DUXBURY - December 15, 2025 - Duxbury residents will face a steep 30% price increase for beach and transfer station stickers next year after the Selectboard voted unanimously to raise fees to close persistent operating deficits. The move, effective March 1, 2026, comes as Town Manager René Read and department heads unveiled a “5B” budget proposal that would require a Proposition 2½ override to fund critical positions in police, fire, and school departments.
The Full Story
In a marathon nearly four-hour session, the Selectboard grappled with the rising cost of municipal services, ultimately deciding that user fees must keep pace with expenses.
Sticker Shock: 30% Increases Approved Finance Director Mary MacKinnon presented a stark financial picture for the Transfer Station and Beach Operations, both of which have been running at a deficit. For the Transfer Station, the board chose “Option 2,” a 30% increase, over a more modest 20% hike.
Transfer Station: The resident sticker fee will rise from $105 to approximately $135. Senior stickers (ages 62+) will jump from $45 to $60. Bag fees will also see a 30% hike.
Beach: Resident beach stickers will increase from $210 to roughly $270.
MacKinnon explained that the Transfer Station has operated at a deficit for six of the last eight years, driven by a 70% increase in tipping fees (the cost to haul trash away) since 2020. “The cost of doing business is increasing year-over-year,” MacKinnon said. [01:13:53]
Board member Fernando Guitart initially hesitated on the 30% hike, fearing it might drive residents to private haulers, but ultimately joined the unanimous vote to ensure the service pays for itself.
The “Override” Budget (5B) Town Manager René Read introduced the FY27 budget in two parts: “5A” (a balanced budget within current revenues) and “5B” (an “override” budget requiring voter approval for additional funding). The “5B” proposal seeks to restore positions cut after last year’s failed override and add new critical staff.
Key requests in the “5B” Override Budget include:
Public Safety: Restoration of two police officers and two firefighters. Police Chief Michael Carbone and Fire Chief Rob Reardon argued that current staffing levels leave the town vulnerable during simultaneous emergencies.
Schools: An $812,946 increase (4.83%) for the School Department, which includes funding for Full-Day Kindergarten ($450,000) and restoring cut teaching positions.
Town Hall: Restoration of administrative staff and a new Facilities Department position.
Facilities Director Katie St. Clair delivered a passionate plea for the “5B” staffing request, describing a department stretched to its breaking point.
“You’re not paying me to do what I’m good at. I am pushing papers... We need to take the opportunity and make it an actual maintenance department, not a bunch of people that are running around with their heads cut off.” — Katie St. Clair, Facilities Director [02:51:55]
Public Safety strain Police Chief Michael Carbone warned that without the additional officers, the department often runs with just two cruisers on the road. “That’s unheard of in this town... It’s a safety thing not only for the public but for the officers themselves,” Carbone said. [03:35:56]
Fire Chief Rob Reardon echoed the sentiment, noting that call volume has surged while staffing has remained stagnant. “I need eight [new firefighters]... but we understand we have to come up with something that’s palatable for the taxpayers. So that’s where we came up with two,” Reardon said. [03:30:48]
Why It Matters
For the average Duxbury household, the immediate impact is a combined increase of roughly $90 next year for beach and transfer station access. However, the larger financial question looms in the spring: voters will likely be asked again to approve a property tax override to fund the “5B” budget. The Selectboard’s approval of the fee hikes signals a strict adherence to “user pays” principles, but the emotional testimony from department heads suggests that user fees alone cannot solve the town’s structural staffing shortages.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Transfer Station Fees (Option 2 - 30% Increase)
Motion: To recommend the revised transfer station related fees as shown in Option 2, effective March 1, 2026.
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Vote: [01:52:23]
Beach Sticker Fees (Option 2 - 30% Increase)
Motion: To recommend the revised beach related fees as shown in Option 2, effective March 1, 2026.
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Vote: [02:07:03]
Harbor Master Fees
Motion: To approve recommended fees for the Harbor Master department effective January 1, 2026.
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Vote: [02:17:08]
Town Clerk & Animal Control Fees
Motion: To approve recommended fees for the Town Clerk department effective January 1, 2026.
Outcome: Passed 5-0
Vote: [02:27:37]
Public Comment
Stan Wheatley (Tremont St) petitioned the board regarding speed limits on Tremont St., expressing frustration with the Highway Safety Advisory Committee’s refusal to recommend a 25mph zone. He requested the board take up the issue in January. [48:02]
Betsy Sullivan (Finance Committee) spoke in support of the fee increases, noting that the Finance Committee favored “Option 2” to ensure stability for several years. [01:40:14]
What’s Next
Budget Review: The Finance Committee will review the “5B” budget proposals, including the School Department’s request, after the New Year.
Public Forum: An informational meeting on the FY27 budget will be held in January.
Fees: New fee structures for Harbor Master/Town Clerk take effect Jan 1, 2026; Transfer Station/Beach fees take effect March 1, 2026.
Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel