastructure projects, including public safety building improvements and school building repairs.