DUXBURY - January 26, 2026 - In a remote session held amidst a winter storm, the Duxbury Selectboard reviewed a comprehensive new pavement management plan revealing a $13.4 million maintenance backlog. The board also navigated complex logistics for the upcoming March election, including the wording for a potential $2.8 million tax override and the decision to postpone moving the Annual Town Meeting date to 2027 to ensure a “fully baked” plan for voters.
The Full Story
The meeting opened with a focus on the town’s infrastructure, specifically a new AI-driven pavement management study presented by Anthony Garro of the BETA Group. The study, which utilized LiDAR technology to score 109 miles of town-accepted roads, gave Duxbury an overall rating of 73.5 out of 100. However, the report highlighted a stark reality: the town currently has a $13.4 million backlog in necessary repairs. To simply maintain the current road quality, Duxbury would need to spend approximately $1.4 million annually—well above the historical Chapter 90 state funding levels, which have averaged around $536,000 per year.
DPW Director Sheila Sgarzi emphasized that while the data provides a baseline, road prioritization also considers underground utility work and traffic volume. Board member Amy MacNab raised concerns about “natural traffic calming,” noting that improving road surfaces often leads to increased speeding in residential areas.
The board also grappled with the administrative hurdles of the March 2026 town election. Town Manager René Read and Town Clerk Susan Kelley recommended removing a goal to move the Annual Town Meeting date from March to May for the current year. While the board remains supportive of the change in principle to allow for better budget forecasting, they determined that the logistical complexities regarding election dates and remote voting devices require more preparation.
The session concluded with a tense discussion regarding a 2026 tax override. The ballot will ask voters to approve an additional $2.8 million levy limit. Board members expressed concern that the statutory language on the ballot might confuse residents, as the town only intends to spend approximately $1.8 million of that amount in the first year, holding the remainder as “excess levy capacity” to avoid annual override requests.
“We need to be able to stand in front of the town and say yes, we can do it and execute perfectly. I’m not supportive if we can’t find a solution, and that’s why we need more time.” [01:41:14] — Fernando Guitart, Selectboard Member
Why It Matters
For Duxbury residents, this meeting signals a likely push for increased capital investment in local roads to prevent further deterioration and more costly reconstructions in the future. Additionally, the upcoming March election will be a pivotal moment for town finances; the success of the $2.8 million override, coming just a year after voters rejected a $5.8 million override, will determine whether the town can maintain current service levels or face significant budget cuts.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To execute the license agreement with Eversource for a new utility pole and conduit at the new DPW facility.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:23:05])
Motion: To approve a letter to Mass Housing regarding concerns over 40B developments at 474 Franklin Street and 286 North Street.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:29:34])
Motion: To remove Selectboard Goal #9 (moving the Town Meeting date) from the current fiscal year’s objectives.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:42:52])
Motion: To set the March 28, 2026, town election hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Vote: 5-0 ([02:18:58])
Motion: To close the March 14, 2026, Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Vote: 5-0 ([02:23:14])
Public Comment
No members of the public offered comments during the remote session, though the board noted significant resident interest in road paving schedules and the impact of the proposed override on property taxes.
What’s Next
A special Selectboard meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2026, to finalize recommendations on the town warrant and hold a detailed vote on the specific override amounts and the Alden School feasibility study. Executive session regarding the McNeil dump litigation is slated for February 9, 2026.
Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel